The preservation and recreation of historic interiors requires much preliminary investigation in order to ascertain the original wall covering schemes. This may mean working from the tiniest shred of evidence and rediscovering century-old processes of traditional woodblock printing, varnishing, gilding, embossing, hand painting and flocking. This seminar examines the methods of investigation and the influence that the results of such investigations will have on devising a suitable conservation/restoration plan for each particular situation. The variety of this work and the range of conservation/restoration solutions is illustrated with case studies.

There will be a 55min presentation followed by 15min of discussion.

Allyson McDermott is one of the world’s leading authorities on conserving and recreating historic wallpapers, and heads a practice which specialises in the Conservation and Restoration of original wallpapers and interiors; wallpaper design and printing; and historic interior design consultancy