
A brief history of wallpaper
Discover the fascinating design history of wallpaper through our vast collection
Whatever you have in your rooms think first of the walls for they are that which makes your house and home
William Morris
For most of its history, wallpaper has been the poor relation of the decorative arts. Fragile, ephemeral, and easy to replace, wallpaper has often disappeared from the historical record. The V&A began collecting wallpapers from its foundation in 1856, and today has one of the finest collections in the world.
Read more See lessDiscover the fascinating design history of wallpaper through our vast collection
How the Great Exhibition of 1851 kick-started a programme of raising standards in wallpaper design
Find out about the rise and fall of the most velvety of wallpapers
Tracing the popularity and eventual rejection of wallpapers imitating architecture
The introduction of Chinese wallpapers in the 17th century sparked a fashion that lasted a century
Many of Morris's wallpapers are still used to decorate modern homes. But when they first appeared they struggled to win universal acclaim.
How Californian artists Fallen Fruit created a unique 'fruity' portrait of the V&A
Bring the Museum’s extraordinary collection to life with books, bags and more