Stamps of Czech Republic: Technical Monuments (2014)

In 2002 the paper mill in Velké Losiny was declared a National Historical Landmark. This is one of the oldest paper-producing manufactories in Europe: Jan the Younger of Žerotín (Zierotin) had it built in the late 16th century. The first evidence of the existence of the paper mill is its oldest known watermark with the date 1596 A.D. It bears the coat of arms of the lords of Žerotín: a lion with a crown on three hills. In 1729 the Žerotíns purchased a new technical innovation called “hollander,” a machine for the preparation of pulp from flax and cotton. The building of the paper mill dates from the turn of the 19th century. It has a unique multi-storied mansard roof covered with shingles. In 1949 the paper mill became a part of the national corporation Paper Mills of Olšany, later a joint stock company, engaged in the production of paper in several industrial paper mills in the Šumperk region. Since the mid-1970s, the entire complex has undergone several stages of costly renovations and repairs, which continue even today. The unique complex of the important technical monument has, particularly in the light of more than four centuries of the continuing traditional production of hand-made paper, no parallel in Central Europe. Since 2006, it has been the headquarters of an independent company, Ruční papírna Velké Losiny a.s. (Velké Losiny Handmade Paper Mill). The Velké Losiny manufactory is now one of the oldest still operating businesses of its kind in Europe. Handmade paper is still produced there from cotton and linen, using traditional procedures. It has been used for centuries for its high quality and durability mainly in the visual arts, for significant personal and business correspondence, ceremonial purposes, to print bibliophiles, as well as for artistic and book restoration practice. The handmade paper, as well as today’s assortment of exclusive products made from it, have gained a permanent place and popularity with supporters of traditional Czech handicraft.
Source: Czech Republic