Exeter's paper mills celebrated in exhibition

An exhibition about the history of Exeter's paper mills is taking place in the city.

It is the result of a research project into the city's past links to the industry and showcases artwork and information.

A team of 15 researchers visited former mill sites in Exeter and talked to residents, descendants of mill owners and former paper mill workers.

Emma Molony, project manager of the organisation behind the exhibition, said the artwork provided an "imaginative and immersive way" for people to "envisage this incredible part of Exeter's history."

One of the works on display at the exhibition on Sidwell Street is called Vestigia.

It is created with paper embossed linocuts by artist Juliette Losq. 

She said: "I am interested in exploring the papermaking landscape by reinterpreting fragments of the milling process which have been left as traces.

"Based on recommendations and routes mapped out by the project volunteers, I walked paths that passed beside or through several former mill sites."

The second part of the installation is called Paper Heron, and is a fictional sound story by author Ellen Wiles.

People can listen to the story at the exhibition, and it explores the world of papermaking in Exeter in the mid-19th Century.

Ms Wiles said: "I learned a lot from the research avenues that the volunteers chose to pursue and spent time in archives myself, particularly The Devon and Exeter Institution and the Devon Heritage Centre, and I read copious books and articles about the history of papermaking, particularly relating to women, and the Great Exhibition."

The exhibition runs until 15 February at Positive Light Projects in the city.

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