How to Identify Old Wallpapers
November 2023
How To Identify Old Wallpapers
In our work we are privileged to come across a wide variety of wonderful wallpapers from yesteryear. But which period do they come from? Many styles have experienced a revival or two as trends come and go.
How do we go about dating wallpaper designs?
Is there a wallpaper archive?
PHOTO: A sample from ‘ Selections of Artistic and Inexpensive Machine and Handmade Wallpaper Designs for 1895’, Whitworth Art Gallery archive.
Where to Start Identifying Old Wallpaper
We are members of The Wallpaper History Society, one of the best places to go for help when dating wallpaper discoveries, depending on what has been discovered.
The Wallpaper History Society website has a ‘Galleries’ section on wallpapers by period and by production technique. Galleries, Wallpaper History Society. However, it’s difficult to include some from after the 1950s due to copyright difficulties.
The ‘Resources’ section Useful links, the Wallpaper History Society includes useful links to other places on the internet where you can explore the subject, including a link to the BBC programme The Fabric of Britain, which is about historic wallpaper https://youtu.be/KxHXORIpYAI . It’s very good on sanitary paper, and features members of The Wallpaper History Society.
You’ll also find past issues of The Wallpaper History Review journals available to purchase, and a useful index (£5) of subjects covered in each publication.
Wallpaper publications for sale by the Wallpaper History Society
PHOTO: Wallpaper History Journal 2022
How to Contact the Wallpaper History Society
Instagram users can follow the @wallpaperhistsoc, which is a good starting point for many. Their feed includes followers’ wallpaper finds and feedback from other followers can be helpful. Enquiries can be sent to The Wallpaper History Society via Instagram DM or by email to info@wallpaperhistorysociety.org.uk
Please include as much context as possible (location of property, type of property, age, info on occupants, room where the paper was discovered etc.)
The V&A Collection
The V&A has an excellent online collection of period wallpapers, though it is sometimes hard to navigate, unless you know what you are looking for. Search by date, colour, or designer etc. Explore the Collections · V&A (vam.ac.uk)
Victorian Embossed Wallpapers
The new ‘modern’ relief decorations introduced in the late 19th century were designed to replicate stucco work, carved and panelled timber, and embossed leather decorations. The first of these substitutes was Tynecastle Tapestry with variations dating from 1874, although the most widely recognised are Lincrusta (1877) and Anaglypta (1887), which is where our specialism lies.
What is the difference between Lincrusta and Anaglypta?
My Victorian/Edwardian dado is damaged. Can it be repaired? Read our answers to these and more FAQ’s here.
As an Approved Lincrusta Installer and Restorer, we come across these and other similar raised relief wallpapers in our work. We have our own growing archive of catalogues, adverts, articles, plus access to Lincrusta and Anaglypta company archives dating from c.1870’s.
PHOTO: Some of our collection at Frank Holmes Fine Decor
Historic Tynecastle Wallpapers at Langdale Chase Hotel, Windermere
The Langdale Chase Hotel reopened in November 2023 following a major refurbishment. Built in 1891, the hotel sits in an enviable position on the shores of Lake Windermere. Frank was privileged to play a small part in its continuing evolution when he was asked to help restore what was thought to be Lincrusta.
PHOTO: Langdale Chase Hotel, Windermere, Lake District, UK
When we saw a piece of the frieze (first two photos below), we immediately thought it wasn’t Lincrusta due to its hollow-backed relief. Lincrusta is solid. We took the sample away and photos of the other six embossed wallpaper designs from across two lounges. After an extensive search of the archives, we ruled out Lincrusta, Anaglypta and Salamander. We were then very excited to discover each design in our Tynecastle Tapestry catalogues.
To see these for yourself, visit the Langdale Chase Hotel, Windermere, which reopened to the public on 15th November 2023.
Photos Below: tynecastle friezes,borders and ceiling tiles c.1891 at Langdale Chase Hotel, Windermere restored and re-finished by Frank Holmes Fine Decor.
If you have done your own wallpaper detective work and use Instagram, tag us @frank_holmes_fine_decor, as we’d love to see!
We hope you have enjoyed reading our blog. Please do comment below or send us a message. We would love to hear from you!
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Until next time,
Frank and Amanda
Morecambe, England
email@frankholmesltd.com / 01524 853245
DISCLAIMER:
This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal. They do not represent those of people or organisations that the company may or may not be associated with. Perfectly Frank blog posts are for information and entertainment only. Information is correct only to the best of our knowledge. Frank Holmes Ltd is not liable for any actions undertaken by readers after reading these posts. Please take advice from a qualified professional before making any changes to your property or its contents.
Copyright for all posts: Frank Holmes Ltd.