Hemel Hempstead organisation receives lifeline grant from government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund

Apsley Paper Trail has been awarded cash from the first round of the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage
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Apsley Paper Trail in Hemel Hempstead has received a lifesaving financial boost from the government thanks to the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

The trust that runs Frogmore Mill is one of 445 heritage organisations across the country that will share £103 million, to help them through the coronavirus pandemic.

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With an award of £210k, Apsley Paper Trail will be able to cover some of the significant costs that managing a working industrial heritage site incurs.

The 1902 Fourdrinier paper machine, will soon have a cylinder mould machine sitting alongsideThe 1902 Fourdrinier paper machine, will soon have a cylinder mould machine sitting alongside
The 1902 Fourdrinier paper machine, will soon have a cylinder mould machine sitting alongside

This generous grant will allow the Trust to make history by commissioning the rebuild of a unique historic machine that demonstrates one of two paper making process invented during the industrial revolution.

The Fourdrinier machine (which we have an example of) was closely followed by the Cylinder Mould Machine, invented by one of Frogmore Mill’s owners, the iconic John Dickinson. The cylinder mould process went on to kick start the entire U.S. mechanised paper industry.

This process facilitated the development of specialist papers, going on to allow production of security papers, bank notes and the Penny Black stamp. This was all invented in the Gade Valley.

This story up to now, has not been told.

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Thanks to the Culture Recovery Fund, Apsley Paper Trail will be able to build this historic machine and house it alongside PM4. It will add a unique dimension to the existing exhibits, and is a key to our future sustainability.

This vital funding is from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage and the Heritage Stimulus Fund - funded by Government and administered at arms length by Historic England and the

National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Both funds are part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund which is designed to secure the future of Britain’s museums, galleries, theatres, independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues with emergency grants and loans.

John Watson, Chair of Trustees said: “The staff and volunteers at Frogmore Mill are delighted to receive this grant. They have dedicated themselves to making sure Apsley Paper Trail and our beloved Frogmore Mill survives the Coronavirus Pandemic.

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"Despite our forced closure and having to make significant cutbacks, with this generous funding, we can now look to the future, with the hope that one day soon, we can welcome back visitors to see this incredible historic Cylinder Mould Machine alongside a full and exciting programme of events.”

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) has also been awarded a grant from the Culture Recovery Fund through Historic England.

The AHF will use the funding to support charities and social enterprises occupying historic buildings to develop new business plans and strategies for organisations affected by the pandemic.

Kate Mavor, chief executive of English Heritage, said: “This support for our nation’s heritage is fantastic news. Over the last few months, our teams have been working hard to welcome visitors back safely to the great castles, stone circles, abbeys and historic houses in our care.

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"This funding will help us invest to safeguard the historic fabric of these much-loved places, which everyone can learn from and enjoy.”

Sir Mike Penning MP has welcomed the news that the Apsley Paper Trail is set to receive a grant of £210,800 through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

Sir Mike said: “This is excellent news for the Apsley Paper Trail. The past few months have undoubtedly been very challenging for the heritage and culture sector and I know that this funding will help to ensure that this important piece of local, and indeed national, history is preserved for future generations to enjoy.”

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past.

"This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounceback post covid.”