The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. The Museum's Decorative Arts & Design collection includes artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).‘Oak Tree’ pattern. Sample of original Morris & Co wallpaper, designed circa 1896 by John Henry Dearle (1859–1932). Oakleaf and acorns in pale blue on cream ground. Sample manufactured ca.1920–ca.1930. Printed border : OAK TREE / MORRIS & COdecorative arts & design, wallpapers -- morris & co, john henry dearle, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. The Museum's Decorative Arts & Design collection includes artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).Wallpaper sample: ‘Chrysanthemum’ pattern. Original pattern created 1876–1877 by William Morris (1834-1896). Sample is a later Morris-style wallpaper block reproduction from the 1970s. decorative arts & design, wallpapers -- morris & co, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. These include artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).Wallpaper sample: ‘Larkspur’ pattern, Foliate design with flowers, red on a paler red background. Original design by Morris in 1872; revised by Morris in 1875. Sample is a later Morris-style wallpaper block reproduction from the 1970s. Pattern No. 133400.Stamped on verso: 133400CI / MADE IN ENGLAND. Inscribed in ink on verso: W. MORRIS / LARKSPUR / 133400 / $7.60decorative arts & design, wallpapers -- morris & co, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history

non-fictionConservation Resources Centre Series. Exhibition catalogue published 1995 by Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales. 36 pages : colour illustrations ; 30 x 15 cm.wallpapers - history, interior decoration - history, wall coverings - history, elizabeth bay house -- exhibitions

non-fictionThe decorated wall : eighty years of wallpaper in Australia, c. 1850-1930 / compiled by Phyllis Murphy ; for the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales [for an exhibition held in March 1981 at the Elizabeth Bay House]wallpapers - history, interior decoration - history, wall coverings - history, elizabeth bay house -- exhibitions

non-fictionThe papered wall : the history patterns and techniques of wallpaper / by Lesley Hoskins. Abrams (N.Y.) 1994, A history of wallpaper from its beginnings around 1500 to the present day. Hundreds of illustrations, not only of the papers themselves but also their settings in paintings and on the walls of contemporary rooms, offer a visual record of patterns for different uses, markets and tastes.wallpapers - history, interior decoration - history, wall coverings - history

non-fictionDecorating with wallpaper c.1840–1914 : a guide to assist in the conservation and restoration of buildings. National Trust of Australia (Victoria, 1987. Chapters: 1. Introduction; 2. Mid-nineteenth century; 3. Halls, stairs and passages; 4. 1870s period; 5. 1880s period; 6. 1890s period; 7. Early Twentieth Century; 8. Towards World War I; 9. Ceilings; 10. Colour notes; 11. Conservation noteswallpapers - history, interior decoration - history, wall coverings - history

non-fictionWilliam Morris : décor and design. Elizabeth Wildhide (ed.) Harry N. Abrams, 1991. 192 pages. Information on pattern-matching, wall and window treatments, floor coverings, tiles and furnishingswallpapers - history, interior decoration - history, wall coverings - history

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. These include artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).Wallpaper sample of a dado pattern. Three colour, repeat pattern of facing squirrels in brown on a green ground, bordered top and bottom in a brown on yellow design. Sample is a later Morris-style wallpaper block reproduction from the 1970s. Inscribed verso: No.14decorative arts & design, wallpapers -- morris & co, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history, wallpapers -- dados

