The Chinese Wallpaper of Mount Congreve

A ROOTS Conversation with David Skinner 

Chinese Wallpaper at Mount Congreve BOOK TICKETS 15th November Join renowned wallpaper maker, conservator and researcher David Skinner for a fascinating illustrated talk exploring the history of Chinese wallpaper, its journey from China to Europe, and the remarkable example preserved at Mount Congreve. In the eighteenth century, sumptuous and expensive wallpapers were imported from China into Europe, where traditional Chinese techniques and imagery were adapted to meet the tastes and expectations of Western consumers. The Chinese wallpaper at Mount Congreve is a rare and remarkably well-preserved example of an unusual variety of design. With only a few equivalent sets known to survive across Europe, the paper is of international importance. Although its provenance before arriving at Mount Congreve remains unclear, David will trace the wallpaper back to the workshop in Canton where it was made, exploring the techniques used in its production and following its fascinating journey from China to Europe. About David Skinner David Skinner is a wallpaper maker, conservator and researcher living in County Leitrim. He is the author of Wallpaper in Ireland, 1700–1900, published in 2014 by Churchill House Press. Established in 1990, David Skinner Wallpapers makes hand screen-printed wallpapers based on historic examples, supplying customers across Ireland, the U.K., Europe and the U.S.A. David’s work over the past thirty years has been informed by continuous research into the history of the Irish wallpaper trade and the use of wallpaper in Ireland. Surveying historic buildings, retrieving and archiving examples of historic paper, and undertaking conservation of historic papers where they survive have been a major component of his studio’s practice. David regularly engages with general and specialised audiences through lectures and workshops and has led two tours of Ireland and one of Scotland for the Wallpaper History Society. In 2020, David donated his personal archive of over 250 examples of historic wallpapers from Ireland to the Office of Public Works. A permanent exhibition of a selection of these papers opened at Kilkenny Castle the following year. Talk Ticket: €15 Max attendees: 90 Tickets must be pre-booked Schedule

• 10:30am – Guest arrival
• 11:00am – ROOTS Conversation: Chinese Wallpaper at Mount Congreve
• 12:00pm – Audience Q&A
• 12:15pm – Meet the speaker
• 12:30pm onwards – Guests are invited to explore the gardens, browse the shop and enjoy lunch in The Stables Café

ROOTS – Conversations Inspired by Nature ROOTS is Mount Congreve’s year-round conversation series celebrating the people, stories and ideas that connect us to the natural world. Bringing together leading voices in gardens, heritage, conservation, biodiversity, food and craftsmanship, each event offers a relaxed and inspiring opportunity to discover new perspectives and deepen our connection with nature. Please note that photography and video recording may take place during this event for promotional purposes by Mount Congreve. ROOTS – Conversations Inspired by Nature ROOTS is Mount Congreve’s year-round conversation series celebrating the people, stories and ideas that connect us to the natural world. Bringing together leading voices in gardens, heritage, conservation, biodiversity, food and craftsmanship, each event offers a relaxed and inspiring opportunity to discover new perspectives and deepen our connection with nature. Please note that photography and video recording may take place during this event for promotional purposes by Mount Congreve.

Price: €15 per person

Book tickets

Nov 15 2026 to Nov 15 2026

10.30am - 12.30pm