Photographer Unknown, (Damask Wallpaper and Man)
Damask is a figured fabric with a pattern visible on both sides, typically used for table linen and upholstery. The name comes from the Middle English word ‘Damaske, an early form of the name of Damascus where the fabric was first produced.
The earliest paper wall-hangings imitated the tapestries that came before them and therefore the textile designs. The earliest known wallpaper is thought to be a damask. It was found in Master’s Lodge in Christ’s College, Cambridge. It is traditionally dated to around 1509 but is more probably late 16th century. It has a pomegranate design derived from a fabric.
Hand-painting, woodblock painting and stencilling were the main techniques for creating patterns on wallpapers. This was up until 1700 when new methods were introduced. In 1840 roller-printing wallpaper replaced hand-printing techniques. This meant that production became cheaper and much quicker.
This new affordability trickled down to the consumer and the Victorian period saw a boom in damask wallpaper. Now, the aspirational classes could introduce damask into their homes. The early Victorian era was about strong colours and larger designs. In contrast, the following Edwardian period saw less colour and more subtlety.