The Story of Wallpaper
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.
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Clips
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Chopped up wool
Duration: 02:29
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Painting flock wallpaper
Duration: 01:22
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British flock wallpaper
Duration: 01:25
Music Played
Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes
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00:17The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra & Nic Raine
Tigre I Drac
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00:21Philip Glass
Satyagraha
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00:22Michael Riesman
Aria from Act III of Satyagraha
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00:26Nick Cave & Warren Ellis
Song for Jesse
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00:39Sigur R贸s
Ba Ba
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00:54Robert Palmer
Addicted To Love
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00:55UNKLE
In A State
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Paul Martin |
| Director | Rachel Jardine |
| Executive Producer | Mike Poole |
Handmade in Britain
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