NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Wallpapers in Historic Preservation

This report has been only suggestive at best. As is true for any phase of restoration work, it is impossible to give broad generalized instructions for wallpaper care and replacement that will always be applicable. Cautious and inquisitive testing of techniques is always necessary.

It is equally impossible to adequately illustrate all of the types of wallpaper patterns, even in generalized terms, which were used from the 18th through the early 20th centuries in this country. Hopefully, the report has provided elementary guidance about where to go for identification of samples and for advice about patterns appropriate to a given house, as well as guidance to expertise in restoring and replacing papers. At the very least, it will sensitize more restorationists to the importance of looking for and preserving wallpaper as part of any preservation project.