Papierfabrik Zerkall (Huertgenwald-Zerkall, Germany)

RA Collection: People and Organisations

Paper manufacturer in Germany established in 1903.

A water mill has existed in the valley of the river Kall in the hilly countryside south of the city of Dueren between Cologne and Aachen since the 16th century. The small mill served different purposes until 1903 when it was bought by Gustav Renker, an engineer of Swiss origin. He enlarged the site to a modern paper mill designed to produce mould made paper with four deckle edges on a cylinder mould machine. The production was successfully introduced to the European markets and export to the USA was started in the 1920's. The registered trademark ZERKALL-BUETTEN (Zerkall Mould Made) became known for fine quality mould made paper.

Today, the fourth generation of the Renker family is running the mill which produces a range of mould made stationery items including a large variety of mould made paper for fine art printing, printmaking, book art, watercolour and drawing.