What is Lincrusta?

Frank answers a few questions about Lincrusta:

Lincrusta-Walton was the ingenious invention of Frederick Walton in 1877, who had pioneered the development of linoleum floor coverings in the 1860’s. He saw the Victorians’ love of ornate plaster work and his washable wallcovering soon became a popular alternative because of its beauty, practicality and durability. Designs quickly found their way into a huge variety of applications from royal homes to railway carriages, as well as notable buildings throughout the world, including The White House.

One interesting story comes from a decorator who attended a course in Darwen, Lancashire in the 1970’s. The story goes, that when John F Kennedy became US President, his wife took on the redecoration of The White House. A badly damaged Lincrusta dado was discovered in one of the White House rooms and The Wallpaper Manufacturers Ltd, Darwen, then owners of Lincrusta, were contacted. The original rollers were found to enable a re-run of the pattern to the delight of Jackie Kennedy!

Lincrusta has stood the test of time and is now made in Morecambe, Lancashire, still using traditional methods. Both water resistant and fire retardant, yet made from natural ingredients with Linseed as the base, making Lincrusta so versatile and suitable for installation in any room.

Lincrusta ‘Amelia’ design installed as a bathroom feature wall.

My love for Lincrusta started when I first began decorating, over 30 years ago. I’ve always admired the decorative details of things, especially in historical properties.

More than a wallcovering

I am always looking for new uses for Lincrusta, for example, I successfully installed Lincrusta Amelia as a kitchen splash-back (chosen for the un-fussy design). This example is finished in copper, and, over 5 years later it has proved to be incredibly durable and easy to wipe clean.

Lincrusta installed as a kitchen splashback by Frank Holmes Fine Decor

Can Lincrusta be repainted?

As Lincrusta ages, it also ‘cures’ / hardens, making it extremely durable, lasting for years to come. That is why you see many historical installations still wearing well today. Lincrusta once installed and primed, can then be painted in any finish to suit your interior style and personal taste. Just re-paint it for a fresh new look!

Adding Decorative Effects

The luxurious textures of Lincrusta, in range of classic or contemporary designs, lend themselves perfectly to adding decorative finishes or highlights – I enjoy the creativity of exploring the possibilities!  One of my personal favourites is an aged ceramic paint effect, which worked well on Lincrusta Kelmscott design as an inlay for a Victorian Pot Cupboard.

A range of effects by Frank Holmes Fine Decor applied to Lincrusta Italian Renaissance design.

Is it possible to repair Lincrusta?

On occasions, Lincrusta may need repairing, perhaps as a result of property renovations and remodelling. Many of the original heritage designs were lost due to the metal production rollers being melted down for the war effort. But, if your Lincrusta pattern is no longer available, there is good news because it is possible to take a mould of a good area to replicate and restore the damaged section. This method is particularly useful when many coats of paint applied over the years has caused some of the decorative detail to be lost, in which case replacing with a new Lincrusta piece would be too obvious, so taking a mould and replicating panels as required would be more sympathetic with the original installation.

Customised Pieces and Commissions

A Concept piece – a customised large steamer trunk covered in Lincrusta Amelia, and then gilded with a stunning variegated metal foil. This was a labour of love – time consuming and incredibly technical to cut templates for each piece of Lincrusta to perfectly fit each panel, before adding the stunning variegated metal gilding foil and sealing to protect it. See the customised Steamer Trunk here.

I take commissions for bespoke trunks, clients love the unique one-off customised design just for them, perfect for making a statement and useful storage.

One if the most interesting Lincrusta projects I’ve worked on was creating 2 bespoke Lincrusta headboard features for a boutique hotel. A copper effect was chosen for the first room, featured the Lincrusta brochure, but for the second installation, I showed the client one of my creative experiment boards and he had to have it! – Lincrusta Elizabeth design painted in an off-white, finished with gilded Dutch Gold highlights to the raised relief detail.  The frames were also gilded for an added touch of luxury – who can tell it’s not the real thing!

I have since been commissioned by QSF Lancaster to create another bespoke Lincrusta feature wall in a third guestroom, the ‘Elizabeth’ design was chosen again, and finished in a dark grey base with gilded copper foil highlights for added opulence!

Why employ an Approved Lincrusta Installer?

Lincrusta is a heavy, embossed wallcovering and isn’t installed like a traditional wallpaper - First, each piece of Lincrusta needs to be hand trimmed before it is installed, because the production process creates a protective salvage strip along the roll edges to protect the detail. Also, cutting around features such as fireplaces, etc. can be tricky so know-how for handling Lincrusta is essential. As an Approved Lincrusta Installer with advanced level training from Lincrusta, you can rest assured of the highest standard of workmanship from Frank Holmes Fine Decor.

Even though my work is mainly across northwest England, including Lancashire, the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, I take each enquiry on its merit. I have previously worked on a project in France and also in Vancouver, Canada.

Frank Holmes, Approved Lincrusta Installer & Restorer

Morecambe, England

email@frankholmesltd.com / 01524 853245