PRESERVATION OF WALLPAPERS AS PARTS OF INTERIORS

Task of conservation. Case studies
to create a “surrogate reality”, 414 which would provide a nonprofessional
with necessary information about the decoration,
tones, patterns and overall atmosphere of the papered room.
An expert or a curious observer might take one step further and
examine the difference between the original and the reconstruction.
In this case, a reproduction could be seen as educational
material, which would lead to appreciation of the original wallpaper.
A comparison between old and new helps to develop a
perception of original material, create values and educate about
how an object should be viewed. 415
When the condition of a wallpaper found in situ is stable, it
is essential to preserve it. However, if damages are too extensive
it is necessary for visual authenticity to make a reconstruction
of the original wallpaper in the original room. In this case, the
reprint of the wallpaper is based on the remaining fragments
on the wall. 416
Each of the four solutions would have been suitable, but one
needed to be chosen. Conserving and presenting only the surviving
parts of the wallpaper was rejected, since it was decided
to improve the legibility of the object and its decorative properties.
The second, third and fourth solutions emphasized both
the decorative and the educational functions.
Although the third or the fourth solution would have been
the most suitable, the second solution was chosen. The two main
reasons for the decision were the limited budget and short deadline
of the project. It was decided to conserve the original pieces
and reconstruct the missing areas up to the level (174 cm from
the floor) that the original wallpaper had survived.
414
Terry Zeller, “Let’s Teach Art with Originals” in Art Education, Vol. 36, Issue 1, January
1983 quoted in Rebecca Gordon “The ’Paradigmatic Art Experience’? Reproductions and
Their Effect on the Experience of the ’Authentic’ Artwork” in Art, Conservation and
Authenticities: Material, Concept, Context, edited by E. Hermens and T. Fiske (London:
Archetype, 2009), 259.
415
Rebecca Gordon, “The ’Paradigmatic Art Experience’? Reproductions and Their Effect on
the Experience of the ’Authentic’ Artwork” in Art, Conservation and Authenticities:
Material, Concept, Context, edited by E. Hermens and T. Fiske (London: Archetype,
2009), 263.
416
Martin, “Wallpaper Reconstructions in Historic Interiors...”, 88.
231