The Pagani panels: The conservation and display of painted wall‐mounted linoleum

Since its invention in the mid‐19th century, linoleum has proved to be a most resilient and useful product for covering floor surfaces; what is less widely known is its use for covering walls. This article describes the conservation and remounting of linoleum panels that had been used to cover walls in a fashionable restaurant, Pagani's, in London. Famous diners, from 1874 to 1939, were actively encouraged to sign, paint or scratch graffiti into the painted panels. The history of the manufacture of the linoleum and of its subsequent use in this way is described. The condition of the panels resulting both from this period in the restaurant and later poor mounting is assessed. The testing and implementation of surface cleaning treatments is discussed in detail. Display options are considered and the method used for remounting described. It is shown that where linoleum is displayed vertically, correct support is needed to prevent distortion.