Stencils on Nineteenth Century Walls

19th-Century Stencilling

• In her book "American Wall Stenciling, 1790-1840," author Ann Eckert Brown describes how the popularity of stenciling grew rapidly in post-Revolutionary America. Less expensive and more sanitary than wallpaper, stenciling was also considered to be a more-stylish and less-impersonal option, and was commonly used throughout New England. Brown has done extensive research on stenciling of this era, providing readers with numerous photos and illustrations of stencils in a variety of styles while weaving together the stories of those who worked to preserve and restore this art form.

A Vanishing Art

• Finding original stencils from that era is rare, as stenciling eventually went out of fashion and hand-stencilled walls in home from that era were either wallpapered or painted over by subsequent generations. In fact, the stencil designs from that era that have survived have been attributed to only 15 artists, who would travel from town to town throughout New England to ply their trade. Among the best-known and most prolific of these artisans was Moses Eaton, Jr., whose work dates from between 1800 and 1840. Stenciling remained the wall decoration of choice until the price of wallpaper became more affordable toward the turn of the century. By the early 20th century, the art of stenciling had all but vanished from American homes.

Stencil House

• Shelburne Museum, located in Shelburne, Vermont, features a diverse collection of New England art and history, including 25 historic buildings. One of these is known as Stencil House, one of the few intact examples of authentic 19th-century wall stenciling. As its name suggests, the house contains extensive hand-painted stenciling throughout, including the entrance hall, parlor and dining room. When Shelburne Museum acquired the house, which was built in 1804, in the 1950s, the intricately stenciled walls could be seen through tears in the wallpaper, although the full extent of the stenciling wasn't apparent until the house was moved from its original location to the museum grounds.

Recreating Victorian Stencils

• Hand-painted stencils can provide a classic Victorian look that can't be replicated with wallpaper. As a result, stenciling is becoming increasingly popular with designers who look to the past when developing new ideas for current decor. Some companies offer authentic 19th-century stencils on precut Mylar, which allows easy reuse of the stencils.