1st August 2026
Dear Heraldry Society members and followers,
The partners of the UK’s last commercial parchment and vellum maker, William Cowley of Newport Pagnell in Buckinghamshire, are seeking a buyer for the business with the view to running it either as a commercial undertaking or transition the business to a Heritage Preservation Trust. Without a new owner the future of the business is uncertain.
William Cowley has been owned and operated by the same family since 1870 and is now the sole commercial maker of vellum (calf skin) and parchment (sheep skin) to clients including the College of Arms, the Court of Lord Lyon, the City of London Corporation, the Royal Household, the Houses of Parliament, among others.
William Cowley’s products are used for Letters Patent, Royal Charters, Royal Warrants, copies of Freedom of the City of London and many other foundational documents. There is no modern substitute which can replicate the archival and conservation qualities of parchment and vellum.
The partners in William Cowley are now actively seeking dialogue with prospective buyers. The craft of parchment and vellum making is listed as Critically Endangered by the Heritage Crafts Association in the UK.
Members and followers of the Heraldry Society who may be interested in purchasing the business, either as a going concern or with a view to funding the transition to a Heritage Preservation Trust should write to Stephen Visscher CBE, Partner, William Cowley.
https://www.williamcowley.co.uk/
Email: steve.visscher@outlook.com
Notice:
The Heraldry Society has no relationship with William Cowley and shares this notice for awareness of its members and followers. The Society is not acting as an agent, broker, trustee or intermediary for William Cowley. The Society does not endorse, recommend, or approve the business and makes no representations or guarantees about its suitability, performance, or value. Nothing in this notice constitutes financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice. Any information provided is for general awareness only members and followers are responsible for conducting their own due diligence and for obtaining independent professional advice before taking any action.