Conservation Portfolio Home
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Conservation of Wallpaper
Although wallpaper inherently has a paper support, its size and intimate association with architectural elements introduce condition issues not often seen with works of art on paper. Often treatment begins with addressing removal of the paper from the wall to complete work in the conservation studio.
The following pages summarize different skills relevant to wallpaper conservation. For examples of complete treatment view the gallery of Works on Paper.
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Wallpapers are often found adhered together in multiple layers similar to a house paint stratigraphy. Wallpapers that survive over the years have often been neglected and dirt and mold are a common presence.
Above is a stack of papers removed from a private home to Allyson McDermott studio.
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Here I am working wet on a screen support to further reduce backing paper from a subsequent layer currently obscuring the design layer of this paper.
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After removing the backing I worked to piece together small fragments
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Complete segment before lining
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Same segment after lining
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Wallpaper Removal Practicum, Summer 2013
Front hall closet in home of Tom Edmondson, Colonial Revival House c. 1936
Separation of large wallpaper fragments pasted onto themselves.
Steam has been used traditionally to remove wallpapers. It easily softens the wheat starch paste, which continues to be used for installation to present day. However, early block printed wallpapers are typically printed in distemper paints. The animal glue binder can also be easily affected by the heat, leaving the paint powdery and friable after removal. Nonetheless, sometimes steam is the only effective method, and learning how to control it safely and what to expect during treatment is crucial and what prompted this practicum. It is always important to understand the materials and method of manufacture before attempting removal.
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Closet wall before treatment with steamer in place
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Top 1/4 of section released and held in place between blotters with bulldog clips
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Detail of top 1/4 of section secured with bulldog clips so work can continue on bottom portion and meet in the middle
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In the closet using steamer with distilled water and Casselli spatula to release top layer of wallpaper
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Using steamer working from the seam inward into section.
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Mid-treatment
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After removal of one section. Underlying layer revealed.
