Explore the history behind our National Trust Papers
With the launch of our fourth National Trust Papers collection just around the corner, we are delving into the intriguing histories behind some of our most-loved wallpaper designs, which are derived from original patterns found at historic properties cared for by the National Trust in the United Kingdom.
Learn about the people, places and stories behind a selection of existing National Trust wallpapers, and gain an insight into how we developed our latest collection, National Trust Papers IV, launching on 22nd January…
Papers with a story to tell
Since 2020, we have collaborated with the National Trust in the United Kingdom to produce four timeless wallpaper collections that celebrate the rich history of British decoration. Each wallpaper is based on original designs from the National Trust’s revered property portfolio, including papers that still adorn ancient walls as well as fragments conserved in archive drawers. This January welcomes the launch of the fourth instalment of historic wallpaper designs, National Trust Papers IV.
To develop a new wallpaper collection, our team works behind the scenes with the National Trust to discover and select original patterns, learning the unique stories behind the papers and how they were used in each historic property in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We then diligently recreate the patterns, adapting them for use within the modern home whilst championing their historic provenance.
Every wallpaper is brought to life in a variety of contemporary colourways using shades from the Little Greene palette. This ensures that Little Greene wallpapers partner effortlessly with our paint colours to enable you to create schemes with beauty and integrity.
Both traditional and modern print processes, including digital and surface printing, are used to create the wallpapers. We choose the best printing techniques to serve the reproduction, scale, surface quality and gravitas of the individual patterns. The result is an eclectic yet easy-to-use range of papers that seamlessly transcends old and new.
Discover our Bird & Bluebell and Poppy Trail wallpapers…
With expert insight from our Head of Design, Andy Greenall, the collections team at Felbrigg Hall share the histories behind the Bird & Bluebell and Poppy Trail designs that feature in our National Trust Papers III collection.
Wallpaper: Bird and Bluebell – Pea Green (c.1830 – 1870), Ceiling: Dorchester Pink, Window Frame: Green Stone - Light, Baseboard: Puck
Wallpaper: Poppy Trail – Masquerade (c.1890–1900), Ceiling: Masquerade, Panelling & Dado: Yellow-Pink
Order Bird & Bluebell wallpaper samples
Discover our Briar Rose and Hoja wallpapers…
The collections team at Oxburgh Hall share the histories behind two designs in our National Trust Papers III collection. Our Head of Design, Andy Greenall, explains how we recreated Briar Rose and Hoja, which were originally used in rooms at this grand country house in Norfolk.
Wallpaper: Briar Rose – Green Verditer (c.1845 – 1915), Ceiling and Baseboard: Mid Azure Green, Fireplace: Green Verditer, Window Frame: Whitening
Hoja – Air Force Blue (c.Late 1890s–1900), Cupboard: Shirting, Dado & Baseboard: Air Force Blue
