by Lechelle Vernon-Yates, April 2006

Like paint, wallpaper in older homes seems to fascinate the novice and the experienced house detectives alike. When people enter a home and see the decorative finish, they immediately want to know, "Is is original? How old is it? What story does it tell about the house?" Wallpaper gives people a glimpse into the fashion trends of a certain period of time, as well as a glimpse into the status and personal tastes of previous occupants. Surviving examples of historic interiors are rare because they are so susceptible to changing consumer tastes as well as damage and decay. So it is important to preserve this decorative finish when it is found. This brief provides one concise document that details the history of wallpaper; outlines how to identify the age of wallpaper; provides tips on the preservation, restoration, and reconstruction of wallpaper; as well as explains how to best display the historical fabric if only a sliver of the legacy is left.

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History Pasted on the Wall (808.18 kB)

a collection of briefs prepared by UNCG students under the direction of Professor Jo Ramsay Leimenstoll