Wallpaper frieze

Maker & role
Unknown, Maker
 Production date
circa 1905
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Object detail

Collection
Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection
Measurements
1 - frieze, L: 17.5 x W: 260cm (L: 175 x W: 2600mm); 2 - frieze, L: 17.5 x W: 240cm (L: 175 x W: 2400mm); Pattern repeat, W: 45.5cm (W: 455mm)
Credit line
Acquisition, 1999
Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection, Museums of History New South Wales
Caption
Wallpaper frieze with pastoral landscape scene, circa 1905
Description
Scenic wallpapers or the depiction of landscape scenes on wallpaper have gone in and out of fashion since the 18th century. Some of the most famous wallpaper murals were manufactured in France from around the late 18th century to the 1860s. These scenic papers often depicted ancient or exotic locations, and were only used by the wealthiest of customers. For the remainder of the 19th century, scenic papers only appear as nursery designs usually depicting children's stories. However, by 1900 the use of landscape scenes (like this sample) on wallpaper experienced something of a revival, though it was restricted solely to friezes which were often used with elaborate internal joinery. More expensive hand blocked friezes in this period could be as much as 30 inches (76cm) wide. By the end of World War I, this fashion had passed and although nurseries continued to be hung with pictorial papers, it was not until after World War II that scenic papers appeared again, this time usually as a feature wall decoration.
Accession number
L99/167-1:2

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