Wall Panelling Corporation

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On the previous page details of the most usual type of Tudor Interior wall panelling can be seen. The top panels were in most cases arranged to form a frieze and this frieze was ornamented in a variety of ways to suit the householder. Sometimes the wall panelling upper panels were carved or carried incised quotations from the scriptures, sometimes they held very beautiful inlaid designs-bogoak, holly, boxwood and other contrasting woods being introduced into the design. Inlay at this period was frequently introduced into all kinds of furnishings, tiny pieces being cut out and placed into a recess already prepared; this type of decoration was an ex­pensive business and required a really skilled craftsmen-it should not, however, be confused with the marquetry of a later date. Similar effects were often ob­tained by painting the wall panelling upper panels. In higher rooms where the Oak panelling did not reach to the ceiling we find that a frieze of plasterwork is frequently introduced; this might vary considerably in depth from a mere 6 inches to several feet.

As the century advanced the wall panelling of walls gradually became more com­plicated. First at regular intervals round each wall a pilaster was introduced; such pilasters in inspiration followed the Greek and Roman orders, Ionic and Corinthian capitals being the most popular. They in turn supported a cornice complete with frieze and dentils, but as the classic fashion continued to catch the fancy of builders and carpenters the original features were lost in a too enthusiastic use of other contemporary designs and motifs. Thus we find by about 1580 a pilaster covered with intricate strapwork design blossoming into a feathered capitol. The once simple squared panels were themselves carved and rearranged in a variety of shapes and sizes as can be seen in the accompany­ing sketches. One of the most popular shapes introduced into panels was that of the arch; this form was generally known as arcading and as can be clearly seen it again followed the classic example in principle, though far removed in design. Such arches sometimes contained paintings of saints, or brightly coloured urn panes of flowers, or a fragment of carving of the cut leather type.

The fashion for the decoration of the panels did not, in the average home, exceed the popularity for a plain wall panelling with carved frieze and pilasters. The most frequently used frieze design was that either composed of pothooks inter­lacing, or a simply cut out long inverted U-this type of ornament in oak panelling friezes is to be found in all parts of the country and the variety in design which so simple a motif can introduce is surprising.

Such rooms were still being introduced into new houses as late as Charles II ‘ s   reign.

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