A collection of 18th century and early 19th century decorative papers
A specimen collection of decorative papers, compiled around 1700 and held as a record of printed wallpaper and paper patterns, with no maker or place given in the record. The four pictures show sheets of block-printed floral and scrolling patterns in pale cream and rust tones, with the earliest designs leaning toward dense tendril-and-flower repeats. A designer could take from them the all-over pattern density, the rhythm of symmetrical scroll panels, and the way small blossoms fill a ground.
