Wallpaper in Interior Decoration - Hardcover

Gill Saunders

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1851773460 ISBN 13: 9781851773466

Publisher: V&a Publications, 2002

Synopsis

Charts the rich and varied history of wallpaper, from its modest beginnings in the 16th century, through the lavish designs of the 18th century to the computer generated patterns of the late 20th century. This book is an insight into a subject rarely covered in books on interior design. The term "wallpaper" encompasses everything from printed lining papers to computer-aided limited editions. It covers lavish flocks, exquisite hand-painted papers imported from China, and dramatic French scenic decorations, as well as the perennially popular designs of William Morris, the first washable machine-printed papers and embossed wallcoverings from gilt leather to Anaglypta. From modest beginnings, wallpaper developed to become a commonplace of the domestic interior from castle to cottage, a means of transcending or enhancing the immediate architectural environment. The book is illustrated with images of wallpapers (many from the V&A's collections), as well as artists' impressions of interiors, documentary photographs of rooms past and present, posters, trade cards and sample books. It is a source book for anyone interested in the role of wallpaper in decorative schemes, and gives a lively account of the social history of wallpaper and the part it has played in domestic lives.

About this title

About the Author

Gill Saunders is a Deputy Curator in the Department of Prints, Drawings and Paintings at the V&A, and has worked with the collection of wallpapers since 1985. Previous publications include The Nude: A New Perspective (1989), Recording Britain (1990), Picturing Plants (1994) and the catalogue essay for the exhibition Apocalyptic Wallpaper at the Wexner Center, 1997. She is closely involved with the work of the Wallpaper History Society, and contributes regularly to The Wallpaper History Review.

From Library Journal

Deputy curator in the department of prints, drawing, and painting at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Saunders looks at "how, why, and when people used wallpaper, what they chose, where they bought it, how they selected it, how much it cost, where they hung it, what they thought of it, and how we now regard it." Beginning in the 17th century and continuing to the present, she details the use of wallpaper in domestic interiors, primarily in Great Britain but also including some examples from the United States. The book is illustrated with historic photos, paintings, sample books, and in-situ examples and employs text from literature and contemporary social commentary. Also discussed is the evolution of the decorative designs. Highly recommended for academic, professional, and large interior design collections.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: V&a Publications
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1851773460
• ISBN 13: 9781851773466
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160