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Flock Wallpapers

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Flock Wallpapers

Based on a centuries old technique, flock wallpaper was devised as a means of imitating velvet and textile wall coverings.

Flock wallcovering gets its name from the process of "flocking," in which short fibres of powdered silk, wool or flock are applied to an adhesive-coated surface. As the fibres are extremely short, the effect resembles that of velvet.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, flock wallpapers were very popular due to their durability and, the turpentine-based adhesive solution, which repelled moths, a typical problem for other textiles. The patterns for flock wallpapers took inspiration from damask, brocade and cut-velvet curtains and tapestries.

Originally, flock wallpapers came in both large and small patterns. The largest patterns would repeat every 6 or 7 feet, appropriate for the largest and most formal rooms. For smaller, more private rooms, shorter patterns, characterised by the repetition of small designs were created.

Well known designers and trend setters of their time, such as Owen Jones, William Morris and A.W. N. Pugin produced flocked wallpaper patterns. Some of the designs have been preserved and can still be viewed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Flock wall coverings were initially only used by the aristocracy and the very wealthy. Thanks to advancements in the wallpaper industry, flock paper no longer poses a limiting expense, and its aesthetic effect still evokes luxury. The contemporary flock wallpapers are available in a vast variety of patterns to suit any room's design needs. They can be removed easily, often available with convenient vinyl backings. Flock designs provide an alternative to textile wallcoverings with similarly ornate designs.

Fabricsandpapers.com has a huge range of flock wallpapers from suppliers including Cole &Son, Designers Guild, GP & J Baker, Osborne & Little and Zoffany.

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