Kate Sanborn
Old Time Wall Papers
An Account of the Pictorial Papers on Our Forefathers' Walls with a Study of the Historical Development of Wall Paper Making and Decoration
"Old Time Wall Papers" by Kate Sanborn is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book provides an exploration of the art and history of wall-paper making and decoration, mapping the evolution from primitive materials to decorative papers that adorned the homes of earlier generations. It frames an insightful narrative around the significance of these wall coverings in historical homes and their cultural relevance across time. At the start of the book, the author introduces her unique collection of photographs of old wall papers and reflects on the challenges she faced while researching their history. She details her inquisitiveness about the origins of wall paper, tracing its evolution from various ancient practices, such as the use of painted mud walls and animal skins for decoration. The opening sets the stage for a broader discussion on the journey of decorative wall papers, emphasizing how the quest for reliable historical information has often encountered scarcity, reflecting the rich tapestry of human creativity and cultural interchange in the development of interior aesthetics.