Davidsons of Mugiemoss: A History of C. Davidson and Sons, Makers of Wrapping Papers, Paper Bags, Paperboard and Plasterboard Liner.(Review)

J.N. BARTLETT, (London: Athlone, 1997. Pp.xii + 208; illus. ISBN 0485 1 1514X, [pounds]32).

In 1796 Charles Davidson, a millwright and son of an Aberdeenshire dyer, went into partnership with Charles Smith to manufacture paper at a mill on the river Don a few miles to the west of Aberdeen. The partnership lasted only a few years, but in 1811 he set up on his own account at nearby Mugiemoss; though it was only when his son William took over in 1843 that the business really expanded, especially after the decision was made to specialise in the manufacture of paper bags. When the company was acquired in 1953 by British Plaster Board Ltd (now BPB Paper Ltd), it employed …