Traces of China - Wallpaper

For centuries, tradition, trade, and artistry have connected China and Europe in ways both subtle and spectacular. Traces of China explores this cultural dialogue through one of its most unexpected legacies: wallpaper.
Presenter Amelia Hemphill takes us on a fascinating journey from 18th-century aristocratic fashion statements to today’s luxury interiors.
At Temple Newsam House, we uncover the remarkable story of Lady Hertford, whose Chinese wallpaper — gifted by the future George IV — became one of the most valuable wall coverings on public display. Conservator Allyson McDermott shows the painstaking techniques used to rescue fragile fragments, restoring their brilliance with traditional materials.
Wallpaper expert Dominic Evans-Freke explains how European demand transformed Chinese silk scrolls into panoramic designs filled with birds, butterflies, and symbols of prosperity. Meanwhile, modern artists and makers like Diane Hill are reimagining Chinoiserie for contemporary homes, making what was once the preserve of royalty accessible to many.
A journey through history, craftsmanship, and creativity, Wallpaper uncovers how a simple wall covering became a lasting icon of beauty, status, and cultural connection, carrying the traces of China.