Arnold E. Grummer

Now Departed Papermaking Champion
1923-2012

How have Arnold Grummer’s contributions benefited hand papermaking and hand papermakers?

Arnold Grummer’s work built excitement and enthusiasm for paper. He made (makes) it possible for millions of people to understand what paper is and how it is made in the most accessible way. His work contributes to a pool of new inquiry favorable to the process and the field.

During presentations, using the Great American Paper Machine or a simple pour handmold, he presented the science – and magic – of two fibers meeting in water and falling on a screen as the root formula and essence of papermaking.

Arnold Grummer positively represented papermaking in venues across the country for audiences of one to millions using materials that are pertinent, dramatic, and exciting.

How were Arnold Grummer’s contributions achieved?

Arnold Grummer gained a broad and highly authoritative body of knowledge during his tenure at the Institute of Paper Chemistry in Appleton, WI where he served as Editor of General Publications, including SCAN, the Institute’s external communication to chief corporate officers of member companies and suppliers. He dedicated personal effort to learning paper science and technology as he monitored and reported on activity in the Institute’s laboratories and reviewed thesis papers of the Institute’s PhD students for 16 years. As Curator of the Dard Hunter Paper Museum, he assisted researchers and scholars from around the world, adding historical dimension to his knowledge of paper. This included responding to inquiries and coordinating the seminal conference for hand papermakers at the Institute.

These intellectual activities, combined with his unique ability as a skilled and entertaining presenter, helped him build a 50-year career in almost every type of venue, reaching people around the world with the dramatic, exciting story of paper. 

arnoldgrummer.com

Arnold Grummer YouTube Channel

Arnold Grummer International Paper Industry Hall of Fame Acceptance Speech

— The Arnold Grummer Family

Arnold E. Grummer

Arnold Grummer Contributed to Papermaking by Positive Exposure

Arnold Grummer became a prominent public spokesperson for the values and contributions of paper during 16 years at the Institute of Paper Chemistry (IPC) in Appleton, WI, by services performed through his business Paper Ed/Ex, and as President of Arnold Grummer’s LLC (formerly Greg Markim, Inc).

Arnold Grummer reached millions with his enthusiastic and passionate presentations on the wonders of paper and the papermaking process. He showcased papermaking in an array of media venues including television, books, videos, and papermaking demonstrations.  In every presentation he promoted the important role of paper and those who make it both industrially and by hand, by dispensing scientifically accurate information with an artful flare. His pilgrimage in paper took him from halls of the world’s premier paper educational institute to the corridors of museums and the classroom of grade schools, teaching millions or even one person at a time – all for the love of paper.

Arnold Grummer Contributed to Papermaking by Understanding Its History

Arnold Grummer facilitated the resurgence of hand paper making in America. His office at IPC served as a central clearing house and contact point in the early days of the resurgence. He began personal acquaintances in the emerging hand papermaking fraternity with an extended visit from Twinrocker personnel, Kathryn and Howard Clark, and Tim Barrett. He aided Joe Wilfer in organizing the seminal gathering of hand paper making scholars in the US and hosted the event at IPC. He arranged for members of the group to meet with IPC staff for assistance with technical issues. This elite group went on to become leaders and professors in the newly appointed art discipline of paper making at the university level. 

The ripple effect of connecting and promoting this core group of papermakers and its protégés cannot be overstated. Every hand paper maker understands the value of paper and the process and factors involved in making it and spreads that awareness to others.

Arnold Grummer’s work on the film, ‘The Taiwanian Commercial Hand Paper Making Industry’ with Art Wakeman of Kimberly Clark CO was a key research link in the hand paper making movement.

Arnold Grummer Contributed to Papermaking in National Appearances

Following his tenure at the Institute of Paper Chemistry, Mr. Grummer went on to develop and direct a traveling, live exhibit ‘The Great American Paper Machine’. His extensive list of presentations includes six appearances at the Smithsonian Institutions, ten consecutive years at the Chicago Museum of Science & Industry, and twenty consecutive years at the Great Lakes Logging Congress. Other credits include presentations for the FBI, TAPPI, numerous mills, community events and schools.  

Arnold Grummer Contributed to Papermaking with Books

An inquiry from Dillon Press (Mnpls) resulted in the title, Paper By Kids. Arnold Grummer’s first book would become a classic resource for teachers and families in schools and public libraries across the nation. 

Tin Can Papermaking - Recycle for Earth and Art became a best-seller. This self-published title was a finalist for Public Television’s popular Reading Rainbow program though not ultimately selected. He contributed five titles for general audiences on the subject of papermaking with 100000+ copies in print. Book reviews at the time and available online today remain consistently positive. 

Arnold Grummer Contributed to Papermaking through National Media

The dawn of cable television brought opportunities to introduce papermaking to millions of viewers. Between 1996 and 2007 he made a dozen appearances on national cable network programs. A segment on The Learning Channel (TLC) was the season’s most requested episode. He appeared three times with Carol Duvall, twice on her popular and highly rated HGTV home crafting program. QVC ran a series featuring their ‘Top 50’ selected products from each state. When Arnold Grummer’s Papermill Kit was chosen for WI, he and his recycling savvy host made a sheet of paper start to finish and moved 1100 kits in ten minutes, a sell out.

Through his books and media appearances, Arnold Grummer brought newly inspired members to the fellowship of papermaking. Interest in papermaking and membership in online hand papermaking groups grew steadily during those years, fueled in part by Arnold Grummer’s media participation. That work continues today with over a half million views of his instructional videos on Youtube.

Arnold Grummer’s Contributions to Papermaking Today

In 1980 Arnold and Mabel Grummer filled their first order from a WI school supply distributor for ready-made paper kits to use in classrooms. That first kit and simple supplies grew into ‘Arnold Grummer’s®’ brand of paper kits and supplies which is known and respected around the world today. 

Based on sound science, Arnold developed simple methods that any person, young or old, can still use today to successfully make their own sheet of paper. Products he designed serve art and science education, art centers, community centers, and destinations like the Paper Discovery Center in Appleton, WI where every visitor leaves with their own sheet of 100% recycled, handmade paper.  

— The Arnold Grummer Family