PRESERVATION OF WALLPAPERS AS PARTS OF INTERIORS

Discussing principles of conservation
value and its state of preservation is good enough to justify the
action. Evaluating the importance of the elements involved and
the decision regarding what may be removed cannot rest solely
with the individual in charge of the work, 265 but must include
a group of specialists representing various aspects of interior
conservation.
Although revealing underlying layers of wallpaper leads
to damaging the historical unity, it need not lead to complete
destruction of each separate layer. It is possible to separate wallpapers
from each other, conserve them and preserve them as
individual objects. Preferring a certain layer over others should
not be influenced by the personal taste of a conservator or of the
board of directors, local decorators, influential donors or volunteer
committees. It is common that after professional research
has revealed the actual paper that was used in a room, the result
is ignored by members of an influential committee who consider
the paper ugly and therefore “inappropriate”. 266
The removal of a wallpaper is acceptable if 1) that is the sole
means of ensuring its security and preservation, 2) on a temporary
basis for treatment, 3) for cultural reasons, 4) for health and
safety reasons, or 5) to protect the building. Such contents, fixtures
and objects should be returned where circumstances permit
and it is culturally appropriate. 267 The panoramic wallpaper
Don Quixote, found in the Lohu manor in Estonia, was removed
from its original location to uncover a wall painting created by
the German landscape painter Christian Gottlieb Welté.
In the case of valuable historic wallpapers, it is recommended
that they be returned to their original locations, which
will result in the re-creation of a broken unity. However, if that
is not possible, a proper room should be found to exhibit them
as a part of the interior.
If an object has been designed to be readily removable or
already has a history of relocation, its removal might be appro-
265
The Venice Charter, Article 11, 1964.
266
Frangiamore, Wallpapers in Historic Preservation, 2.
267
The Burra Charter, Article 10, 1999.
149