On Sunday, November 2 from 2 p.m.–6 p.m., the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden, a Connecticut Landmarks Museum, invites guests to celebrate the conclusion of its 18th-century Parisian wallpaper conservation project during “Celebrating Réveillon.” Special presentations by historic wallpaper experts Peggy Wishart, Steve Larson and Deborah LaCamera will address the unique nature of the papers and the importance of conservation work. Following the presentations, there will be a champagne toast to the project and the future of Phelps-Hatheway’s exquisite collection – featuring delicious macarons. As daylight wanes, explore the museum to hear from Studio TKM conservators and museum staff who will be answering questions about the history of the house and the wallpaper project.
Guests at “Revealing Réveillon” partaking in a conservation demonstration by Studio TKM Associates. Image courtesy of Connecticut Landmarks.
The 18th-century wallpaper in the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden tells the history of Connecticut during the American Revolution and the lifestyle of its inhabitant, Oliver Phelps, through its intricate designs. Four of the museum’s rooms contain the original Parisian Louis XVI wallpapers by Jacquemart et Bernard with wood blocks made by Jean-Baptiste Réveillon. Today, it is one of the oldest, largest extant wallpaper collections in the United States contained within one of the most complete collections of late 18th-century woodworking and interior decoration. Discover more about the history of the house and its wallpaper at ctlandmarks.org/wallpaper.
In 2023, Connecticut Landmarks received a grant from the National Park Service’s Save America’s Treasures Historic Preservation Fund to assess, document, and stabilize the collection of Réveillon wallpaper in the house. Studio TKM Associates of Somerville, Massachusetts was chosen to assess and document the condition of the paper, analyze key color and design elements for conservation, and stabilize the paper in place.
Since June 2024, Studio TKM conservators have undertaken an ambitious program of cleaning, surface stabilization, mold remediation, plaster repair, and careful inpainting of the wallpaper. Color scientist Erin Mysak has conducted a detailed analysis of the wallpaper color palette, revealing previously unknown insights into the wallpapers’ original manufacture and appearance. The project will conclude with comprehensive recommendations for the future care and preservation of the wallpapers.
“Celebrating Réveillon” is a continuation of last year’s event, “Revealing Réveillon,” which celebrated the start of conservation work. To commemorate the end of the project, the November 2 event will feature a new lineup of guest speakers. Old York Historical Society’s Research Center Director, Peggy Wishart, will introduce guests to the fascinating history of wallpaper. Steve Larson, co-founder of Adelphi Paper Hangings, will speak on the company’s esteemed production of historically accurate, block-printed reproductions of 18th- and 19th century papers. Presentations will end with Deborah LaCamera, Partner and Senior Conservator at Studio TKM Associates, who will provide updates on the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden project, the team’s findings, and the conservation process. Full presenter bios are available to read at ctlandmarks.org/celebrating-reveillon.
Tickets for “Celebrating Réveillon” are on sale now and cost $40 per person or $30 per Connecticut Landmarks Member. Tickets and information are available at ctlandmarks.org/celebrating-reveillon.
Support for “Celebrating Réveillon” comes from the Suffield Greater Together Community Fund. Ticket proceeds support the wallpaper conservation.
About the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden
The Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden is located at 55 S. Main Street, Suffield, CT. It is open for tours June through October on the 2nd Sunday of the month from 1 p.m.– 4 p.m. For hours and more information, visit www.ctlandmarks.org; https://www.facebook.com/PhelpsHathewayHouseAndGarden/; or call (860) 668-0055.