Bockingford

Bockingford: Beloved Watercolour Paper from St Cuthberts Mill

Bockingford is a watercolour paper popular for its excellent quality and affordability. Bockingford watercolour paper is manufactured at St Cuthberts Mill in Somerset, England. The site has a rich heritage in papermaking dating back to the 1700s, and this paper embodies centuries of craftsmanship and expertise.

One of Bockingford’s defining features is its stable, resilient surface that is perfect for watercolour techniques. Created on a traditional cylinder mould machine, Bockingford retains the essence of handmade paper, ensuring each sheet possesses a unique texture and character that artists love.

Bockingford is made from high alpha cellulose, adhering to strict archival standards and ensuring durability and longevity for artworks. Its surface is crafted using natural woollen felts, which allows for excellent colour lifting and blending. This makes it a versatile choice for artists working in a variety of mediums from watercolour paint and gouache to acrylic, pencil, pens, and ink.

St Cuthberts Mill is known for its commitment to quality, with master papermakers overseeing the production process. Bockingford’s distinctiveness lies in its four clean-cut edges and the natural texture that comes from the mould-making process. Artists value Bockingford for its dependable performance and consistency across different techniques.

Whether you are an emerging artist looking for a reliable surface to experiment with or a professional requiring a versatile, cost-effective option, Bockingford remains a top choice, combining the elegance of tradition with modern requirements.

We went On Location at St Cuthberts Paper Mill to find out how their watercolour paper is made, how they test every batch by hand, and learn about their commitment to protecting the environment.