Wallpaper

Finding Patterns in the Past this Giving Tuesday

At Connecticut Landmarks, preservation, education, and storytelling are at the heart of our mission. At the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden, our 18th-century Réveillon wallpaper conservation project has allowed us to continue to care for an important historic resource, partner with some of the region’s most dedicated researchers, scientists, and artisans, and encourage visitors to find their home in history through educational, hands-on programming. We hope you will enjoy the video above for a look into 18th-century wallpaper-making and contemporary conservation techniques with conservators from Studio TKM Associates.

With support from the National Park Service’s Save America’s Treasures, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and generous donors, we have reached 90% of our fundraising goal for this conservation project and hope you will consider a donation this #GivingTuesday to help us reach the final 10%!

If 100 people donate just $20 today, we will reach our goal of raising $2,000 in one day!

Support the Conservation Project Today »

By Olivia Grella|2025-12-01T14:59:45-05:00December 2nd, 2025|News, Wallpaper|Comments Off

18th-Century Réveillon Wallpaper Conservation Techniques with Studio TKM Associates

Last week, Connecticut Landmarks’ Marketing & Communications Manager, Olivia, met with the conservators from Studio TKM Associates to discover more about conservation techniques used on the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden’s 18th-century Réveillon wallpaper. In this video, the conservation team shares insights into 18th-century wallpaper-making techniques, discusses the importance of using the electromagnetic spectrum and digital microscopes along with their work with Dr. Erin Mysak from Harvard University, and explores a brief history of the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden!

With support from the National Park Service’s Save America’s Treasures, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and generous donors, we have reached 90% of our fundraising goal for this conservation project and hope you will consider a donation this giving season to help us reach the final 10%!

Discover more about the wallpaper conservation project and support the work »

By Olivia Grella|2025-11-24T14:37:39-05:00November 24th, 2025|News, Preservation, Wallpaper|Comments Off

Secure Tickets for Celebrating Réveillon This Sunday!

Last year, you joined us in Suffield to celebrate the start of conservation work on the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden’s 18^th-century wallpaper. This Sunday (11/2), we invite you to return to celebrate the conclusion of this wonderful project with special guest speakers who will address the unique nature of the papers and the importance of the conservation work. Following the presentations, there will be a champagne toast to the project and the future of Phelps-Hatheway’s exquisite collection – featuring delicious macarons. As daylight wanes, explore the museum to hear from Studio TKM conservators and museum staff who will be answering questions about the history of the house and the wallpaper project.

Old York Historical Society’s Research Center Director, Peggy Wishart, will introduce guests to the fascinating history of wallpaper. Steve Larson, co-founder of Adelphi Paper Hangings, will speak on the company’s esteemed production of historically accurate, block-printed reproductions of 18^th– and 19^th century papers. Presentations will end with Deborah LaCamera, Partner and Senior Conservator at Studio TKM Associates, who will provide updates on the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden project, the team’s findings, and the conservation process.

Support for this program comes from the Suffield Greater Together Community Fund. Proceeds support wallpaper conservation. See full presenter bios here.

Learn More & Get Tickets »

By Olivia Grella|2025-10-27T12:24:50-04:00October 27th, 2025|News, Uncategorized, Wallpaper|Comments Off

Phelps-Hatheway 18th Century Wallpaper Color Analysis

Last week, the Phelps-Hatheway staff had the privilege of learning about the original Réveillon wallpapers through a fascinating color analysis conducted by scientist Erin Mysak.

Erin employs a range of advanced technologies to study colorants, including Fourier transform infrared spectromicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, visible and UV reflectance optical microscopy, as well as Raman and fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy. Portions of the wallpaper were examined on site, while a few carefully selected samples were taken to her lab for more detailed analysis.

She identified the following repeating colorants in the wallpapers:

Prussian Blue
Hematite (red ochre)
Goethite (yellow ochre)
Insect-based organic red colorant
Brochantite (a copper-based green)
Vermilion
Bone Black
Calcite
And other minor components

One of the most striking findings was that the wallpaper backgrounds were originally a vivid blue—a mixture of Prussian Blue and calcite. Like the reds and yellows, this blue has significantly faded over time. Additionally, Erin confirmed the presence of an off-white overpaint that was applied to all the papers at some point in their history.

This analysis reveals that each wallpaper features a remarkably complex color palette, much of which is only visible today in the most protected areas.

The Phelps-Hatheway wallpaper project continues to provide exciting insights into the materials, craftsmanship, and historical context of its production.

By Erin Hogan|2025-08-13T15:11:10-04:00August 13th, 2025|Wallpaper|Comments Off

Conservation Work on Phelps-Hatheway House’s Parlor Wallpaper

Studio TKM Associates were back on site in the Phelps-Hatheway House’s parlor. The team of conservators continue to re-adhere separated pieces of the wallpaper and to treat the room’s exterior corners. Paper in these narrow spaces are subject to trapped moisture, compromised air flow, and uneven light. Studio TKM Associates worked to fill numerous cracks and to mitigate damage to the inpainting completed in the 1960’s. Thanks to their fine treatment, the paper’s colors shine brightly and vulnerable areas will be protected for many years.

Discover more about the wallpaper project »

By Olivia Grella|2024-12-09T15:09:58-05:00December 9th, 2024|Preservation, Wallpaper|Comments Off

Tickets on sale for Revealing Réveillon Wallpaper Conservation Event

See conservation work in progress on November 3 and toast the start of conservation work with the team working to stabilize the Réveillon wallpaper adorning the Phelps-Hatheway House. Enjoy exclusive access to the expertise of conservators from Studio TKM Associates, who will explain and demonstrate their work caring for the papers. Attendees of this intimate gathering are invited to learn about the house and its residents while imagining the turbulence of the 1790s as two nations attempted to assert their independence—and their identities.

Proceeds from this event benefit the wallpaper conservation project at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden.

Learn more about this signature event »

By Olivia Grella|2024-10-10T14:38:08-04:00October 2nd, 2024|News, Wallpaper|Comments Off

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.

We cannot wait to share updates as the project continues to progress! Stay tuned for details on an upcoming event celebrating the start of the conservation work with the team working to stabilize the Réveillon wallpaper.

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.

Learn more about the wallpaper project >>

By Olivia Grella|2024-08-28T11:57:22-04:00August 18th, 2024|Preservation, Wallpaper|Comments Off