How to Identify Old Wallpapers
Amanda Holmes
Director - Frank Holmes Ltd FINE DECOR Heritage decorating and restoration of raised relief wallpapers. Archive collection of Lincrusta, Anaglypta, and similar from 1870s onwards. Member of Wallpaper History Society
In our heritage decorating 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?
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.?However, it’s difficult to include some from after the 1950s due to copyright difficulties.
The 'Resources' section 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. It’s very good on sanitary papers, 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.
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?[email protected]?
Please include as much context as possible (location of property, type of property, age, info on occupants, room where the paper was discovered etc.)
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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.?
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Victorian Embossed Wallpapers
The new ‘modern’ relief decorations introduced in the late 19th century were designed to replicate
The first of these substitutes was Tynecastle Tapestry c.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?
Read our answer to this and more FAQ’s here.
As an Approved Lincrusta Installer and Restorer, we come across Lincrusta, Anaglypta, and other similar raised relief or embossed 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.
Historic Wallpapers at Langdale Chase Hotel, Windermere
The Langdale Chase Hotel reopened this month (November 23) following a major refurbishment over the last 12 months. 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 this year when he was asked to help restore what was thought to be Lincrusta.?
When we first saw a piece of the frieze, we immediately thought it wasn’t Lincrusta due to its hollow-backed relief. Lincrusta is solid. We took the sample away and photos of several other 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.
The Scott Morton Tynecastle friezes, dado and ceiling tiles are now restored and refinished by Frank Holmes Fine Decor. To see them for yourself, visit the Langdale Chase Hotel, Windermere.
We hope you have enjoyed reading our blog. Please do comment below or send us a message. We would love to hear from you!
WhatsApp 07761 712843.
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Until next time,
Frank and Amanda
Morecambe, England
[email protected] / 01524 853245