Roy Webb wallpapering at Lydiard House, 1981

The Direct Labour Organisation of Swindon Council undertook much of the post war restoration and decoration of Lydiard House. Swindon born painter and decorator Roy Webb was at the top of the tree. He had attended Swindon College and taken his City and Guild qualification; his level of skill meant he was chosen for the most prestigious jobs.

In 1982 this included his being trusted to paper parts of the Drawing Room and State Bedroom with specially made replica wallpaper, costing £120 a roll - a huge sum at the time. The work was recorded in an article in the Swindon Evening Advertiser - Roll on! What a price which says that the works were made possible by a grant from the Museum Council for the South West and that contemporary flock wallpaper usually cost around £16.50 a roll.

Roy also had a great sense of fun and we are grateful to his family for allowing us to share some sneaky snaps of Roy wearing Lord Bolingbroke's top hat and tails.

At Lydiard Roy worked with Mick Woods, Don Elliott and identical twins - the Burkett brothers. We would love to hear from them.