Object Type
In the 18th century wallpapers were often fixed to the wall with nails or tacks, rather than pasted up. Printed borders were used to conceal the heads of the tacks and to give a neat and finished appearance to the papered wall. The fashion for using borders continued even when methods of hanging wallpapers changed and borders were no longer strictly necessary. By the early 19th century borders were available in elaborate designs to use as a frieze decoration around the upper part of the room.
Design & Designing
This design imitates drapery. The effect is enhanced by the use of flock to give a textured surface that looks like velvet. Wallpapers that were designed to imitate textile wall hangings, curtains and other draperies were fashionable in the 1820s and 1830s.
Trading
This border came from the stock of Thomas Avery, a builder and decorator from Tenterden in Kent. In the late 18th and 19th centuries wallpapers were often supplied to customers by builders, or by upholsterers, who dealt with all aspects of the house-furnishing business.
Physical description
Wallpaper border frieze of draped curtains, surmounted with a cornice of acanthus pattern; Colour woodblock print and flock, on paper.
Place of Origin
England (manufactured)
Date
1800-1850 (made)
Artist/maker
Avery, Thomas (supplier)
Materials and Techniques
Colour woodblock print and flock, on paper
Dimensions
Height: 35.5 cm paper, Width: 64.8 cm paper
Object history note
Given by Mr Alexander Reynell.
Printed in England.
Provenance: 'Found among the stock of the late Thomas Avery, builder, etc. of Ivy House, Tenterden, Kent, which business had been in existence nearly a century and a half (extract from a letter of the donor).
Descriptive line
Wallpaper border frieze with draped curtains, surmounted with a cornice of acanthus pattern; Colour woodblock print and flock, on paper; Found among the stock of the late Thomas Avery, builder, etc. of Ivy House, Tenterden, Kent; English; 1800-1850.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Oman, Charles C., and Hamilton, Jean. Wallpapers: a history and illustrated catalogue of the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. London: Sotheby Publications, in association with the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1982.
Saunders, Gill. Wallpaper in Interior Decoration. V&A Publications. London. 2002. pp. 52. pl 44.
Oman, Charles C., and Hamilton, Jean. Wallpapers: a history and illustrated catalogue of the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. London: Sotheby Publications, in association with the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1982.
Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Engraving, Illustration and Design, Accessions 1913, London: Printed for His Majesty's Stationery Office, 1914
Labels and date
British Galleries:
Designs of drapery such as this were highly popular for wallpapers during the Regency. They imitated, at reduced cost, the richly swagged textile hangings of the most fashionable interiors. [27/03/2003]
Production Note
Provenance of wallpaper: 'Found among the stock of the late Thomas Avery, builder, etc. of Ivy House, Tenterden, Kent, which business had been in existence nearly a century and a half (extract from a letter of the donor).
Materials
Paper
Techniques
Colour woodblock print
Subjects depicted
Swags; Cornices; Acanthus
Categories
Wall coverings; Prints
Collection
Prints, Drawings & Paintings Collection
