Anaglypta

Anaglypta refers to a range of paintable textured wallcoverings made from paper or vinyl. It is produced on traditional paper and paste-the-wall substrates. Anaglypta is similar to Lincrusta, except it is made of cheaper materials (Lincrusta is made from a gelled paste of linseed oil and wood flour). Because of this, Anaglypta is considerably lighter and more flexible than Lincrusta. However, it is less durable, especially since Lincrusta gets harder over time.

Origin and history

The development of Anaglypta can be traced back to the invention of Lincrusta in 1877 by Frederick Walton. It became an instant success because it was the first washable wallcovering and appealed to the Victorians because of its sanitary properties as well as its durability and ornate effects. Originally made on a linen backing, it was however, quite rigid. Because of this, an employee called Thomas John Palmer invented a similar product which, being made from wood pulp and cotton, was lighter and more flexible. This was to become Anaglypta (from the Greek words 'Ana' (meaning raised) and 'Glypta' (meaning Cameo)).