Revealing Wallpaper Details During the Phelps-Hatheway House Conservation Project
During recent site visits, the conservation team at Studio TKM Associates, along with freelance conservation scientist Erin Mysak, analyzed the 18th-century wallpaper to understand where it has been altered, damaged, and impacted by 230 years on the walls at the Phelps-Hatheway House. Following photographic documentation, they examined sections of the original paper that have long been hidden underneath the border detail papers. Carefully, they removed samples for further analysis in their labs. Through this work, they will be able to understand the pigments, chemicals, and processes used to produce this historic wallpaper and apply that knowledge to other collections in Connecticut and around the world.
This work requires significant investment to ensure the safety of the precious wallpaper for centuries to come. We would like to thank the generous donors who have supported this project thus far. Please consider a donation to help match the grant funding that allowed us to start this work.