The fine art of making wallpaper by hand, in the "machine mad" 1960s
February 20, 2016 3:18 PM Subscribe
Two short, incomplete clips of making patterned wallpaper, largely by hand, in the 1960s from British Pathé: Wallpaper (1963) made by routing sycamore wood blocks hand block printing, seen again in Perfect Match (1968) where "color mixing is still a primitive pour and stir method." Bonus: Out Takes / Cuts From Cp 433 - Wallpaper, Feather Flowers And Perspex Sculpture (1963) and see also: Lino Decor (1958)
Oh wow that '63 clip was so wonderfully jazzy and upbeat. Pure technicolor happiness.
posted by egypturnash at 3:40 PM on February 20, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by egypturnash at 3:40 PM on February 20, 2016 [3 favorites]
I loved this. It's hard to reconcile this careful work, this rich art, these striking colors with the hideous, dull wallpapers that surrounded us as we departed the '70s. I blame indoor smoking.
posted by Countess Elena at 5:03 PM on February 20, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by Countess Elena at 5:03 PM on February 20, 2016 [3 favorites]
Also: wallpaper and drape matching -- bananas? y/n
posted by Countess Elena at 5:04 PM on February 20, 2016
posted by Countess Elena at 5:04 PM on February 20, 2016
It's only bananas when the housewife's frock matches both, which actually used to be a thing.
posted by fatbird at 5:53 PM on February 20, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by fatbird at 5:53 PM on February 20, 2016 [3 favorites]
Wow. I can't imagine stamping out repeating pattern wall paper by hand for a living.
posted by Mitheral at 12:55 AM on February 21, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Mitheral at 12:55 AM on February 21, 2016 [1 favorite]
I actually shrieked a little with joy when they flocked the wallpaper. Everything about this is the best thing.
(Also, the second film is followed by a 13-minute piece all about Lurex. My love for British Pathe films knows no bounds.)
posted by kalimac at 5:57 AM on February 21, 2016 [1 favorite]
(Also, the second film is followed by a 13-minute piece all about Lurex. My love for British Pathe films knows no bounds.)
posted by kalimac at 5:57 AM on February 21, 2016 [1 favorite]
These were great, and they led to a rabbit hole filled with clay pipes, coffee shops, and matchbox cars.
posted by gamera at 12:03 AM on February 22, 2016
posted by gamera at 12:03 AM on February 22, 2016
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posted by filthy light thief at 3:25 PM on February 20, 2016