Wall Panelling Corporation

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Flocked wallpapers were in use right through the eighteenth century, but where in the earliest examples the background was a beige or off-white, the later design shows a darker background. In other rooms at Bridehead there are quite a collection of such papers, some of them of Victorian design. The one shown here is believed to be that of about 1795 for the room has not been `done up' since that date. The paper is held in position with a gilt edging which covers the edges and corners throughout. This edging is still very bright and has probably been re-gilded. The paper is very thick and the flocking is done in gold on a blue ground and looks very much like velvet.

 

Flocked Wallpaper in Blue and Gold

BRIDEHEAD, DORSET

c. 1795

 

This paper, unlike the earlier examples at Chillington and Ipswich, was obviously supplied in `rolls' and not small sheets, for there is no visible join' in the upright sheets although the room is very high.

 

The fireplace of marble has a polished iron grate, and was probably designed by a follower of the Adam Brothers. Such iron grates are a particular feature of the late 18th century and very beautiful most of them are. The general idea is that they are `steel' but this is a mistake. They are the finest type of beaten ironwork made before the introduction of `cast' iron. When once thoroughly polished they should keep their very brilliant lustre.

The smaller house built at this time included the seaside house or the country cottage built by the nouveau-riche for the fashionable `change of air’. Sea Bathing and the benefits to be derived from the sea breezes were beginning to over-shadow the popularity of the visit to the Baths and taking the waters at the famous watering places. It is therefore at places like Weymouth, Brighton, and Sidmouth that we find the best examples of the true Regency House­one that was built between 1810 and 1820, with its Trafalgar Balconies, French windows and distinctly `Gothic' atmosphere. There are many charming houses with long sash windows and beautifully fitted mahogany doors which have for a great many years been known as `Regency' Houses but in truth they are earlier and quite definitely still the work of the 18th century craftsman.

 

Marble Fireplace and Window with Running Shutter

ROUGEMONT HOUSE, EXETER

c. 1820