Historic stenciling and decorative stencil work

We trace, match, recreate and reinstate original stencil patterns found in historic and heritage interiors, from civic and public buildings to period and private homes. Existing decoration is carefully studied to reproduce the original design, scale, repeat and colour as faithfully as possible.

Samples are prepared and agreed before full application, allowing the finished work to sit naturally alongside the surviving decoration and within the character of the interior.

Silvano was commissioned to develop a bespoke stencil scheme sympathetic to the character and proportions of a Victorian mansion drawing room.

The project involved researching appropriate period decorative motifs, developing and refining the design, creating the stencils by hand, and applying the finished decoration directly to the walls so it frames the existing panels without overpowering the architecture.

At St Francis de Sales Church in Walton, we carried out the restoration and reinstatement of historic decorative stencil work affected by water infiltration.

The moisture had caused areas of the original plaster to deteriorate and crumble, resulting in the loss of sections of the decorative scheme. Unsound plaster was carefully removed and replaced using traditional lime plaster, selected to remain compatible with the historic fabric of the building.

Once the new plaster had cured, surviving areas of decoration were studied to recreate the original pattern, scale and colour palette. The missing stencil work was then carefully reapplied by hand, allowing the restored areas to blend naturally with the surviving historic decoration while preserving the character of the original interior.

In the early 19th century, artisans created decorative wallpapers by joining individual rectangular sheets of paper together and applying a ground colour. The decorative patterns were then built up by hand, using heavy paper or metal stencils to apply each pigment colour individually.

At Werneth Hall, a framed domino stencilled wall panel had suffered losses and filler repairs. After stabilisation, the missing pattern was reinstated by hand following the surviving design, colour by colour through paper stencils.