Historic paintwork
Despite the fact that in the past, painted surfaces were generally quite commonly used, there is very little historic paintwork which survives intact. Painting was common because either wallpaper had not yet been invented or was so highly taxed it could only be afforded by the wealthy. Many of the best and most historically interesting surfaces lie under many layers of newer paint or wallpaper which make them difficult to access.
The practice of painting internal decoration – such as cornices and friezes – was common although oak panelling was prized enough to allow its natural character to be expressed. In contrast, humble pine panelling might have been painted to emulate more expensive wood types, such as mahogany or walnut, or might be embellished with painted, simulated mouldings to heighten the contrast between shadow and light. Carved detail may have been emphasised with a layer of gilding or picked out in contrasting colours.
Before the early nineteenth century, most rooms contained little furniture; this prompted designers and decorators to pay greater attention to the decoration of walls and ceilings. Without such decoration, small-scale detail could have become lost in candlelight.
Paints were usually oil- or water-based and often difficult to remove. The commonest were those based on a mix of lime or distemper and could be applied to surfaces that did not have a very fine finish.
Walls to be painted with oil-based paint required more preparation, but the versatility of oil paint allowed more effects to be achieved. The resulting shades would be neutral in tone but colour could be added if it was afforded. When colour was not required, shadow effects created by varying shades of grey could sometimes be added to ornament in order to create greater relief.
Walls, furniture and curtains may have been given heightened contrast by strategically applied stencilling in a variety of patterns and colours. This could also have been directly applied to furniture. ‘Japanned’ or painted furniture became popular in the period between the late-18th and early 19th centuries.
Historic paint can be removed by either using chemicals, scraping or burning off. However, removing layers can also mean removing layers of potentially interesting history. If removal is undertaken without proper recording, it may be difficult to properly authenticate whatever design is instigated.
Some have argued that historic interiors are best represented in the colours of the period in question. These would normally have been chosen to suit the available light, be that candle, oil, gas or electricity. Generally, a gloomily-lit room would usually have been better suited to lighter-coloured walls.
Many historic interiors which have been repeatedly overpainted may conceal a rich history of authentic wallpapers lying below the surface. Lifting a dado, rail albeit temporarily, may reveal the original wallpaper that was used and may therefore serve as a guide to any restoration which may follow.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
IHBC NewsBlog
Stirling Prize-winning Salford building to be demolished
The Centenary Building will be bulldozed as part of the wider £2.5bn Crescent regeneration project
Volunteers work to transform 100-year-old ‘hidden’ building into bothy
The building, named Druimnashallag, is located southeast of Oban.
The new ‘Arches for HERs’ Demo site, from the Getty Conservation Institute via HE
It shows how organisations responsible for historic environment records (HER) management can benefit from its powerful features.
ICOMOS-CIF 2024 Symposium celebrates 40th anniversary in Venice
It aims to critically review current practices and theories of conservation of built heritage around the world, and more.
HES establishes new national centre for retrofit of traditional buildings
HES plans to develop the centre follows £1m of funding from UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council.
High Court rejects oral appeal against tower block decision in historic Bloomsbury
The request was for a full Judicial Review hearing against Camden Council’s approval of a 74m-high tower block in Bloomsbury.
Mayor of London and Government announce bold plans to transform Oxford Street
Plans include turning the road into a traffic-free pedestrianised avenue, creating a beautiful public space.
Crystal Palace Subway, for 160th anniversary
The remarkable Grade II* listed Crystal Palace Subway in South London begins a new era following major restoration.
National Trust brings nature back to an area twice the size of Manchester in less than a decade
The National Trust has achieved its aim of creating or restoring 25,000 hectares of priority habitat on its land by 2025.
18th-century hospital in York to become sustainable homes
A former mental health establishment founded by a Quaker in 1792 is to be converted into 120 energy-efficient homes in York.