Model of continuous paper making machine

Model of Fourdrinier continuous paper making machine, built by Bryan Donkin & Co. in 1851, to the design of Fourdrinier and Donkin as used at St Neot's, 1808.

Bryan Donkin & Co. wrote of this model, 'Being the original & largest makers of these machines, we in 1851 made a model, & since that date have altered it from time to time according to the various improvements & alterations actually made in such machines. It is therefore a complete & true representation (to a small scale) of the majority of machines at work in Europe.' The company invested over £600 keeping the model up-to-date in this way, and it is a superb representation of the Fourdrinier paper-making machine, the first continuous paper-making machine anywhere.