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. These include artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).Wallpaper sample of a Morris & Co., pattern. Monochrome, repeat pattern of a front facing bird contained in a roundel in pale grey on a darker grey ground, regularly interspersed on a geometric design. Sample is a later Morris-style wallpaper block reproduction from the 1970s. decorative arts & design, wallpapers -- morris & co, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. These include artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).Wallpaper sample of a Morris & Co., pattern. Monochrome, repeat pattern of fleur de lys in green on a paler green ground. Sample is a later Morris-style wallpaper block reproduction from the 1970s. decorative arts & design, wallpapers -- morris & co, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. These include artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).Wallpaper sample of a Morris & Co., pattern. Monochrome, repeat pattern of inward and outward storks surrounding a Celtic knot in dark blue on a paler blue ground. Sample is a later Morris-style wallpaper block reproduction from the 1970s. decorative arts & design, wallpapers -- morris & co, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. These include artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).Wallpaper sample of a Morris & Co., pattern. Monochrome, repeat pattern of lions and rose bushes above the letters SS in a knot design in burgundy on a red ground. Sample is a later Morris-style wallpaper block reproduction from the 1970s. decorative arts & design, wallpapers -- morris & co, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. These include artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).Wallpaper sample of a Morris & Co., pattern. Monochrome, tightly designed repeat pattern of abstract flowers in a fan shape in cream on a green ground. Sample is a later Morris-style wallpaper block reproduction from the 1970s. decorative arts & design, wallpapers -- morris & co, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. These include artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).Wallpaper sample of a Morris & Co., dado border design. Monochrome, repeat pattern frieze of flowers in an urn with an alternating design including a facing fox and flamingo in black on a red ground. Sample is a later Morris-style wallpaper block reproduction from the 1970s. decorative arts & design, wallpapers -- morris & co, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history, wallpapers -- dado borders

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. These include artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).Wallpaper sample of a Morris & Co design. Monochrome, repeat pattern of fleur de lys and acanthus leaves in green on a paler green ground. Sample is a later Morris-style wallpaper block reproduction from the 1970s. decorative arts & design, wallpapers -- morris & co, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. These include artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).The tiebacks complete with tassels are historically significant for being associated ensuite with DAD-035-0001, the suite of curtains. The tassels have aesthetic significance as beautiful and intricate pieces of late 19thC interior decoration.6 parts of a total of 3 pairs of curtain tiebacks. Each pair comprises a length of plain gold silk cable cord plus a second, equal length with a magnificent tassel in the middle; the two pieces would loop around the lower-middle length of each curtain, pulling it open in a graceful drape. One pair is slightly shorter than the other two. The tie backs are made of floss (soft, shiny) silk cord, composed of two thick strands twisted together into a cable cord. Three lengths have an elaborate tassel attached to the middle of each cord, to weight the tieback in an elegant loop, with the loose ends attached to hooks or pins on the window frame. Each tassel is formed on a turned wooden core, wrapped with floss silk thread; further decorated with knotted netting, applied braid, and 16 glass beads. The big end of the mould forms a large, flattened shape, from which hangs a ring of long bullion fringe. Today this looks tarnished-silver (nearly black), colour, but as shown by the card of detached lengths of bullion fringe (DAD-035-0005), the untarnished colour would have been bright gold. Part of a group of 7 curtains with associated furnishings which includes a curtain with original fittings, fringe and braid unpicked from other curtains, and these 6 curtain tie backs. The six curtain tie backs are identical, though one pair is shorter. These curtain decorations are truly luxurious; the original suite of curtains would have been very expensive, an eloquent item of conspicuous consumption of luxury goods.Attached handwritten note : "VA Th. 7/6/2012 Ric Freeman 0419875707 (Nat Trust member) & Julie Freeman 0419875706 / re soft furnishings, tassels, trimmings, braid set / Jessie, Terry (and Chris St) to view, collect". The phone numbers were tried in October 2024, and though picked up, the contacts did not want to talk about the curtain donation.interior decoration - history, curtain accessories, tassels

It is not clear that this fringe was ever attached to the curtain suite; it may have come from an associated part of the original ensemble (eg pelmet) or from associated furniture. However, it is certainly connected to the fringe on the tieback tassels, whose tassels are finished with the same product. The detached gilt metal fringe has aesthetic significance as specimen of an opulent furnishing decoration in very lavish contexts, such as gold rush Victoria. Part of it still preserves the original bright gold metal, ie is untarnished; this is probably quite rare in Australian collections.Board wrapped w c.17m of heavy gilt metal fringe (known as bullion fringe) in several pieces, evidently detached from curtains, and/or furniture items. (No sign of it having been attached to the curtains). The fringe is composed of metallic thread very tightly wound over a cotton/linen thread, attached to a narrow header braid with an ornamental design worked in metallic gimp cord. The colour was originally gold, now tarnished on all parts exposed to air, but sections of the fringe under the top layers retain the luxurious gold finish. Westman (2019: 242) explains that 'gold thread' was made of gold fired onto silver bars from which thin, flat or round wires were cut to wrap around a core linen thread for use in trimmings. Shen notes that the very thin layer of gold often wears away, exposing the silver which tarnishes. Bullion fringe: fringe made of bullion, in the sense of precious metal, used for prestigious royal, ecclesiastical and military garments and furnishings. Westman (2019: 193, 240) says that by the 19thC, the name was also used for twisted thread long fringe made of wool, silk, cotton or a mix, as it is today. In this form, 'bullion fringe' became a lavish edge-trim in the early-mid-19thC wherever its vertical look could add richness to drapery. interior decoration - history

