Lincrusta

A British invention, Lincrusta was the brainchild of manufacturer Frederick Walton, whose father pioneered linoleum floor covering in the 1860s. Originally launched as 'Linoleum Muralis' it was re-named 'Lincrusta-Walton' – Lin for Linum (flax, from which linseed oil is made) and Crusta (Relief), with the inventor's name being added to prevent other firms using the same title.

It was launched in 1877 and was an instant success, with a flood of enquiries from royal homes to railway carriages. Marketed as the first washable wall-covering it also appealed to the Victorians because of its durability and ornate effects. It has since stood the test of time, the luxurious, extremely hard-wearing, elegantly designed collections being as popular as ever.

No other wallpaper has a deeper emboss while at the same time offering classical grandeur and elegance. It is produced at a purpose-built factory in Morecambe, where a skilled production team continues to employ 100-year-old traditional methods and, in many cases, the original rollers, using totally natural materials. For many the big appeal of Lincrusta is that you can paint it over and over again year after year so that you have the option of changing the colour, the look and the personality of your room without the hassle of taking off the old wallpaper and hanging new.