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Care and Conservation of Historic Wallpaper

Conserving or repairing a damaged wallpaper can be much more difficult that it looks. A basic rule to follow is to consult a professional conservator, specifically, one who specializes in wallpaper. There are many factors, including environmental and structural issues, that can cause the deterioration of wallpapers. A professional conservator can identify these factors and advise on what corrective steps should be taken.

To further understand issues relating to historic wallpaper conservation, preliminary research can be completed without calling in a conservator. Following is a list of books, articles and web sites which explain the types of damage and possible treatments available, what can be done on your own, and when to consult a professional.

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Articles and Books

Clapp, A.F., "Examination of the Winterthur Wallpapers", Journal of the American Institute for Conservation, no. 20, 1981, pp.63-71.
 

Cohn, Marjorie, ed. "Conservation of Historic Wallpaper." Journal of the American Institute for Conservation 20, no.2 (1981): 51-151.
 

Mansell, Sarah. "Postscript: The Rescue and Care of Wallpapers." In The Papered Wall: History, Pattern, Technique, edited by Lesley Hoskins,.238-243. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1994.
 

Mapes, Phillipa. "Historic Wallpaper Conservation." The Building Conservation Directory.
Click here to view article on www.buildingconservation.com.
 

McClintock, T.K. "Wallpapers." In Caring for Your Historic House, edited by Harriet Whelchel 116-126. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1998.
 

Phillips, M.W., "Wallpaper on Walls: Problems of Climate and Substrate", Journal of the American Institute for Conservation, no. 20, 1981, pp.83-90.
 

Solomons, O., "Conservation of Historic Wallpapers", in T. Rosoman, London Wallpapers, their Manufacture and Use, London 1992, pp.52-53.
 

Wallpaper Conservators

American Institute of Conservation
Washington, D.C.
Tel: 202- 452-9545
www.conservation-us.org
(They will help you find a conservator to suit your specific needs and location.)

Nash Paper Conservation
Susan Nash
P.O. Box 1011
Sheperdstown, WV
Tel: 304-876-3772
suenash@earthlink.net

Northeast Document Conservation Center
Andover, MA
Tel: 978-470-1010
www.nedcc.org

Elizabeth Schulte
1786 Nancy Creek Bluff
Atlanta, GA
Tel: 404-350-8346

Studio TKM Ltd.
T.K. McClintock
1 Fitchburg Street, #C-219
Somerville, MA 02143
Tel: 617-666-9010

Paper Hanger

Jim Yates
267 Watertank Hill Road
Johnson City, TN 37604
Tel: 423-929-8552
hiswallpaperspec@aol.com

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