Wallpaper
Maker & role
U.W.P.C. of N.A. (estab. 1923), Trade Group
Production date
circa 1970
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Object detail
Production place
Measurements
0 - Whole, L: 422 x W: 52cm (L: 4220 x W: 520mm); Pattern repeat, L: 16 x W: 13cm (L: 160 x W: 130mm)
Signature & marks
Stamped on reverse: "87024 Run No.4 Made in USA U.W.P.C. of N.A. Union Made"
Credit line
Gift, 1990
Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection, Museums of History New South Wales
Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection, Museums of History New South Wales
Caption
Wallpaper, c.1970
Description
Flock wallpaper has been in use since at least the late 17th century. It was made by adhering fragments of 'powdered' wool (the trimmings from woollen cloth) to paper, and was designed to imitate cut velvet hangings commonly used in houses of the wealthy. Though more expensive than most wallpaper, it proved to be a cheaper and more durable alternative to fabric hangings. Flock remained popular in well-to-do homes until the late 19th century when its tendency to collect dust and retain odours, such as from food, caused a backlash at a time when health and cleanliness in the home became a priority. The 1960s saw a revival of interest in textured wall surfaces like flock, though often just confined to one feature wall in a room. However, this new flock used acrylic fibres rather than the traditional wool, which made the surface wipeable, thereby removing one of the chief complaints against flocked surfaces. In addition, the new processes adhered the flock via an electrostatic charge which resulted in a thicker, luxurious texture which was more appealing to the customer.
One of nine wallpapers in the collection which were used to furnish a 1921 brick bungalow in Killara, Sydney in the early 1970s. This wallpaper was installed in the dining room in c1970. Photographs of this interior taken in 1990 are held in the Caroline Simpson library.
One of nine wallpapers in the collection which were used to furnish a 1921 brick bungalow in Killara, Sydney in the early 1970s. This wallpaper was installed in the dining room in c1970. Photographs of this interior taken in 1990 are held in the Caroline Simpson library.
Accession number
L91/5-3.1:2
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