LINCRUSTA-WALTON

Lincrusta-Walton, established in 1877 by Linoleum inventor, Frederick Edward Walton (1834 – 1928), was a successful, linseed-oil based wall covering, which takes its name from the Latin ‘Linum’ meaning ‘Flax’ and ‘Crusta’ meaning ‘Bark’ or ‘Rind’.  The material, still in production, is mechanically mass-produced and has, over its 143-year history, produced exceptionally beautiful, highly versatile and popular designs by world renowned designers, artists and architects.

The production method of Lincrusta has remained unchanged since the 1870s, linseed oil ‘putty’ as it is known, is fed through embossing rollers, one is flat, and guides the paper backing, the other has the decoration. Pressure is applied creating the design and adhering the paper to the back.  Lincrusta-Walton was also manufactured under licence in France, Germany, Italy and the United States where it is known as ‘The King of Wallpapers’.