Wallpaper is high fashion again, literally so in the wallcovering ranges launched by Gucci in 2003 and Benetton, via CWV, in 2004. Innovation has been fuelled by technology (with developments such as multi-coloured lithographed dry rub-off transfers, to decorate walls with seemingly hand-painted motifs), by environmental concerns (with non-wovens, or vlies, which breathe and create no harmful residues), and by the perfect design antidote to white-walled minimalism in a profusion of retro, luxury, naturalistic, humorous, artistic or high-tech ideas.<BR>The Papered Wall, now brought completely up to date with a new and fully illustrated chapter on recent trends and a thorough reworking of its invaluable reference section, including suppliers of historic patterns and collections open to the public, is the only international history of the subject from its origins to today's digital and laser printing.<BR>Beginning with the individually painted sheets that formed the first papers in the 15th century, this authoritative volume by leading experts in five countries unfolds the story of wallpaper: it encompasses English flocked papers with repeats as large as seven feet, spectacular French panoramas encircling an entire room, and exquisitely printed bowers of roses; by 1900 technical inventiveness had put new kinds of wallcoverings and a vast choice of patterns before a world-wide market; design was revitalized by reformers like William Morris; and the 20th century saw a struggle between traditional ideas and radically 'modern' styles - Jugendstil, Art Deco, Bauhaus, and post-war 'Contemporary' designs.