Saunders Waterford

Saunders Waterford: Exceptional Watercolour Paper by St Cuthberts Mill

Saunders Waterford is a premium watercolour paper crafted by St Cuthberts Mill, a British papermaker with centuries of expertise.

The story of Saunders Waterford is rooted in British papermaking tradition. Originally developed as TH Saunders paper in 1920, the rights were acquired by Wookey Hole Mill, and later transferred to St Cuthberts Mill in 1959. It was rebranded as Saunders Waterford in the 1980s.

The historic mould machine from Wookey Hole was moved to St Cuthberts Mill in 1972, ensuring continuity of quality. Surrounded by the scenic countryside near Wells and Glastonbury, St Cuthberts Mill continues to produce some of the world’s finest artist papers, combining traditional techniques with modern standards for today’s artists.

Saunders Waterford is cylinder mould-made from 100% cotton, the finest material for durability and performance, and is endorsed by the Royal Watercolour Society. Every sheet of Waterford paper is created to high archival standards, ensuring artwork remains vibrant and enduring. Buffered with calcium carbonate, it protects against discolouration from pollutants, preserving the quality of artworks for generations.

Waterford’s beautiful, random texture is achieved using natural woollen felts, lending it a distinctive and luxurious feel. Surface-sized with gelatine, it withstands scrubbing and other rigorous techniques without compromising its integrity. This makes it suitable for multimedia applications including watercolour, acrylic, gouache, pastel, ink, and more.

Each sheet features elegant deckle edges and is watermarked with the Saunders Waterford name and the St Cuthberts cross, affirming its authenticity and professional quality. Available in classic White and High White shades, and now offered in convenient blocks and pads for ease of use, Saunders Waterford is ideal for both studio and plein air artists.

Crafted with a deep respect for papermaking heritage, this paper is the choice of discerning artists seeking the highest quality surface for their work.

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