The History and Modern Revival of Spanish Leather Wallpapers
Schloss Wessenstein: Diese einzigartigen Ledertapeten wurden aus Ziegenhäuten gefertigt. Foto: Peter Weckbrodt
Step into the lavish world of leather wallpaper, a luxurious wall covering born from the realms of genuine leather. Often hidden in the opulent chambers of Baroque castles, this article takes you on a captivating journey through the origins, evolution, and various uses of this exquisite decor choice.
From its noble beginnings in the Baroque era to its meandering path through Spain, France, Italy, Germany, and Northern Europe, where it earned names like "goudleer" or "gold leather," leather wallpaper graced the walls of palaces and the homes of affluent merchants. Join us as we explore the sumptuous history of this decorative art, with glimpses into remarkable places like the Moritzburg hunting and baroque castle in Saxony. However, as the 18th century dawned, printed and painted paper wallpapers emerged, leading to the gradual transformation of leather wallpaper. Yet, the allure of leather wallpaper endures, and its resurgence in contemporary design speaks to the enduring charm of this centuries-old tradition. Prepare to unravel the intricate threads of its past and discover the timeless elegance of leather wallpaper.
Worker entering the Gate to the Medina in Marrakech. Image by Marifaktur.at
Image: Bird Room Bird_Room at Wawel Castle
1. The Origins of Leather Wallpaper
The origins of leather wallpaper can be traced back to the Moors, who are believed to have introduced this exquisite wall covering to Spain. The names associated with leather wallpaper, such as "peaux d'Espagne" (Spanish skin), "Korduanleder" (Cordovan leather), or "Guadamiciles," hint at its Moorish heritage. Guadamiciles even references the ancient city of Ghadames in Libya. The name "Korduan" is a nod to Córdoba in Andalusia, the former capital of the Umayyad Caliphate of Al-Andalus in the Middle Ages, where the craft of tanning leather was extensively practiced and traded.
A tannery in Marrakech, Morocco, where leather products are processed and produced. Image by Marifaktur.at
The Moors brought thinly tanned leather from calves, sheep, and goats to Spain. These leather sheets were adorned with ornamental paintings, gilding, and embossing after applying silver leaf or varnish.
During the Baroque era, leather wallpaper became a preferred wall covering. From Spain, it spread through France and Italy to Germany, the Netherlands (known as "goudleer" or "gold leather"), and Northern Europe. Palaces and the homes of affluent merchants were adorned with leather wallpaper. For instance, the Moritzburg hunting and baroque castle in Saxony featured these lavish wall coverings. However, as the Classical period of the 18th century emerged, leather wallpaper gradually gave way to printed or painted paper wallpapers.
Gyldenlæder (golden leather). Wall leather covering, embossed. On the manor Rosenholm, Denmark Image: Wikipedia
Ledertapete, um 1750, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, New York Image: Wikipedia
2. The Rise and Fall of Leather Wallpaper
Once a symbol of opulence, leather wallpaper adorned the walls of castles and noble residences. However, over time, these ornate leather wallpapers became a relic of the past. In the 18th century, the first paper wallpapers began replacing golden leather wallpapers, often referred to as Guadamiciles.
The largest collection of Baroque leather wallpapers can be found in Schloss Moritzburg near Dresden. Photo: Thomas Löther, ID.
Despite their decline, the legacy of leather wallpaper was not entirely forgotten. Companies like Colonia Leather in Fuldatal, Hesse, have kept this tradition alive since 1928. They produce leather wallpapers using historical techniques in collaboration with a French partner. These modern leather wallpapers are crafted from vegetable-tanned cowhide, and every detail, from cutting the panels to embossing and painting, is meticulously done by hand. Silver foil, shellac, clear lacquer for product stability, UV filters, and fungicide protection contribute to making these leather wallpapers true works of art with three-dimensional, glossy ornaments that captivate the eye.
3. The Revival of Leather Wallpapers
Leather wallpapers, once a privilege of the elite, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. While they still adorn the walls of luxury hotels, private estates, and museums, a broader audience is discovering their allure. Mostly the aesthetic is achieved trough faux leather or print-solutions. However, if you want to have a valuable interior piece. You might have to hurry. This art is a fading tradition, preserved by only a handful of dedicated craftsmen. Join us on a tour to a small workshop in the south of Spain.
