The Paper Foundation is based in the Lake District and was formed by Mark Cropper to be a leading voice in the field of handmade paper and its associated arts. Since early 2020, they have been operating a handmade paper mill and supplying papers to leading conservators, bookbinders, museums, presses, and artists worldwide. Papermaker Tom Frith Powell was taught the craft from Mike and Chris Gibbs of Griffen Mill, who held the Royal Warrant. After retiring, they donated their equipment to the Foundation and named it as their successor.  The papers are made using traditional natural fibres such as cotton, hemp, flax and abaca. They are all internally buffered, neutrally sized and free from optical brighteners.