Abstract

This thesis contributes towards the understanding of nineteenth-century decorative wall-coverings by establishing a foundational understanding of the first ten years of Lincrusta-Walton, invented in 1877 by Frederick Walton (1834 –
1928), the inventor of Linoleum. As a business history, this study builds upon the very limited literary, archival and
material reference held by LINCRUSTA® by establishing and highlighting contemporary use. Additionally, an understanding of the foundation of the company will be established by scrutinising previously unexplored primary
sources from contemporary trade literature and other published materials sourced through LINCRUSTA®, Crown Paints and other relevant archives and on-line resources. Moreover, this thesis recognises and identifies the earliest dated catalogue within the public domain and establishes the first Lincrusta-Walton designs; whilst also reconciling and illuminating previously unattributed designs by Dr Christopher Dresser and contributions made to the design catalogue by Lewis Foreman Day. Additionally, discussion of the commercial, cultural and consumer history of the company will provide rigor and a contextual rationale from which Lincrusta-Walton and its significance within the home and market setting of the 1870’s and 1880’s, can be more fully appreciated and understood.