The History of Wallpaper

Before the industrial revolution, most wallpapers would have been individually block printed and manufactured in panels. Some wallpapers – particularly the popular chinoiserie designs of the 18th century – may also have been painted by hand. This is the case for Little Greene wallpapers such as Aderyn and Belton Scenic, which demonstrate exquisite hand-painted detail.  

As both of these processes require careful handcrafting, it meant that wallpapers were originally the preserve of the elite. However, in 1830, the first surface printing wallpaper machines were invented, meaning wallpaper could now be produced in rolls on a mass-scale. When wallpapers are surface printed, inks are applied directly to the surface of the wallpaper to produce a beautiful, painterly texture. Many Little Greene wallpapers are still made using this traditional manufacturing method, giving them a real air of authenticity.