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Standing Building Recording
Date 12 February 2018 - 22 February 2018
Event ID 1043527
Category Recording
Type Standing Building Recording
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1043527
NT 23368 70681 A programme of wallpaper recording was undertaken, 12 – 22 February 2018, in the entrance hall and billiard hall of New Craig, Craig House. The recording covered the well preserved remains of the original 1890s wallpaper within the entrance hall and billiard hall of the main building of the purpose-built Royal Edinburgh Asylum.
The wallpaper in the entrance hall is in the imitation style of embossed leather wall coverings, most popular in the late 19th century. The use of pressed paper with metal foil and varnish made the wallpaper more affordable. The wallpaper had been used as a frieze above the wood panelled elevations of the entrance hall of New Craig. The embossed floral elements have been coloured in with a variation of green, blue and yellow/orange. Although there are some smaller areas of damage, the wallpaper is overall in a fair condition and can be preserved in situ.
The remains of the well preserved original 1890s wallpaper was recorded in the billiard hall. This machine made, embossed wallpaper consists of golden metal foil, which has been painted over with various shades of green, red and blue. Although the gold metal foil appears to be the base colour for the wallpaper, large areas have been painted green as part of the floral design. Sections of the wallpaper along the W elevation had been removed during earlier renovation works. Furthermore, the wallpaper within the circular bay and S elevation underwent earlier restoration efforts, which caused a visible difference in its appearance. These areas are of noticeable lesser quality than the unrestored wallpaper. As the wallpaper is firmly attached to the wall, removal would cause significant damage. However, it will be possible to cover the larger panels of wallpaper in situ, and remove the previously restored wallpaper.
Archive: NRHE (intended)
Private individual
Ariane Buschmann and Frank Giecco – Wardell Armstrong Archaeology
(Source: DES Vol 19)
OASIS ID: wardella2-309971