Part of a suite of decorated curtains, DAD-035-0001 to DAD-035-0005Though partial and damaged, these decorative 'ropes' are historically significant as evidence of further elaborate decoration of the curtain ensemble.2 lengths of decorative trimming; one piece longer (5.4m) than the other (4.5m). Essentially composed as long thin ropes of gold-coloured silk satin, stuffed with cotton wool, and twisted with a narrow gold-coloured woven metal braid. They function as soft, loose cords for ornamental draping around/in front of the curtains, perhaps on a pelmet (though no pelmet of valance survives). The longer piece contains 3 groups of furniture tacks for pinning the cord to enable loose, draped sections. interior decoration, curtain accessories, interior decoration - history

A wallpaper sample donated to the collection by Frances Alexandra (Frankie) Derham (1894–1987). Derham was an Australian artist and educator. A lecturer in art at the Melbourne Kindergarten Training College (1928-64) , she later taught at the Associated Teacher Training Institution (1949-61). Her commitment to `child art’ developed after 1935 when she accepted an invitation from Margaret Lyttle to teach at Preshil school.Frances Derham's collection of nearly ten thousand children’s drawings and paintings was acquired by the Australian National Gallery in 1976. Her interest in art for and by children is reflected in her donation to the Villa Alba Museum of an important and rare collection of early wallpapers designed for children's rooms. Nursery wallpaper depicting children nursury rhyme characters with excerpts from story texts. Sanitary paper (washable). decorative arts & design, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history, wallpapers -- children's, frances derham, sanitary wallpapers

A wallpaper sample donated to the collection by Frances Alexandra (Frankie) Derham (1894–1987). Derham was an Australian artist and educator. A lecturer in art at the Melbourne Kindergarten Training College (1928-64) , she later taught at the Associated Teacher Training Institution (1949-61). Her commitment to `child art’ developed after 1935 when she accepted an invitation from Margaret Lyttle to teach at Preshil school.Frances Derham's collection of nearly ten thousand children’s drawings and paintings was acquired by the Australian National Gallery in 1976. Her interest in art for and by children is reflected in her donation to the Villa Alba Museum of an important and rare collection of early wallpapers designed for children's rooms. Section of a longer nursery wallpaper dado depicting kittens playing with a groups of mice watching. Under the solid and fine lines creating a border at the top is a series of tassels on a green background. Above the similar lower border are sections imitating a wooden batons with the wood grain picked out in black on a yellow background. The colourway used in the sample includes outlines in black, grey, pale yellow and teal green.decorative arts & design, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history, wallpapers -- children's, frances derham, wallpapers -- dado borders

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. These include artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).E.W. Coles & Sons reproduction of a Morris & Co. pattern. Manufactured in c.1970. Sample created for the Werribee Mansion.Verso: "PR 15274 * 15 [pounds] 50p"decorative arts & design, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. These include artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).Christopher Dresser designed wallpaper. Important example of original design. This is an off-cut from the wallpaper used in the hallway of the historic house Raheen in Kew. Paper is a floral pattern, with gold, green, blue, brown and yellow colours. Two rolls.Verso: "3017"decorative arts & design, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. These include artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).Christopher Dresser designed dado wallpaper. Important example of original design. This is an off-cut from the wallpaper used in the hallway of the historic house Raheen in Kew. Paper is a floral and symetric pattern, with burgundy, blue, green and gold colours. Three rolls.decorative arts & design, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history

