PRESERVATION OF WALLPAPERS AS PARTS OF INTERIORS

Task of conservation. Case studies
furnished with high bookshelves and accessible only by special
permission. (Fig. 154)
Closer examination revealed that the wallpaper was the
first decorative layer of the room and had probably been applied
at the beginning of the 1890s, when the building was erected.
After the removal of the shelves it became apparent that 90%
of the wallpaper was in good condition. Since the room is the
best preserved and largest of its kind in Estonia, it was decided
to reconstruct the missing areas to unify the representative
appearance of the object. The reconstructions were made by
Kristiina Ribelus.
The general condition of the object, various types of damages
and exact details of the conservation process are provided
in the documentation form.
5.5.3. Conservation concept and treatment
It was decided to conserve the wallpaper in situ, since it had
survived almost intact and its condition was stable. Moreover
it is the only known monument of its kind that has survived to
such an extent in Estonia. Thus it was not reasonable to destroy
its unity and the original method of mounting. If there is any
need for additional treatment later on, the wallpaper can be
removed and treated more thoroughly.
During the process of conservation it became apparent that
the greatest damage was caused by misunderstanding and the
lack of co-operation between different responsible parties.
Besides detailed research on an object and historical materials
available in archives and libraries, it is important to communicate
with long-term employees working in a historic building,
as well as with representatives of different parties involved in
the preservation project. Communication may reveal essential
information about the object and prevent further damage.
In the case of the Estonian Literary Museum, the most extensive
damage was caused by careless handling and lack of communication.
It would have been possible to avoid the damage
if there had been an open discussion and all of those involved
had been thoroughly informed. To avoid mishandling, there is a
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