PRESERVATION OF WALLPAPERS AS PARTS OF INTERIORS

consolidated and, secondly, if the wallpaper is in poor condition
and conservation will improve both its physical condition and
its aesthetic appearance. Thirdly, by leading to a more complete
conservation treatment, an improved mounting system can be
developed to prolong the life-span of an object. Ideally, a new
mounting system should be an improved interpretation of the
original mounting system. This should not alter the original
dimensions of the supporting structure, because it would change
the visual impact of the whole setting.
Four strips of heavily moulded wallpaper and a border
were removed from the wall of the Puurmani manor’s dining
room. To preserve the unity of the wallpaper, it was decided
to remove it in large segments instead of breaking it into separate
strips. A majority of the removed material was returned
to its original location after conservation. Heavily damaged,
brittle areas needed to be replaced by reconstructions. Since
only a segment of the wallpaper had been removed from the
wall, it was not reasonable to make any considerable changes
in the mounting system. While the wallpaper had been originally
pasted onto a layer of lining-paper, the conserved segments
were applied to two layers of thick Japanese paper. 456
The method preserved the original dimensions of the historic
setting and protected the original from the rough plastered
surface of the wall.
A conservator faces a complicated task if numerous wallpaper
layers are superimposed. If one of the layers is to be
exposed, the decision depends largely on its significance. If
the layers are going to be separated from each other, they can
either be exhibited in a new location or preserved in an archive.
Since earlier wallpaper layers are usually stripped from the
wall prior to applying a new layer, it is possible that all the layers
have survived more or less in fragments. In such a case, it
is highly probable that a part of the decorative scheme needs
to be reconstructed.
456
Gampi, 36 g/m 2. Methodological conclusions
290