The Chinese Dressing Room at Belvoir Castle is decorated in early 19th Century hand-painted Chinese Export wallpaper. This was originally brilliantly coloured with a vibrant blue background and crimson, purple and yellow flowers. Unfortunately, the delicate organic colours faded and dirt and smoke from fires and candles over the years had been absorbed into the paper creating a dull grey appearance, draining the room of its character and life.

The Chinese Wallpaper was almost beyond repair – dirt, mould and dust had drained the wallpaper, and the only sense of the richness of the original, unfaded colour, was a small area protected by furniture.

We knew something had to be done! Therefore, after a 3-month endeavour, utilising the expertise of conservators, we reduced staining and acidity alongside removing considerable amounts of dirt. As part of the project, the wallpaper underwent surface cleaning, aqueous treatment, removal of loose and damaged paper, and toning/retouching using natural pigments. We were delighted with the outcome of this project, having used our best endeavours to conserve, consolidate and preserve a paper which was almost beyond redemption.

The project made considerable differences to the Chinese Dressing Room and the Castle’s overall heritage offering. The project brought life back to this room – preserving a paper which was almost beyond repair!