British Wallpapers in a Korean Palace: Uncovering Hybrid Design at Changdeokgung
The restoration of Huijeongdang and Daejojeon at Changdeokgung Palace has uncovered an intriguing design history through layers of wallpaper. After a fire in 1917, these buildings were rebuilt in 1921, combining traditional styles with modern British interiors. While initially thought to reflect colonial influence, the wallpapers tell a richer tale, featuring original British designs mixed with Korean elements before the shift to simple white hanji. Notable findings included wallpaper pieces that matched British design archives and a faux-flock wallpaper from a sample collection at the V&A. This project, supported by Korea’s Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation, highlighted a unique fusion in Korean architectural design.
Key facts
- Restoration of Huijeongdang and Daejojeon in Changdeokgung Palace revealed British wallpapers.
- Buildings were rebuilt in 1921 after a 1917 fire during Japanese colonial period.
- Wallpaper fragments matched British design registers at The National Archives.
- Faux-flock wallpaper found in Wallpaper Manufacturers Ltd. sample book at V&A.
- Heungbokheon fragment traced to 17th-century Flemish tapestry at Wightwick Manor.
- Interiors combined British wallpapers with Korean spatial order.
- Research supported by Ministry of Education of Republic of Korea and NRF.
- Project demonstrates Korea's contemporaneous engagement with global design.
Entities
Artists
- J. G. Potter
- William Morris
Institutions
- Changdeokgung Palace
- UNESCO
- The National Archives
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Wallpaper Manufacturers Ltd.
- Morris & Co.
- Korea Heritage Service
- Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea
- National Research Foundation of Korea
Locations
- Seoul
- South Korea
- London
- United Kingdom
- Wightwick Manor
- England