Our company goes back more than 260 years. And during those years, there can be few companies anywhere in the world that can lay claim to such a distinguished list of clients as Whatman.

In November, 1767, the artist Thomas Gainsborough wrote: "I beg you to accept my sincerest thanks for the favour you have done me concerning the paper for drawings. I had set my heart upon getting some of it, as it is so completely what I have long been in search of. . . Upon my honour I would give a guinea a quire for a dozen quires of it."

Whatman paper became enormously popular with leading artists such as J M W Turner, and the quality and durability of English papers including those made by Whatman gave the English watercolour school a 50 year advantage over European artists. At the end of the 18th century, the erratic genius William Blake used Whatman papers for four of his illuminated books, the public being informed that these were printed on "the most beautiful wove paper that could be procured."

Throughout history, heads of state and world leaders have shown a particular penchant for Whatman paper. Napoleon sat for five hours on the bleak island of St. Helena writing his long and detailed will on Whatman paper only three weeks before his death in 1821. George Washington signed many state documents on Whatman paper. Queen Victoria chose Whatman paper for her personal correspondence.

In the 1930's, Soviet leaders used Whatman paper to publish their five year plan for the future of the USSR, while the peace treaty with Japan was signed on Whatman paper at the close of World War Two.

Today, Whatman products have gained universal acceptance among the major scientific and industrial concerns of the developed world, from Japan to the United States, the UK to southeast Asia.

A remarkable testimony to Whatman quality -- achieved through the pursuit of excellence.