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The Story of Wallpaper

Episode 2 of 3

Paul Martin looks at wallpaper from the 16th century to the present. It may seem insignificant, but governments have tried to control it and it has even threatened to poison us.

Paul Martin presents the surprisingly compelling story of wallpaper. From its origins in the 16th century to the present day, wallpaper has always had something to say about us and our tastes and aspirations. It's a journey that takes Paul from the grandest of stately homes to the poorest of two-up-two-downs, the height of luxury to industrial grime and infestation. There are some fascinating tales along the way; wallpaper may seem insignificant, but governments have tried to control it, and it's even threatened to poison us.

The programme also reveals the art and craft of wallpaper. Paul learns how to make flock wallpaper, very much a deluxe item in the 18th century, helps to uncover a rare antique piece of wallpapering from a building site, and prints the designs of Marthe Armitage. Along the way, he meets contemporary designers and makers, and tells the stories of such historical wallpaper luminaries as Pugin and William Morris.

1 hour

Music Played

  • The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra & Nic Raine

    Tigre I Drac

  • Philip Glass

    Satyagraha

  • Michael Riesman

    Aria from Act III of Satyagraha

  • Nick Cave & Warren Ellis

    Song for Jesse

  • Sigur R贸s

    Ba Ba

  • Robert Palmer

    Addicted To Love

  • UNKLE

    In A State

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Paul Martin
Director Rachel Jardine
Executive Producer Mike Poole

Broadcasts

Handmade in Britain

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