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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.

The detached gimp has some (but perhaps not much) historical significance, having some association with highly decorated suite of curtains DAD-035-0001.

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

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

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 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-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