Weaverham History Society promotes the study of and interest in history and archaeology with particular reference to Weaverham and the surrounding area.
The Beauty and Utility of Wallpaper
Love it or loath it, wallpaper is everywhere, even if it is merely painted lining paper.
Originating in the 16th century, wallpapers were originally used to decorate the insides of cupboards and smaller rooms in merchants’ homes. By the beginning of the 20th century wallpaper was being used everywhere, in hallways, kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms as well as reception rooms, and it was popular in both the wealthiest and poorest homes. It was this popularity that led to wallpaper being regarded as the poor relation of the decorative arts.
Even today perhaps the most well-known designer of wallpaper patterns was William Morris (1834 – 1896). During his career he produced over 50 wallpaper designs. Morris was renowned for his deep love of nature and commitment to craftsmanship, placing process, natural design, and integrity at the heart of his work. His work transformed Victorian interiors and continues to influence modern design today.
If you happen to be in Surrey over the next few months, there is an exhibition running until 10 January 2027 at the Watts Gallery which is in the village of Compton near Guildford, GU3 1DQ. This exhibition is showing over 30 original wallpapers from the archives of Morris & Co and reveals the stories behind the patterns.
. . .
The Society, Meetings, Membership, Visits
The Society meets at Weaverham Primary Academy, Northwich Road, Weaverham, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 3BD.
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month and we invite a guest speaker to talk to us on a topic of historical or archaeological interest, though sometimes the subjects range further afield. You can see what’s planned on our Programme page.
Membership is £18.00 per year with renewals in September. Payments can be made by BACS sort code 09-01-29 a/c 26685458. Meetings are free to members of the Weaverham History Society, children and students. Visitors are requested to pay £5 at each meeting.
We also organise highly enjoyable visits to local places of interest in spring and summer usually by coach from the village and we seem to have started a tradition of having a yearly canal boat trip as well. The Society normally invests in the services of Blue Badge guides on our visits. We also have a very enjoyable Christmas event every year, the talk commonly having a seasonal flavour.
We have articles on a range of topics, mainly about Weaverham, but also covering the surrounding areas. Although not a dedicated family history group, we do have some information on local families, and are always interested to hear from you.
We are continually developing our Archives and we have an array of items (objects, maps, and photos). We are always grateful to receive any contributions.
As we expand our new website you will be able to see some of what we have by visiting our Weaverham Archives page.
The Weaverham History Society also has a Facebook page.
We launched this website in January 2016, but while we move things across you can still find the old website at http://history.weaverham.org.uk/index2015.htm
. . .
Next Meeting
The Origins of the Israel/Palestine Conflict
This month we are looking at the Middle East where an on-going situation is relevant to our lives today. History in the making.
Jerry Marshall has been working in Palestine and Israel since the mid-1990s, attempting to use business to bring both sides of the conflict together. He co-founded a business in Bethlehem called “Transcend” and will bring both the historical narrative and moving personal stories to bring this tragic conflict to life.
The November meeting of the Weaverham History Society will be held on Tuesday, 10 November at 7.30 pm at the Weaverham Primary Academy, Northwich Road, CW8 3BD and the committee look forward to seeing you that evening.
