Decorator's specimen panel showing dado, filling and frieze wallpaper patterns printed as a single drop
Possibly designed by Bruce Talbert (1838-81)
Produced by Jeffrey & Co.
About 1875-8
Colour print from woodblocks
Museum no. E.656-1953

Wall decorations divided in this way were first described in C.L. Eastlake's 'Hints on Household Taste' (1868) where he recommended such schemes as a way of breaking up the monotony of a single pattern on the wall. They became a popular feature of Aesthetic interiors, printed in muted 'art' colours that owed much to Morris's influence.

The rules for designing such papers were set out by a writer in the 'Journal of Decorative Art' in 1886: 'the frieze should be light and lively; richer colours should be employed than in the filling, and it should be as striking to the eye as the dado.' The filling - the largest area of the wall - was the background to any paintings hung from the picture rail and so it was generally the least assertive pattern of the three.