A cheap substitute for tapestries, they came of age in the 19th century when paper could be made in long rolls and colour printing had improved.
interior
Small clocks inside glass bell cases on the mantelpiece, and longcase clocks ticking away the time as items of furniture. But these are rare examples until the 20th century.
Fireplaces and hearths, from a small town in the country, a dozing fisherman’s wife copied by Vincent van Gogh, a fire in a studio, and those in suburban homes.
Although of ancient origin, it took 7 centuries for Europeans to use them to cover the floor. They can be exotic in chinoiserie, luxuriant, worn and threadbare, or vibrant.
Forgotten until revived in 2005, his paintings now fetch millions. Hauntingly empty, almost monochrome, and often with his wife facing away from the viewer.
From those run and staffed by religious orders around 1600 to the 19th century’s revolution in nursing, and dazzlingly white interiors with radiators.
Stairs to fall down, to sit in disgrace, or pose with your sibling? Stairs winding up and defying gravity, bearing ballet dancers, or in a Gothic prison.
Paintings by Gustave Courbet, Paul Signac, Marie Bracquemond, Vincent van Gogh, LA Ring, Carl Larsson, Maurice Denis, William McGregor Paxton, Édouard Vuillard, and Pierre Bonnard.
A grand castle kitchen, the element fire, Vermeer’s milkmaid, a witch’s kitchen for Faust, a rotund cardinal tasting the sauce, and in a humble apartment in London.
With Bonnard inside Marthe’s bathroom for some mirror play, exuberant decor, and her soaking in the tub.
The Eclectic Light Company 