PRESERVATION OF WALLPAPERS AS PARTS OF INTERIORS

Task of conservation. Case studies
Until the removal of the wooden over-door panels to permit
their better conservation, the extent of the decorative scheme
had only been an assumption. Large fragments of wallpaper and
border were found behind the over-doors, which proved that
the wallpaper and its applications had covered the whole wall
up to the ceiling cornice. The general condition of the object,
various types of damage and exact details of the conservation
process are provided in the documentation form.
5.1.3. Conservation concept
and treatment
The conservation treatment was carried out in co-operation
with Ms. Kristiina Ribelus from the Tartu Art College. It lasted
from February until July 2010.
Since about 45 m 2 of the wallpaper was in good condition,
it was decided to conserve it in situ. The aim of the project was
to stop further decay and form a unity with the rest of the decorative
details, such as the floor, ceiling and doors.
Due to a defective rainwater pipe on the facade, the corner
facing the main hall had been extensively damaged by humidity,
which led to mould and discolouration of the object. (Fig.
114) Since five strips of heavily moulded wallpaper with borders
and monochrome papers were hanging loose from the wall, it
was decided to dismount and conserve them in a conservation
workshop in Tartu. In addition, mechanically damaged borders
from sections between windows were removed to allow for better
treatment. During the conservation treatment, it became
apparent that the older layer of wallpaper had been partially
stripped from the wall before new wallpaper was applied. Without
removing the damaged strips, it would not have become
clear that only fragments of the older wallpaper had survived.
Although the author had given some thought to opening and
exhibiting the older layer of wallpaper within a segment of a
wall, this proved to be too risky without further comprehensive
research. Due to limited finances and a tight deadline, this was
considered to be unreasonable. Thus it was decided to open a
smaller area showing only two repeats of the pattern. Fragments
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