What is "lincrusta"

n. (alternative spelling of Lincrusta English)

Lincrusta is a deeply embossed wallcovering. A British invention, it was the brainchild of inventor Frederick Walton who earlier (1860) patented linoleum floor covering. Lincrusta was launched in 1877 and was used in a host of applications from royal homes to railway carriages. The linseed gel continues to dry for many years, so the surface gets tougher over time. Many examples over a hundred years old can still be found throughout the world.

Lincrusta is made from a paste of gelled linseed oil and wood flour spread onto a paper base. It is then rolled between steel rollers, one of which has a pattern embossed upon it. It was originally manufactured in Sunbury-on-Thames until 1918 when the manufacturing was moved to Darwen, Lancashire.

The first production of Lincrusta in the United States was in 1883 in Stamford, Connecticut. There were also factories built in 1880 at Pierrefitte, near Paris, France and by 1889 at Hannover, Northern Germany.

Lincrusta is now produced in Morecambe, Lancashire using traditional methods. Heritage Wallcoverings Ltd acquired the Lincrusta operating assets in July 2014.

Both oil-based and water-based paint can be successfully applied to Lincrusta, and it can therefore provide a base for effects from simple colour washes or marbling, scumbling, and glazing, to more elaborate gilding and ver de mer treatments.

Commonly found in Victorian properties and restoration projects, Lincrusta is also frequently used in commercial projects such as hotel foyers, bars, restaurants and casinos. Notable installations included six staterooms on the Titanic, the White House, and Roseland Cottage in Woodstock, Connecticut, where it has been completely restored and is on view to the public.