PRESERVATION OF WALLPAPERS AS PARTS OF INTERIORS

Methods of wallpaper production and mounting
Before printing, the block was pressed against a pad made
of calf-skin and cloth, coated with paint. It was then lifted and
placed on a strip of paper lying on a table. Extra pressure could
be added by tapping the block with a mallet. Before printing
another copy of the pattern, the block needed to be tipped into
the paint once more. (Fig. 68)
In order to hide the joins between two prints made by the
same block, the artisan used “register marks”, little brass points
placed on the sides of the block 186 or hidden in the pattern.
Defects, such as gaps in a paint layer or pattern, were touched
up by hand after the printing was done.
To recognize a block-printed design, one needs to take a
closer look at the relief of a pattern. Since the block was pressed
against the paper in a straight motion from top to bottom, this created
multi-directional “veining” within separate pattern shapes,
which had sharply defined outlines 187 known as a “lip”. (Fig. 69)
Furthermore, in the surface of paint one can notice tiny holes
left by bubbles created during the process of printing.
Some of the finest examples of block-printing are imitations
of lavish textiles and panoramic wallpapers, most of which
were printed between 1800 and 1860. Since their design was
frequently made up of dozens or even hundreds of colours, the
number of blocks was extremely high. The process of producing
a scene could be very time-consuming and costly. The designing,
printing and engraving required a great deal of careful
planning, and considerable experience and skill on the part of
those involved. 188
2.2.3. Flocking
A method of flocking first appeared in the late 15th century, but
reached its peak in the middle of the 18th century. The basic technology
of producing a flocked wallpaper resembles the method
of block-printing, only in this case the paint has been replaced
by an adhesive and powdered and coloured textile fibres.
186
Nouvel, Wallpapers in France, 21.
187
Frangiamore, Wallpapers in Historic Preservation, 7.
188
A Decorative Art. 19th Century Wallpapers in the Whitworth Art Gallery , 6.
116