Creative agency D8 has joined forces with James Cropper, Britain's last remaining colored paper mill, to launch Coloursource, an innovative new collection featuring 50 distinctive colored papers. The collaboration celebrates nearly 180 years of traditional British papermaking craftsmanship while introducing a comprehensive range that showcases the mill's unparalleled expertise in color formulation.

Working closely with James Cropper's in-house marketing team, D8 aimed to capture the authentic beauty and integrity of this time-honored craft. The agency enlisted renowned photographer Susan Castillo to create a striking series of campaign images using only paper, fishing wire, and meticulous attention to detail. Every curve and shadow in the campaign was crafted entirely in-studio using traditional photography techniques, with no artificial intelligence or computer-generated imagery involved.

Susan Castillo, known for her bold and graphic visual style, brought a unique multidisciplinary approach to the project as photographer, set designer, stylist, and prop maker. Her specialized creative process has become a defining characteristic of her work, and her photography for this campaign presents the Coloursource range in an unprecedented way. The collaboration also included Creative Boom, which produced behind-the-scenes videos offering viewers an inside look at the papermaking process, including a comprehensive 20-minute mill tour and engaging social media content.

The Coloursource collection represents more than just a product launch—it serves as an invitation to embrace the democratization of color. The name itself reflects James Cropper's fundamental belief that color belongs to everyone, building on the company's pioneering legacy since 1856 when it created the world's first colored paper using synthetic dyes. Operating from its historic mill on the River Kent in England's Lake District National Park, the team continues to advance color science not as gatekeepers, but as enablers of creativity.

The new range showcases 50 carefully curated heritage shades, developed through more than five decades of specialized expertise. Each color is designed, formulated, and crafted entirely within the United Kingdom by a dedicated team of skilled artisans who precision-engineer every sheet. Beyond the standard collection, the mill's world-class color laboratory offers bespoke formulation services, allowing clients to co-create custom colors that open up extensive possibilities for specialized projects.

Prior to the launch, D8 collaborated intensively with James Cropper's Marketing Communications Manager Jordan Scott to refine the range's brand identity and messaging strategy. The campaign was built around the company's core values of provenance, heritage, craftsmanship, and maker dedication. "Even the water source is an essential element in the finished product's quality and authenticity," explains D8 co-founder Adrian Carroll. "When you want the original, go to the source."

A visit to the Burneside mill reveals the quiet drama behind every sheet of paper, featuring the intricate process of pigment blending, vast vats filled with colored pulp, and the thunderous operation of massive industrial machinery. However, what truly distinguishes James Cropper is its people and their welcoming approach to sharing their craft secrets. The company's philosophy, "What's ours is yours," encapsulates their commitment to openness and collaboration with the creative community.

As Britain's last authentic colored paper manufacturer, James Cropper represents more than a supplier choice—it embodies a commitment to supporting British manufacturing, reducing environmental impact, and sustaining the skilled workforce that keeps this vital industry alive. The company welcomes visitors to experience the papermaking process firsthand through mill tours, which can be arranged by contacting colourcropper.com. These visits provide an unforgettable experience and serve as a powerful reminder of what stands to be lost without continued support for domestic production.

The launch of Coloursource emphasizes the importance of conscious sourcing decisions for environmentally and socially responsible businesses. James Cropper now offers direct ordering capabilities, making their premium colored papers more accessible to designers, artists, and creative professionals. For those who prioritize both environmental sustainability and supporting local craftsmanship, the company represents an ideal starting point—positioned at the very source of color innovation and traditional British manufacturing excellence.