A Journey Through the History of Wallpaper: From Ancient Patterns to Modern Elegance

Ancient Origins

The practice of adorning walls with intricate patterns and designs can be traced back to our earliest ancestors, who decorated the walls of their caves with dots, lines, zigzags, and cross-hatching. This human inclination to surround ourselves with patterns has persisted through the ages, and it is through wallpaper that we find a powerful connection to our past.

A portion of "Laurel" wallpaper created by Walter Crane using woodblock print on paper in England, 1911.

Luxury British brand 1838 Wallcoverings recently unveiled a collection in collaboration with London's Victoria and Albert Museum, featuring designs dating back to the 1700s. According to Amelia Calver, the museum's brand licensing research and development manager, the ambition to enhance our living spaces with pattern and ornament is one of the oldest human endeavors. Patterns not only serve as decorative elements but also convey diverse meanings across different communities, reflecting the changing fortunes and cultural movements woven into the fabric of our living spaces.

The original "Garland of Ragini" wall mural, made in southern India circa 1700. The piece, now held at the Victoria and Albert museum, provided inspiration for 1838 Wallcovering's new version (top).

Evolution of Techniques

The evolution of wallpaper techniques reflects a rich history of craftsmanship and artistic innovation. Surface printing, a technique that applies ink generously to create a painterly effect, pays homage to an industry that dates back millennia. The earliest known examples of wallpaper, thought to be over 2,000 years old, originated in China's Qin dynasty, featuring images of birds, flowers, and landscapes on rice paper.

1838 Wallcovering's "Date Palm Mural" was inspired by a V&A archive piece by Elijah Walton, who took inspiration from travels to Egypt in the 1860s.

In Europe, wallpaper production flourished with the establishment of the first guild of 'dominotiers' in France during the late 16th century. Mechanization in the 18th century revolutionized the industry, but it also brought to light the dark social history of wallpaper production, as revealed in Lucinda Hawksley's book, 'Bitten by Witch Fever.' The book uncovers the use of arsenic in Victorian wallpapers, a deadly practice that led to significant health repercussions.

Dating to 1904, this sample of wallpaper "Dulce Domum" was created by by designer Walter Crane using color woodblock print.

The Macabre Past and Modern Revival

The vibrant colors of Victorian wallpapers were achieved through the use of arsenic, a poisonous substance that enhanced the brilliance and durability of pigments. This deadly practice, initially embraced by the public for its vivid hues, concealed the lethal effects of arsenic in damp conditions, leading to widespread poisoning in low-income households.

The use of arsenic in wallpapers persisted despite public protestations from doctors, as highlighted in Charlotte Perkins Gillman's novella 'The Yellow Wallpaper.' The gripping tale reflects the unsettling reality of arsenical wallpapers and their impact on public health. Despite this dark chapter, historic wallpaper designs continue to captivate contemporary designers and decorators, offering timeless appeal and a unique opportunity to fuse creativity with centuries-old designs.