James Whatman (papermaker)

James Whatman (1702–1759), the Elder, was a paper maker, born in Kent, who made revolutionary advances to the craft in England.

His wife Susanna Whatman would run his house; her writing on household management would come to notice about 200 years later.

[6] The business, in addition to producing the finest paper, is probably responsible for the invention of the wove wire mesh used to mould and align the pulp fibres.

The "handmade" paper bearing the Whatman's mark was still produced for special editions and art books[1] until 2002.

[7] The company he founded, Whatman plc, later specialized in producing filter papers and is now owned by GE Healthcare.