Desperate appeal for old Glasgow Tenement wallpaper

Researchers are attempting to uncover interior design styles that were used throughout the city from the 1800s until the 1950s.

It comes as The National Trust for Scotland is urging Glaswegians to look out old photographs, wallpaper scraps, reciepts, and other clues to create a time capsule exhibition.

Emma Inglis is looking for old wallpaper styles (Image: Sourced)

Emma Inglis, National Trust for Scotland Curator for Glasgow and the West, said: “We’re curious to know more about the decorating choices of the past.

“At the Tenement House, we are fortunate to have been left a few clues in the form of old wallpapers.

“One of the best examples of these has a design of beautiful dark pink roses arranged in a wreath, set against a dark green background and reminiscent of the early 20th-century Glasgow Style.

“Other pieces are less distinctive, although most are variations on leaves and flowers.

“They would have brought much-needed colour into rooms that were originally subdued under gas light.

“The kitchen and hall wallpapers were varnished to make them easier to clean and more hard-wearing.

“In many tenements, the kitchen doubled as a living and sleeping space and was often decorated with wallpaper to reflect these functions.”

The National Trust for Scotland is looking for more samples (Image: Gordon Terris)

If enough pieces are contributed the project will be showcased in the city’s Garnethill area.

This will be the first-ever archive of wallpapers used throughout tenements across the city which featured various styles since their construction.

The National Trust for Scotland wants to understand the decoration choices used in Glasgow tenements (Image: Gordon Terris)

Emma added: “My historical research of typical tenement style décor has shown that the popular wall coverings haven’t been well studied.

“We’re appealing to help fill the gaps in our knowledge and to document the different styles used around the turn of the century.

“We are hoping to develop a small exhibition at the Tenement House if we receive enough examples and those wishing to send in their examples can do so via our Facebook page.

“Together, let’s start to build a picture of interior decorating, tenement-style.”

Some old styles have already been saved (Image: Gordon Terris)

Those wishing to submit photography, wallpaper scraps and other items can share them via the National Trust for Scotland’s Facebook post.

The ‘Tenement Style’ project supports the National Trust for Scotland’s vision to provide access to nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, as outlined in its 10-year strategy, launch in 2022.

This project contributes to its conservation and engagement objectives to speak up for heritage that doesn’t have a voice and provide inspiring heritage visitor experiences.