Darwin (c1760) represents one of the Whitworth Art Gallery’s most important re...Darwin (c1760) represents one of the Whitworth Art Gallery’s most important recent acquisitions and,with a twist in its story, this exemplary English piece was actually found intact in a house in Aix-en-Provence, France. The exotic scene accurately...more
An Arts & Crafts motif in the manner of Voysey, a leading light of the movemen...An Arts & Crafts motif in the manner of Voysey, a leading light of the movement who was perhaps more famous as an architect than as a wallpaper designer. Although this colourful wallpaper was removed from a 19th century house in Kensington, its actual...more
Paradise (c1940) celebrates a truly rich mix of styles. The document from whic...Paradise (c1940) celebrates a truly rich mix of styles. The document from which this paper is drawn is actually a 20th Century piece, but the subject – exotic flora and the familiar oriental ho-ho birds - is classic ancient Chinoiserie, whilst the...more
Taking the exact proportion and structural quality of the Broad Stripe, each b...Taking the exact proportion and structural quality of the Broad Stripe, each band in this more complex version comprises 42 ‘pin stripes,’ creating a sharper, more contemporary look that appeals at first glance and offers more on closer inspection....more
In the late 18th Century, Erddig in Wales was the family home of Philip Yorke ...In the late 18th Century, Erddig in Wales was the family home of Philip Yorke and his wife Elizabeth. They would have selected this hand-painted Chinese wallpaper, lavishly decorated with exquisite birds and flowers, for guests staying in the...more
Mandalay’ (Bateman’s) c.1712 This tree of life design is drawn directly from t...Mandalay’ (Bateman’s) c.1712 This tree of life design is drawn directly from the leather wallcoverings in the dining room at Bateman’s, a Jacobean mansion in East Sussex. Elaborate designs such as these were inspired by 17th-century Indian chintzes,...more
Mandalay’ (Bateman’s) c.1712 This tree of life design is drawn directly from t...Mandalay’ (Bateman’s) c.1712 This tree of life design is drawn directly from the leather wallcoverings in the dining room at Bateman’s, a Jacobean mansion in East Sussex. Elaborate designs such as these were inspired by 17th-century Indian chintzes,...more
A striking, light-hearted design that embodies the1950s, this paper was found ...A striking, light-hearted design that embodies the1950s, this paper was found in “The Architects Book of 100 Wallpapers” published in 1954. The original paper shows a selection of line-drawn dandelions, almost lost against an informal freehand trellis....more
This flamboyant floral design featuring large, stylised poppies is a classic e...This flamboyant floral design featuring large, stylised poppies is a classic example of those in production during the late 19th century. Although the designer is unknown, it is thought that it may have been the work of Arthur L. Gwatkin who produced...more
A classic ‘Roman’ or Regency proportion stripe originally produced in the 18th...A classic ‘Roman’ or Regency proportion stripe originally produced in the 18th Century using the ‘open trough’ method, in which the stripes were created by bands of paint seeping through holes or slots in the bottom of a wooden trough, onto the surface...more
A classic ‘Roman’ or Regency proportion stripe originally produced in the 18th...A classic ‘Roman’ or Regency proportion stripe originally produced in the 18th Century using the ‘open trough’ method, in which the stripes were created by bands of paint seeping through holes or slots in the bottom of a wooden trough, onto the surface...more
Millefleur’ (Montacute House) c.1478 The floral detail in this design is drawn...Millefleur’ (Montacute House) c.1478 The floral detail in this design is drawn directly from an incredibly rare, important and lovingly-conserved object, the oldest tapestry in the care of the National Trust. Residing at Montacute House in Somerset,...more
Millefleur’ (Montacute House) c.1478 The floral detail in this design is drawn...Millefleur’ (Montacute House) c.1478 The floral detail in this design is drawn directly from an incredibly rare, important and lovingly-conserved object, the oldest tapestry in the care of the National Trust. Residing at Montacute House in Somerset,...more
A classic ‘Roman’ or Regency proportion stripe originally produced in the 18th...A classic ‘Roman’ or Regency proportion stripe originally produced in the 18th Century using the ‘open trough’ method, in which the stripes were created by bands of paint seeping through holes or slots in the bottom of a wooden trough, onto the surface...more