Conqueror

Barlow's idea was to provide a high-quality watermarked paper for the masses. It was intended to look like handmade paper, but to cost far less. Barlow commissioned manufacturing of the paper, but found that there were no paper mills willing to make the specified quality of paper for the low price he bargained for. Eventually, Henry Hobday, owner of the Dover-based Buckland paper mill struggling to recover from a disastrous fire, accepted the commission, and the first Conqueror paper rolled off the presses in 1888. Two years later, Wiggins Teape bought the mill. Conqueror paper was fortunate to come to market at a time when there was a large unmet demand for a paper that appeared to be handmade. Conqueror has maintained a high quality standard, which results in the brand being requested by name in shops, and the name becoming a byword for quality.

In 1990, Wiggins Teape merged with French-based Arjomari and US-based Appleton Papers, forming Arjo Wiggins. The Conqueror brand was maintained as a trademark for high-quality paper and envelopes.

The original paper mill at Buckland was shuttered in 2000 and demolished two years later, although production continues at other locations.

Today, Conqueror paper comes in fourteen versions, and up to fifteen colours per version, up to five weights, and up to five pre-cut sizes for the watermarked line of paper. Envelopes are also available, although not as widely as the paper. Conqueror paper is distributed to over 100 countries.