Handling Historic Wallpaper

Lenox, MA (January 1, 2006) --

By Carolyn Frisa

Original historic wallpaper from the 18^th and 19^th centuries is rarely found intact in old houses, primarily because repapering has always been an effective way to change a room’s appearance completely. This was especially true as wallpapers became less expensive in the mid-19^th century, thanks to machine-made papers. Old paper was often stripped off just as it is today, but it is often possible to find fragments left behind that can vary in size from miniscule, to large enough that they show a full repeat of the pattern. Some areas of old houses have proven promising for finding fragments. Good places to watch for fragments of early wallpaper are:

• Around or underneath decorative trim like baseboards, chair rails, friezes, window frames, and mouldings. One technique for searching these areas is to shine a flashlight onto the wall at an angle, which may reveal the outlines of fragments or seams beneath the surface.

• Behind large pieces of furniture, built-in shelves, mirrors, and picture frames, and in closets, where leftover paper was often used as shelf liner.

• In attics, basements, and other storage areas; it’s not unheard of to discover remnants of original rolls.

• The interiors of old trunks, drawers, and hat boxes, which may hold paper used as liner.

If you find historic wallpaper remember that it is often very brittle and may have been damaged by water, light, soot, and smoke, or by the past residents of the house. Some minor repairs and preservation steps may be undertaken by homeowners, but a conservator should always be consulted before attempting most in situ work or the removal of historic wallpapers. A good example is surface cleaning, which can reduce dust and soot, but can also cause damage if not done properly.

• Start by closely examining the wallpaper for loose pieces and any flaking or lifting paint. You will need a magnifier to assess the paper's condition fully. If any of these problems exist, surface cleaning will likely cause damage; consult a professional.

• If the paper appears stable, use a soft brush to gently clean it. Working in small areas, start at the top and work your way down to the floor. Wear a dust mask to prevent inhalation of particles.


• If further cleaning is necessary, you can use commercially available, non-chemical, dry cleaning sponges. Apply small strokes in varying directions with minimal pressure. Be sure to stop periodically and monitor progress from a distance to prevent unevenly cleaned surfaces; watch for potential loss.