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The Art of Wallpaper 1500-2025
One-day course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Wallpaper has often been described as the Cinderella of the decorative arts, ephemeral, down-market and un-deserving of the attention paid to architecture and textiles. Yet wallpaper has been an essential part of interior decoration for over five hundred years and has arguably figured far more significantly than most other decorations in the ways that people have embellished their homes. It has also played an important role in the development of technological innovations, contributed to changes in fashion and style, and reflected dramatic transformations in domestic taste.
This day surveys the rich and varied history of wallpaper and aims to reinstate its' reputation as one of the finest and most interesting of the decorative arts.
Led by Jo Banham, a Founder Member of the Wallpaper History Society (std 1986), the day is aimed at anyone with an interest in design, history, architecture or simply the beauty of wallpaper and is suitable for students, enthusiasts and professionals alike. It will present a comprehensive over-view of the subject together with in-depth analysis of individual examples in the V&A which houses one of the largest collections of historic wallpaper in the world. Q&A sessions following each talk will enable participants to pursue particular interests and to share their knowledge and experience with others and the final interview will offer practical advice on current styles and trends.
> Prefer the flexibility of online? Book now for The Art of Wallpaper 1500-2025 (online)
Please note, the study day will not be recorded. Suitable for participants aged 18 or over.
This day surveys the rich and varied history of wallpaper and aims to reinstate its' reputation as one of the finest and most interesting of the decorative arts.
Led by Jo Banham, a Founder Member of the Wallpaper History Society (std 1986), the day is aimed at anyone with an interest in design, history, architecture or simply the beauty of wallpaper and is suitable for students, enthusiasts and professionals alike. It will present a comprehensive over-view of the subject together with in-depth analysis of individual examples in the V&A which houses one of the largest collections of historic wallpaper in the world. Q&A sessions following each talk will enable participants to pursue particular interests and to share their knowledge and experience with others and the final interview will offer practical advice on current styles and trends.
> Prefer the flexibility of online? Book now for The Art of Wallpaper 1500-2025 (online)
Please note, the study day will not be recorded. Suitable for participants aged 18 or over.
Study Day Leader
Jo Banham
Jo Banham is a freelance writer, lecturer and curator. She has worked at many museums and galleries devising programmes of lectures at the V&A, the National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain and the Royal Academy. She has curated exhibitions and published extensively on aspects of interior decoration.
I loved every minute. It was a wonderful and varied programme. Completely absorbing. Previous V&A Academy Course Attendee
Course overview
The day begins with an exploration of wallpapers’ origins and charts its development from a humble product used in modest houses to a highly sought-after luxury appropriate for grand and wealthy homes.
The second talk highlights 19th century innovations in production - the move from traditional methods of block-printing to the development of mass-production, the elimination of dangerous substances like arsenic, and the discovery of new techniques for making washable ‘Sanitary’ papers and relief decorations like Lincrusta Walton and Anaglypta.
The final talk reviews the work of the inter-war and modern periods. Art Deco and Bauhaus papers set the tone for new styles in the 1920s and 30s, to be followed by the striking contribution of mid-century and Op and Pop styles from 1950-80.
At the end of this session we are joined by the leading stylist and designer, Kate Watson-Smyth, creator of the award-wining website, Mad About the House, for a discussion of how best to use and choose from the myriad examples of wallpapers available today.
V&A Academy. A learning environment you can trust.
Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Get precious time with incredible exemplars, as well as with our expert tutors and your fellow learners.
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One-day course: The Art of Wallpaper 1500-2025
19 March 2026
£100.00
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
Header image: Design by C. F. A. Voysey for a wallpaper or textile, London, about 1900, © Victoria and Albert Museum, London