The answer to the contested question of "should a toilet paper roll face over or under when on the holder?" is answered. The answer is it should face OVER.A quirky little piece of the Empire State's history, the first toilet paper patent was given out to a New York business man back in 1891. A vintage patent drawing for a toilet paper roll. The drawing shows a side view of the roll and a close-up of the paper. I'll set the top one to roll TP forward (like the patent shows) and the bottom one to roll the TP in the opposite direction. Modern commercial toilet paper originated in the 19th century, with a patent for roll-based dispensers being made in 1883. 15"L x 10"W ; Item Weight. The paper should roll out over the top and down. Our stretched canvas is created with only the highest standards.