The Camberwell Beauty is an installation by  Eliza Perraki, Maria Catalano, Michael Feng, Sara Kovacs, and myself exploring the history of the Samuel Jones and Co. paper company and its deep ties to Southwark.

The installation features five suspended sheets of printed paper, each unveiling a different aspect of the company’s story.

Inspired by the Camberwell Beauty Mosaic—a 5x7 meter depiction of a butterfly that once thrived in the area—the project begins with a reproduction of this mosaic, originally created for the Samuel Jones and Co. headquarters. As the layers progress, the installation traces the company’s journey from its founding in 1810 to its relocation to Peckham Grove in 1865, where it became a significant player in the global paper industry and a cornerstone of the local community.

The installation also touches on the loss of much of the company’s history during World War II, a discovery we made through a 1960 letter from the company’s publicity manager. To honor this legacy, we included maps showing the factory’s original location and its connection to the mosaic, alongside references to key local sites.

Accompanying the installation is a booklet that showcases our archival research, inviting viewers to explore the history of the paper-making industry and reconnect with Southwark’s preserved memories.