Wallpaper fragment c1824

Sample of the flock wallpaper found in the Drawing Room and State Bedroom at Lydiard House. The paper is one of the earliest examples known of flock wallpaper in England. It was used in Lydiard House in c1824 following the death of George Richard St.John, 3rd Viscount Bolingbroke when the house was redecorated prior to letting.

This example shows the richness of the original colour (created from cochineal) which faded over the years.

In 1981 Thamesdown Borough Council commissioned Cole & Sons Ltd to reproduce of roles of replica paper, from the original wooden blocks, to replace the worst worn areas in Lydiard House. This enabled other English stately homes to use the design.