The overhead costs still reflect that capacity to a considerable extent and to meet them and produce a reasonable profit would require an average sale of 300,000 - 400,000 sheets per year. In the late seventies we were achieving those levels but the early eighties were difficult times as most people involved in arts and crafts know. There were fewer large printing projects, less funding from the National Endowments in the USA (affecting our customers and, hence, us, indirectly), and high inflation and exchange rates meant that we had several very lean years leaving a burden of debt to service. There was a considerable improvement in 1985 and the first half of 1986 but a severe decline in orders in late 1986. This appeared then, and probably was, a short term problem but it continued long enough to put even more financial pressure on us. A strong upturn in early 1987 tempted us to continue but the lesson of 1986 was that we did not have the resources to withstand a repetition which could have led to a catastrophic collapse.
Over the last few years we have looked very closely at the possibility of completely restructuring the business, either physically, financially, or constitutionally. On the physical side we could have consolidated our activities into a smaller part of the Mill, rebuilt or replaced key equipment such as beaters, and generally made the operation more efficient. This would have been the most disruptive option, produced the least benefits, and might have been the most costly. The situation was not helped by the fact that the Mill is listed by the Government as being of "Architectural & Historical Significance". This means we have to get permission to do any major building changes, causing long bureaucratic delays and adding to the cost because of conditions placed on us. In the US and elsewhere, 'Landmark' buildings qualify for substantial grants but in Britain such grants, where available, are insignificant. A more attractive option would have been to build a completely new Mill elsewhere on the property with new or refurbished equipment designed for maximum efficiency and cleanliness, and also making the work a bit less onerous. Here again our beautiful surroundings are against us. The Loose Valley is designated as being of outstanding natural beauty and zoning regulations would have probably prevented a new building being constructed. Building land locally costs hundreds of thousands of dollars per acre and zoned industrial areas nearby do not have satisfactory water supplies. We did look further afield both in Britain and Europe but the problem then would have been persuading our skilled staff to move.
Any physical reconstruction would have been very expensive (i.e. $1,000,000 plus) which could have been financed in three ways: sale of the present Mill, introduction of new capital on a commercial basis, or establishment of some kind of non-profit foundation. The first would probably not have produced adequate funds, and certainly not in advance of new building work; the second was explored in some detail with potential backers but would have been unlikely to produce a viable return on investment. The third was also looked at closely but there were considerable doubts as to the length of time required to establish a new foundation whose constitution would qualify for 'non-profit' status and as to whether sufficient donations could be obtained.
So, at the end of April this year we had a large debt burden, uncertain sales positions (though my medium term assessment was optimistic) and major changes all were long term and of doubtful viability. The decision made then ensured we were able to wind down the business in a responsible way. All our staff were given extended periods of notice, our commercial suppliers were all paid promptly, existing customers were advised of the position, and orders were handled on a fair and responsible basis. Within weeks we received as many orders as we would normally expect in eight months, the vast majority from existing customers investing in stocks whilst they could. By the time you read this we will have just finished filling those orders and no doubt much of our remaining stock will also be committed too. These sales will enable us to meet our commitments to the bank and pay off various loans, including my own, which had become very onerous. Had we deferred our decision longer, we could well have faced bankruptcy within a year and the resulting forced sales would have benefitted some speculators (as has happened in the past), made it difficult to meet our debts, and probably forced up prices to customers as far as the speculators could push them.
Barcham Green has never been subsidised and has, over the years, only received for specific purposes small grants, which have been tiny compared with our tax burden. Unlike other full size hand-made mills, all our income has been made from selling paper apart from occasional fees from collaborative work with artists and for consultancy.
Papermaking is not generally recognized in Britain as an important industry commercially nor as a craft of cultural importance. This is despite the fact that the machine industry produces millions of tons a year (saving imports) and that Barcham Green papers are used and admired worldwide. This lack of respect is reflected by the refusal of the Post Office to issue stamps to commemorate the five hundredth anniversary of British papermaking in 1988. There has never been a British papermaking stamp even though the Post Office is entirely dependant on carrying letters written on paper and ignores what its stamps are printed on!
In other countries our Production Director, Terry Franks, would have been designated a 'Living National Treasure', recognizing his skills and also providing an incentive to our younger staff. And yet when he made a brief trip to the USA with me in January 1987, he attracted hundreds of people to his demonstrations. Those who know Terry will be glad to know he is now the Landlord of the 'Hare and Hounds' public house near Maidstone Station, where his new customers include some of his old ones from far afield. Under Terry Frank's direction we built up a team of fully trained young papermakers which we feel has been an achievement unique in the world where sadly most surviving papermakers (apart from in small scale workshops) are approaching retirement.
Development of new papers never stopped at Hayle Mill. The last new paper, Renaissance IV, finished development a few weeks before production ended. Made entirely from used, unbleached linen mailbags, this paper is a great improvement on earlier varieties. Other interesting papers made in 1987 include 250 sheets made on a mould produced by Green, Son, and Waite in 1906 (see photo). The last paper made at Hayle Mill was a special book paper made entirely from flax, carrying a watermark designed by Claire van Vliet. This paper is reserved for a book which I may write which Claire is interested in publishing. Since Michael Roberts, our most experienced young vatman, had found a new job by this time, we asked Norman Peters, now 76, if he could help us out for the last few weeks. Most days Norman made up to 1100 sheets of paper and went home looking as fresh as a daisy, leaving the rest of us feeling profoundly unfit! On 3rd July virtually all of us made a few sheets and coucher Andrew Finch made sure that he made the last sheet of paper at Hayle Mill. Despite the sad occasion, we did not miss the opportunity for one of our famous Hayle Mill parties!
Naturally I have had many enquiries as to the future but at the time of writing (August), I am keeping my options open. I am maintaining all our equipment in working order. Spring water is pumped from the well daily, the beaters started weekly, and other plant equipment run from time to time. There is certainly no prospect of any resumption of papermaking at Hayle Mill but perhaps a faint chance of starting up somewhere else sometime. With that in mind I bought three 'new' Hollander beaters in early 1987 from our erstwhile rivals Joseph Batchelor who once made the Kelmscott papers for William Morris. Built in 1915, these beaters are larger, better designed and in better condition than those at Hayle Mill. As a hobby I have taken to shooting vultures who circle on the phone or descend unexpectedly hoping to pick the carcase. At the moment I have no intention of selling equipment, especially beaters, although we may eventually offer some moulds for sale. Readers who would like details should send a large stamped addressed airmail envelope and two international reply coupons. We cannot acknowledge such enquiries until we can send out a list which is unlikely to be before mid-1988 or later.
I shall continue to do research and consultancy (on a fee-paying basis) and may well undertake an American lecture tour in 1988. Time will tell whether a new Mill becomes a serious possibility. After a few good year's stimulating work, I need a pause to rest and reflect on whether 'Finale' should be followed by an encore.
Simon Barcham Green
