Wallpaper conservation

A paper conservator discovering and assessing

layers of 19th C wallpaper, hidden for years beneath paint. Photo courtesy of Britton and Storey

Early 19th C wallpapers being sized,

after having been removed from the wall and re-lined during conservation. Photo courtesy of L. Drover Conservation Ltd

Infilling losses with conservation grade paper

before re-touching areas of damage to a 19th C block-printed panoramic wallpaper. Photo courtesy of L. Drover Conservation Ltd

Conservation cleaning Chinese wallpaper

Image courtesy Mark Sandiford/Bowhill House

Victorian wallpaper with stains caused by water ingress,

being sprayed to disperse discolouration before it dries. Photo courtesy of Britton and Storey

Scientific analysis tool to determine colourant type

Photo, Phillipa McDonnell

A conservation student rehousing wallpaper samples in melinex sleeves

The samples are cleaned, repaired and placed in archival standard sleeves and boxes to protect them from damage when they are handled by students. Museum of Domestic Design and Architecture

Rehanging conserved Chinese wallpaper

Photo courtesy Mark Sandiford/Bowhill House

Cleaning wallpaper: before on left, after on right

Photo, Phillipa McDonnell

Paper damaged by sunlight on right hand side

Photo courtesy of Andrew Bush

Poor quality woodpulp paper becomes brittle and discoloured

Photo courtesy of Andrew Bush

Selective grazing by silverfish on William Morris paper

Photo courtesy of Andrew Bush