of Darwen.
1839 The origin of this old-established paper mill is to be found in the initial development of the "Potter" paper-staining business which was started in Darwen in 1839.
It is common knowledge that mills for paper-making require an adequate supply of water and, in this matter, the then small town of Darwen was well situated. In deciding upon the purchase of a mill for the manufacture of their own paper "Potters" were no doubt influenced by this fact, while other contributing factors were the high cost of paper and the governmental restrictions on paper purchased from external sources.
For these reasons, Hollins Bleach Works was acquired in 1844 and converted into a paper mill, which was subsequently re-built and equipped to produce not only papers used in the manufacture of wallpaper, but also engine-sized "writings", "printings", M. G. Litho, and poster papers.
In 1899 it became a branch of The Wall Paper Manufacturers Ltd., by which time it had become a mill of considerable importance to the wallpaper industry.
The mill was served with a special railway siding.
See Also
Sources of Information
- 1899-1949 The Pattern of a Great Organisation - The Wall Paper Manufacturers Limited.