HISTORY
The Taylors were an 18th century papermaking family based in and around around Kent, England.
Clement Taylor died in 1776 having worked Poll Mill, just upriver from Turkey Mill and Basted Mill where he apprenticed his sons John, James, George and Clement (jr).
After his death his sons took over the mills which included Basted, Poll, Upper Tolvil and Old Mill Mill in Hollingbourne which was rented to him by Whatman.
The Paper - I Taylor
Actually the Roman 'I' found in the watermark is a J and stands for John.
John Taylor worked Basted Mill, northwest of Maidstone.
The GR watermark refers to King George III, George Rex (1738 - 1820). It was a watermark found in papers produced in this era to show that they were of a high enough quality for printing and publishing work.
The exact date of manufacture is unknown but we estimate it to have been produced somewhere between 1770 and 1790.
Watermarks
Sheet #1 - I Taylor
Sheet #2 - A crown atop a shield containing a fleur de lis with a mirrored GR monogram below.
Size
380 x 245 mm, 15 x 9 7/8 inches
Condition
Both papers are available in acceptable condition with occasional age related marks.
Weight
Approximately 103 gsm
Surface
Laid (the laid lines are 1 inche apart)