A wallpaper sample donated to the collection by Frances Alexandra (Frankie) Derham (1894–1987). Derham was an Australian artist and educator. A lecturer in art at the Melbourne Kindergarten Training College (1928-64) , she later taught at the Associated Teacher Training Institution (1949-61). Her commitment to `child art’ developed after 1935 when she accepted an invitation from Margaret Lyttle to teach at Preshil school. Frances Derham's collection of nearly ten thousand children’s drawings and paintings was acquired by the Australian National Gallery in 1976. Her interest in art for and by children is reflected in her donation to the Villa Alba Museum of an important and rare collection of early wallpapers designed for children's rooms. Nursery rhyme wallpaper pattern. Green wallpaper square with various nursery rhyme motifs. "Mrs Rebe Rigg 10 West St New York" written on back. Verso: "Mrs Rebe Rigg 10 West St New York"decorative arts & design, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history, wallpapers -- children's, frances derham

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. These include artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).Wallpaper sample of a Morris & Co., pattern. Polychrome, repeat pattern of a flowering tree among meadow flowers with scrolling green and blue acanthus leaves. Sample is a later Morris-style wallpaper block reproduction by Sanderson & Co from the 1970s. decorative arts & design, wallpapers -- morris & co, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history

A wallpaper sample donated to the collection by Frances Alexandra (Frankie) Derham (1894–1987). Derham was an Australian artist and educator. A lecturer in art at the Melbourne Kindergarten Training College (1928-64) , she later taught at the Associated Teacher Training Institution (1949-61). Her commitment to `child art’ developed after 1935 when she accepted an invitation from Margaret Lyttle to teach at Preshil school. Frances Derham's collection of nearly ten thousand children’s drawings and paintings was acquired by the Australian National Gallery in 1976. Her interest in art for and by children is reflected in her donation to the Villa Alba Museum of an important and rare collection of early wallpapers designed for children's rooms. Nursery wallpaper depicting children playing. Picture scene for each month of the year. "12225 Sanitary" stamped verso. Verso: "12225 Sanitary"decorative arts & design, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history, wallpapers -- children's, frances derham, sanitary wallpapers

A wallpaper sample donated to the collection by Frances Alexandra (Frankie) Derham (1894–1987). Derham was an Australian artist and educator. A lecturer in art at the Melbourne Kindergarten Training College (1928-64) , she later taught at the Associated Teacher Training Institution (1949-61). Her commitment to `child art’ developed after 1935 when she accepted an invitation from Margaret Lyttle to teach at Preshil school.Frances Derham's collection of nearly ten thousand children’s drawings and paintings was acquired by the Australian National Gallery in 1976. Her interest in art for and by children is reflected in her donation to the Villa Alba Museum of an important and rare collection of early wallpapers designed for children's rooms. Nursery wallpaper depicting Japanese people with counting rhymes printed around them. "70442 Sanitary" printed verso. Verso: "70442 Sanitary"decorative arts & design, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history, wallpapers -- children's, frances derham, sanitary wallpapers

A wallpaper sample donated to the collection by Frances Alexandra (Frankie) Derham (1894–1987). Derham was an Australian artist and educator. A lecturer in art at the Melbourne Kindergarten Training College (1928-64) , she later taught at the Associated Teacher Training Institution (1949-61). Her commitment to `child art’ developed after 1935 when she accepted an invitation from Margaret Lyttle to teach at Preshil school.Frances Derham's collection of nearly ten thousand children’s drawings and paintings was acquired by the Australian National Gallery in 1976. Her interest in art for and by children is reflected in her donation to the Villa Alba Museum of an important and rare collection of early wallpapers designed for children's rooms. Children's nursery wallpaper. Depicts Goosey Goosey Gander themes. "26331 Sanitary" printed verso.Verso: "26331 Sanitary"decorative arts & design, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history, wallpapers -- children's, frances derham, sanitary wallpapers

A wallpaper sample donated to the collection by Frances Alexandra (Frankie) Derham (1894–1987). Derham was an Australian artist and educator. A lecturer in art at the Melbourne Kindergarten Training College (1928-64) , she later taught at the Associated Teacher Training Institution (1949-61). Her commitment to `child art’ developed after 1935 when she accepted an invitation from Margaret Lyttle to teach at Preshil school. Frances Derham's collection of nearly ten thousand children’s drawings and paintings was acquired by the Australian National Gallery in 1976. Her interest in art for and by children is reflected in her donation to the Villa Alba Museum of an important and rare collection of early wallpapers designed for children's rooms. Nursery wallpaper depicting children and sheep. "66490" stamped on back. Verso: "66490"decorative arts & design, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history, wallpapers -- children's, frances derham