PRESERVATION OF WALLPAPERS AS PARTS OF INTERIORS

Documentation of the work on the Estonian Literary Museum
26–29 November 2012 Retouching Dry pastels, 40 hours
crayons, Faber &
Castell watercolour
crayons, gouasche,
watercolours
29 November 2012 Continuing the border Paper in matching 2 hours
above the oven
colour, methyl
cellulose
2 December 2012 Documentation 4 hours
DOCUMENTATION PHOTOS:
Color Control Patches
Used : -
DRAWINGS/SKETCHES:
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION:
Process:
Performer:
Date:
OUTCOME OF THE CONSERVATION/RESTORATION PROJECT:
During the project 73,6 m 2 of wallpaper was restored. Three missing areas, which formed
together about 0,75 m2 were filled with reconstructions. To fill smaller losses, wallpaper
was removed from behind the radiator and above the oven. The removal of wallpaper was
fully documented. The corner B/C was heavily damaged by moisture and had strong tidelines,
which could not be removed completely during the conservation treatment in situ.
The strong tidelines were covered with opaque glazing to unifiy the overall appearance of
the corner.
The large rectangles and horizontal lines on the wall B were removed mechanically.
Of three large missing areas, one was filled with original material removed from the wall
or found in the archive of the Estonian Literary Museum. Two other areas were filled
with reconstructions, that were carried out in situ. Since they are not reconstructions
made one-on-one with the original, they should be rather called imitations or adaptions.
The difference between the original and the adaption could be detected through close
examination.
Also other decorative details of the room (painted ceiling, oiled wooden-floor, ceramic
oven) were restored and form a fine unity with the wallpaper. The conservation process
restored the visual unity of wallpaper. However, the original appearance of the room is
damaged by modern applications, such as white plastic electricity covers and modern
ceiling-lamp.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
341