After the fall of Antwerp (1585) the production of paper, other than originating from France, was started in (mainly) the Veluwe area of the Netherlands. In the course of time around 170 small paper mills were founded in this region. The rapid currents like those in the brook valley of Heelsum village were used to have the mills running. In 1618 'De Veentjes' paper mill was founded. It was a time of great innovation for the world of art. In the Netherlands this era is known as the “Golden Century” in which the classical Dutch painters earned the reputation as “masters” of fine art.
1710 the Schut family bought the mill and continued making quality papers. 6th May 1895 the mill, house included, burned down. Meanwhile, the steam era had gone ahead and a brand new, steam-engined mill was therefore built. Instead of powered by water, paper grades of top quality would now be produced on these new machines.
Almost two and a half centuries after the mill had fallen in the hands of the Schut family, the last Schut offspring left the mill in 1977. The shares, however, remained within the family until 1982. In that year De Gelderse Papiergroep NV became the new mothercompany, bringing to Schut the production of the authentic and world-famous “Van Gelder Oud Hollands”. As from 1st July 1998 Schut Paper Mill has been part of the French organisation Exacompta Clairefontaine S.A..
In time the activities have considerably increased. Nowadays Schut produces around 3,000 tonnes per annum compared to 800-900 reams of paper in 1812! Also the machinery is modernised up to the latest standards. In spite of that the mill still radiates a traditional atmosphere and applies the same degree of skill and care to every sheet of paper as way back then. The mill uses pure local water from a well for a fine acid-free paper. Still a considerable part of its production is done from a selection of different cotton fibres. In addition to that, the mill uses different high quality woodfree (Virgin) cellulose fibres, each with its own characteristics. The quality of its work has enabled the mill to prosper over the centuries, and now its paper is known and exported all over the world.
Once one of the many small mills in the Veluwe area, Schut Paper Mill now is the only speciality-grades producer that has remained.
Artists papers
Business paper
Museum / framing board
Old Dutch (stationary)
Security paper
Specialities