Throughout the house, Linley often used several contrasting wallpapers and finishes on a single wall. This was probably guided by influential books on home decoration such as Charles Lock Eastlake’s Hints on Household Taste which advised readers that “paperhanging should in no case be allowed to cover the whole space of a wall from skirting to ceiling.” On the staircase Sambourne combined a William Morris paper at the top with a section of Japanese embossed paper underneath, followed by a Greek key pattern border, paint, and a marble effect skirting. All of these different patterns and colours were in keeping with the fashionable aesthetic style, which was known for its stylised natural motifs and Japanese influenced design.
Late 19th century
Paper
Image and text © The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London.
Where you'll find this
Sambourne House
Permanent collection