« Back to M254 F J Head demy laid moulds
M254e F J Head back of corner of mould
These moulds were used for two of our most popular papers - Hayle (white) and Tovil (light toned, sometimes called Linton). The moulds were made by W Green Son & Waite (date unknown).
These watermarks were associated with the Demy size (393 x 519 mm, 15 1/2" x 20 1/2") of a much wider range originally produced for the paper merchants F J Head & Company. (After Mr Head was killed in World War I, his partner Frederick A Brett joined J Barcham Green & Son and we took over the range of papers). The moulds have an FJH monogram and two images, I believe the latter were introduced in the 1930s.
The head represents that of Christ as transferred to the kerchief of St Berenice (or Veronica as it is said to be the Vera Icon or true image) when she wiped his face as he carried the cross to Golgotha. The date of 1399 is entirely spurious. My Grandfather Jack Green told me he put it in as anyone would know this paper could not have been made in 1399! Actually it could have been as the design idea of the mediaeval laid pattern and watermarks was meant to emulate papers of that period.
The hand is said to be that of the pope (although we don't know which one). This is said to be distinguished by the ring on his thumb.
This picture shows the underneath of one mould showing nylon inserts. These were intended to wear better than boxwood but had the disadvantage that the moulds slid too readily on the bridge over the vat and could fall off. Note also the diagonal stay inserted to help maintain the rectangular shape of the moulds. It is unusual for the stay to be nailed to the ribs, probably reflecting the very poor condition of the moulds before they were replaced by new ones in about 1975.
© Copyright Simon Barcham Green 2011. Not to be copied or reproduced without written permission.