Understand the history and materiality of Western wallpaper—how it was made, how it is conserved, and the surprising, sometimes hazardous, details revealed between its layers.

Wallpaper has long been more than mere decoration: it reflects changing fashions, technologies, and social histories. This session will introduce the history and materiality of Western wallpaper, from its manufacture to the challenges of its conservation. We’ll explore the different techniques used to produce wallpaper, common causes of deterioration, and the specialised methods employed to preserve it. Along the way, we’ll uncover some of the surprising—and occasionally hazardous—ingredients and stories hidden in historic wallpapers. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how wallpaper fits into our built heritage and how best to approach its care.

About the speaker

Dr Phillipa McDonnell is a conservation specialist with expertise in architectural paint research, decorative schemes, and historic wallpaper. With over a decade of experience, she combines academic research with commercial practice at Lincoln Conservation, University of Lincoln, and is completing a doctorate on nineteenth-century house paint. Phillipa has spoken widely, published on historic decorative finishes, and contributed to the development of EU standards for architectural paint research. She is also experienced in lecturing and training, equipping professionals and students with practical knowledge of conservation methods. Her work brings overlooked elements such as wallpaper into sharper focus, highlighting their materiality, history, and conservation challenges.