Papers Past

Papers Past, original editions of The Times as gifts

Papers Past is a British business specialising in the sale of original, genuine and complete editions of The Times newspaper, intended as gifts for birthdays or wedding anniversaries. These are not reproductions: the company insists that they are real newspapers, not reprints, delivered with gift packaging and free extras, ready for presentation.

The company presents itself as an option for those looking for a gift for someone who already has everything, and notes that newspapers from a wedding date are especially suitable for anniversaries, as the first wedding anniversary is traditionally associated with paper.

An archive of over 200 tonnes in Devon

The business was founded in March 1981, when Ian Willsher began acquiring newspaper collections from libraries, government departments and private collectors. From this, the Papers Past archive emerged, which according to the company exceeds 200 tonnes of newspapers preserved and stored in facilities in Devon.

The company states it has thousands of copies in stock, mainly from The Times, covering the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, as well as a chronological journey that the website organises into four periods: 1914-1939, 1940-1965, 1966-1991 and 1992 to the present day.

Team and history

Ian Willsher, born in 1956, founded the company and remains involved with it; the website describes him as passionate about newspapers and a regular speaker at talks about them for local clubs and women's groups. Sam Willsher, born in 1984, joined the business in 2008 and is responsible for commercial and marketing strategy. In 2025, Gill, Ian's wife, joined as a business partner.

The company defines itself as a small business, with Ian and Sam at the helm, and highlights that its team works quickly: according to its own description, orders are usually dispatched the same day they are received. It handles orders by phone and electronically, and accepts payment by cheque made payable to «I.C. & G. Willsher Business Account».

Product and presentation

The catalogue focuses on newspapers from birth dates and wedding dates, with the option to purchase a luxury gift package. The company emphasises that the copies are kept in good condition, described as original «like new» just as they were printed, and that they are sent protected and ready for gifting.

The website also mentions the possibility of urgent shipping and same-day dispatch in many cases, and refers to a blog post from 9 May 2025 to consult the current shipping options.

Customer service

Papers Past handles enquiries and orders by phone and email, and states that order and enquiry lines are open from 9:00 to 21:00, UK time, seven days a week. The company indicates that international customers can call +44 7733 888 902 and that assistance is provided by people with direct product knowledge, without automated systems.

Location and contact

Papers Past, Tinney Moor Farm, Pyworthy, Devon, EX22 6LF, UK · Phone: 07733 888 902 · Email: enquiries@paperspast.co.uk