Image: P. Donders, transformed image by R. Hoekstra & T. Tichelaar - Donders, P. (2007) Les cuirs dorés de l’église Saint-Berthuin de Malonne et la fabrique du bruxellois Cornelius T’Kint
A Fascinating Journey to One of the Last Masters
Established in 1995 by Antonio Rodriguez Hidalgo, a man known for his curious and persevering spirit, this workshop has mastered the art of leather embossing, gilding, and crafting. Nestled in the charming Villa de Osuna, Seville, the shop produces works that cater to the high-end decoration sector and those seeking exclusive, high-quality products.
As one of the last of his craft, their workshop stands as a testament to tradition and quality. Every product is a labor of love, entirely handcrafted. Working with lamb leather, they emboss, gild, and polychrome it, employing techniques that trace their roots to the Arabs who significantly influenced Mediterranean culture.
Crafting an authentic leather wallpaper in the traditional workshop of Antonio Rodriguez Hidalgo:
Step 1: Carving a wooden form for pressing the leather into the right shape.
Step 2: Applying a thin layer of metal to give it a distinctive coloring.
Step 3: Painting the object.
From the tanned leather's conception to the final finishing touches, they meticulously oversee the entire creative process. Their portfolio is much wider then only wallpaper. They produce a variety of useful interior products. And that’s when you discover, that there are two branches of the rare craft.
01. Cordobán
Cordobán is the epitome of high-quality tanned sheepskin or goatskin. Known for its ductility, resilience, and durability, it was historically used as an appliqué or to cover objects like chests, trunks, coffers, and even garments such as shoes and waistcoats. Often adorned with intricate patterns, painted, embossed, or engraved, Cordobán enhanced the value and opulence of the items it graced. Despite its decorative potential, Cordobán remained rooted in practical utility.
02. Guadamecí
On the other hand, Guadamecí serves a strictly aesthetic and decorative purpose. Applied to walls, screens, bedspreads, cushions, and even religious objects like retables, altarpieces, and chasubles, Guadamecí derives its name from the North African town of Ghadames.
This art form hinges on the application of silver leaf to embossed leather, an intricate process that elevates the material into a true work of art.
The revival of leather wallpapers continues to captivate, drawing on a rich heritage that fuses history, artistry, and the dedication of craftsmen like Antonio Rodriguez Hidalgo, who keep this exceptional tradition alive.
4. Are There Alternatives to The Authentic Handcrafted Leather-Wallpaper?
For those seeking an affordable or vegan alternative to genuine leather wallpaper, leather-look wallpapers can be a choice. These wallpapers, often made with vinyl coatings on non-woven wallpaper, closely mimic the look and feel of real leather. Most of the time you can only choose very basic models such as plain leather optic or crocodile. Those faux-leather wallpapers have their place in the interior world, yet it isn’t comparable to the Spanish craft.
However, when considering the wallpaper as a permanent addition to your high-end interior, the handmade original is the most fitting choice.
In summary, leather wallpaper, with its rich history, continues to captivate interior design enthusiasts and those looking to infuse a touch of luxury into their living spaces. Whether opting for traditional leather wallpapers or more accessible leather-look alternatives, these wall coverings offer a unique and timeless aesthetic that has stood the test of time.
Budget Friendly Faux-Leather Options
When it comes to Budget Options you will soon figure that you have to compromise. It seems you cannot have the leather optic aswell as the baroque motives. So to find a good alternative, you must understand the visual language of the original. Below you will find some options that could work for specific interiordesigns that are connected to the topic leather wallpaper.
Full Motiv Photo Wallpapers
To reproduce the look, one of the best ways might be going with a photographic wallpaper such as the one below from www.photowall.at.
Photo wallpapers with baroque motives.
Baroque Themed Wallpaper
Baroque Patterns and Colors can be a noble yet budgetfriendly highligt.
Crocodile Faux - Leather Wallpaper
If you find the aesthaetic of the material charming but you want to be less baroque and more modern, maybe try one of the crocodile ones.
