We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders — past, present and future.
Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.
Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community.
Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse.
The papered wall : the history patterns and techniques of wallpaper
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
Have a question? Contact Villa Alba Museum
non-fiction
The 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.
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).
Originally donated by Frances Derham to Villa Alba Museum via Terry Lane..
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.
Originally donated by Frances Derham to Villa Alba Museum via Terry Lane..
decorative arts & design, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history, wallpapers -- children's, frances derham
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.
Three colour repeat dado border of kittens and mice. Originally donated by Frances Derham to Villa Alba Museum via Terry Lane..
decorative arts & design, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history, wallpapers -- children's, frances derham, wallpapers -- dado borders
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.
Originally donated by Frances Derham to Villa Alba Museum via Terry Lane..
decorative arts & design, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history, wallpapers -- children's, frances derham
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.
Empire theme children's nursery wallpaper. Depicts Union Jack with children playing with others from around the British Empire. Originally donated by Frances Derham to Villa Alba Museum via Terry Lane..
decorative arts & design, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history, wallpapers -- children's, frances derham
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 on reverse. Originally donated by Frances Derham to Villa Alba Museum via Terry Lane..
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 Japanese people with counting rhymes printed around them. "70442 Sanitary" printed on reverse.Originally donated by Frances Derham to Villa Alba Museum via Terry Lane..
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.
Nursery wallpaper depicting children nursury rhyme characters with excerpts from story texts. Sanitary paper (washable). Originally donated by Frances Derham to Villa Alba Museum via Terry Lane..
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 playing. Picture scene for each month of the year. "12225 Sanitary Paper" stamped on back. Originally donated by Frances Derham to Villa Alba Museum via Terry Lane..
Verso: "12225 Sanitary Paper"
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. Originally donated by Frances Derham. Originally donated by Frances Derham to Villa Alba Museum via Terry Lane..
Verso: "66490"
decorative arts & design, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history, wallpapers -- children's, frances derham
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. Originally donated by Frances Derham to Villa Alba Museum via Terry Lane..
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
This is the same gimp as on the curtains. Probably saved because it was beautiful and expensive, but inherently decontextualised from its original historic use.
Length of decorative upholstery gimp, unpicked from original curtains and wound onto a piece of card for storage. Gimp is a type of upholstery trim. a flat tape made up of threads or fine cords forming a wave or chain design, held in place by another wavy cord to produce an openwork, geometric braid. In this item, the cords are respectively light blue and metallic gold (much of it tarnished to silvery colour). The gimp is en suite with the set of curtains and their ornaments (qv) - another luxurious trimming for expensive furnishings.
upholstery trimmings
Board wrapped w c.17m of heavy bullion fringe in several pieces, evidently unpicked from curtains (qv), and/or possibly furniture items. The fringe is composed of metallic thread tightly wound over a cotton 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.
Part of a suite of decorated curtains, DAD035/ tbc
2 lengths of decorative trimming; one piece longer (002-1: 5.4m) than the other (002-2: 4.5m). Basically composed as a long thin sausage of gold-coloured silk satin, stuffed with cotton wool, and twisted with a narrow gold metal woven braid. It forms a soft, loose cord for ornamental draping around the curtains, perhaps on the front of a fancy pelmet (though no pelmet of valance survives). The longer piece (002/1) contains 3 groups of furniture tacks for pinning the cord to enable loose, draped sections.
2 long lengths of trim for curtain ensemble; consists of gold-coloured silk satin like a twisted sausage, padded with cottonwool; the twists defined by narrow gold gimp, now tarnished. Length 1 contains 3 sections of upholstery tacks for pinning the draped length in loops over the curtain drops.
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).
Part of a group of curtain furnishings which includes a curtain with original fittings, fringe and braid unpicked from other curtains, and these six curtain tie backs. The six curtain tie backs are identical, though one pair is shorter. The tie backs comprise a length of soft, loose (floss) silk cord, made of two thick strands twisted together (cable cord). An elaborate tassel is attached to the middle of each cord, to weight the tie back in an elegant loop, with the loose ends attached to hooks or pins on the window frame. Each tassel is formed of a turned wooden mould, covered with floss silk thread, and further decorated with knotted netting, applied braid, and glass beads. The end of the mould has a large flattened shape, from which hangs a ring of long, bullion metal fringe. This may be silver-gilt: untarnished parts are still true gold colour, while the majority of the fringing is tarnished black. 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 (Nat Trust member) & Julie Freeman / re soft furnishings, tassels, trimmings, braid set / Jessie, Terry (and Chris St) to view, collect"
decorative arts & design, interior decoration - history, curtain accessories, tassels
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
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).
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., 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., 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, 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 birds and flowers in brown on a paler pink 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 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 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 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.14
decorative arts & design, wallpapers -- morris & co, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history, wallpapers -- dados
non-fiction
William 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 furnishings
wallpapers - history, interior decoration - history, wall coverings - history
non-fiction
Decorating 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 notes
wallpapers - history, interior decoration - history, wall coverings - history
non-fiction
The 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-fiction
Conservation 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
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
