PRESERVATION OF WALLPAPERS AS PARTS OF INTERIORS

Historic types of wallpaper and decorative schemes of interiors
and laurel wreaths with a butterfly in the middle. The orange
ornaments on a black background show a strong influence of
ancient Greek or Roman ceramics. The blue background of the
wallpaper reflects the prevailing Neo-Classical fashion of introducing
blue in interior design. (Fig. 40)
In the same room, a few fragments of a grey ceiling paper
were found. They depict a stylized plant ornament arranged in
a geometric pattern. A very similar pattern, known as Mistletoe,
is now produced by Classic Revivals Inc. (US). It has been dated
to 1780–1790, 140 which may also be the age of the wallpapers
found in Tallinn.
To what extent plain papers were used in 18th-century
Estonian interiors is not known. However, multiple historical
photos dating back to the second half of the 19th century depict
rooms with monochromatic walls. Plain coloured walls can be
seen in images showing enfilade in the Valkla manor (Fig. 41),
the main hall of the Muraste manor (Fig. 42), the Ohtu manor
(Fig. 43) and in a study in the Kose-Uuemõisa manor (Fig. 44). As
shown in the photos, plain surfaces often served as backgrounds
for paintings, graphic works and framed family photos. Despite
detailed photographic material, it is not possible to confirm that
the walls were papered rather than painted. It can be assumed
that the walls of more frequently used private and family rooms
were covered with either textiles or wallpapers, since they create
a warmer and cosier atmosphere than painted or stuccoed surfaces.
The latter were more appropriate to public rooms, which
were used for only specials occasions. In fact, wallpapers were
not recommended for large festive rooms, because the amount
of dust brought in by numerous guests and spread by dancing
were considered harmful to paper wall covers. 141
The available fragments of plain papers reveal two ways
they might have been integrated into decorative wall schemes.
First of all, plain paper may have covered the lower half of a
wall, imitating a dado. This possibility is illustrated by a fragment
found in the Kabala manor. A dark-brown paper covered
140
Nylander, Fabrics and Wallpapers for Historic Buildings, 61; 63.
141
Krista Kodres, “Mis saab interjöörist?” in Sirp ja Vasar, 22. February 1985, 8.
84