In her book "Consumed by Witch Fever: Wallpaper and Arsenic in the Victorian Home," author Lucinda Hawksley explores the correlation between the popularity of wallpaper during the Victorian era and the widespread use of arsenic in its production. During the 19th century, wallpaper became a staple in homes, transforming interior design and reflecting the tastes and aspirations of the growing middle class. However, what was initially seen as a fashionable and affordable choice for wall coverings soon became a deadly trend. Victorian wallpaper was often treated with a green pigment called Scheele's Green, which contained arsenic. Arsenic was used to give the wallpaper a vibrant and long-lasting color. The combination of the popularity of wallpaper and the extensive use of arsenic in its production resulted in a toxic environment within homes.
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Most insidiously, the arsenic-laced pigment made its way into intricately patterned, brightly colored wallpapers and from there, as they became increasingly in vogue, into the Victorian home. The wallpaper sections display dazzling long-lost work from the great designers and printers of the age, including Christopher Dresser, Corbière, Son Brindle, Charles Knowles Co.
The combination of the popularity of wallpaper and the extensive use of arsenic in its production resulted in a toxic environment within homes. As the demand for wallpaper increased, more and more manufacturers opted for cheaper production methods that involved the use of arsenic-laden pigments. These wallpapers were not only used on walls but also on ceilings, furniture, and even children's nurseries.
Bitten By Witch Fever: Wallpaper & Arsenic in the Nineteenth-Century Home - Hardcover
In Germany, in 1814, Wilhelm Sattler created an extremely toxic arsenic and verdigris compound pigment, Schweinfurt green–known also as Paris, Vienna, or emerald green–which became an instant favorite amongst designers and manufacturers the world over, thanks to its versatility in creating enduring yellows, vivid greens, and brilliant blues. Most insidiously, the arsenic-laced pigment made its way into intricately patterned, brightly colored wallpapers and from there, as they became increasingly in vogue, into the Victorian home. As its use became widespread, commercial arsenic mines increased production to meet the near-insatiable demand. Not least of which was the UK’s largest mining plant, DGC whose owner was William Morris, originator of the British Arts and Crafts movement and arguably the finest wallpaper designer of his generation.
Bitten by Witch Fever (Morris’s own phrase to dismiss arsenic- and- wall-paper-related public health concerns in 1885) tells this fatal story of Victorian home d�cor, building upon new research conducted especially for this book by the British National Archive, on their own samples. Spliced between the sections of text are stunning facsimiles of the wallpapers themselves.
350+ illustrations, 250+ in color
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About the Author:Lucinda Dickens Hawksley is the author of three biographies of Victorian artists: Lizzie Siddal, Kate Perugini (n�e Dickens), and Princess Louise. Lucinda is a regular lecturer at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
Review:“Replicates the papers’ hues and texture, with meticulous color-matching and heavyweight stock, interspersing color-themed sections with booklets that relate the history and uses of the poison.”
- The Wall Street Journal
“Fascinating. Perhaps the ultimate answer as to why arsenic-laced wallpaper continued to proliferate the market for so long lies in their undeniable aesthetic appeal. Dangerously beautiful yes, but with an allure that stands the test of time―and should serve as an enduring warning for all.”
- Vogue.com
“Tells the story of the extensive use of arsenic in the 19th century [and] includes pictures of objects and artworks made from substances that incorporated arsenic, and advertisements for arsenic-filled products for Victorian women, such as soap with a doctor’s certificate to ensure its harmlessness.”
- The Atlantic.com
“An unnerving account of an unexpected killer in the elaborately decorated homes of Victorian England: arsenic-laced wallpaper. The book’s gorgeous wallpaper facsimiles give no hint of their toxicity; they beautifully evoke Victorian style with their ornate patterns and rich, vivid colors, illustrating why these papers, and specifically their green shades, were so popular.”
- Publishers Weekly
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"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
The saturation of arsenic in homes was unprecedented, leading to adverse health effects. People living in homes with arsenic-laden wallpaper were unknowingly exposed to its toxic effects. Arsenic poisoning caused a range of symptoms, including skin rashes, respiratory problems, organ damage, and even death. The effects were particularly devastating for those who spent long periods of time in enclosed spaces, such as children and domestic servants. The effects of arsenic poisoning became a public concern as people started experiencing mysterious illnesses and deaths. The book "Consumed by Witch Fever" highlights not only the dangers of arsenic-laden wallpaper but also the societal and cultural implications of its use. It explores how the public's obsession with fashionable wallpaper ultimately led to their own demise. During the later half of the 19th century, the awareness of the dangers of arsenic increased, and regulations were put in place to restrict its use in consumer products. However, the impact of arsenic-laden wallpaper on Victorian society cannot be ignored. The Victorian era was truly consumed by "witch fever," as the pursuit of fashion and luxury turned into a deadly obsession..
Reviews for "The Psychology of Accusation: Understanding the Victims and Accusers of Witch Fever"
- John123 - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Consumed by witch fever". The book promised to explore the history of wallpaper and its connection to the witchcraft trials, but it fell short on both accounts. The author focused more on the history of witchcraft than on wallpaper, leaving me unsatisfied with the lack of depth in the wallpaper-related content. Additionally, the book lacked a clear structure, jumping back and forth between different time periods and topics, which made it difficult to follow. Overall, I found the book to be confusing and lacking in the promised content.
- Sarah24 - 1 star - "Consumed by witch fever" didn't live up to its intriguing title. Instead of providing a comprehensive exploration of the impact of wallpaper on the witchcraft trials, the book felt like a disjointed collection of random facts. The author failed to present a cohesive narrative and lacked a clear focus throughout the book. I also found the writing style to be dry and repetitive, making it difficult to maintain my interest. I was left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed with the lack of depth in the content.
- James87 - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Consumed by witch fever" as I found the concept of exploring the role of wallpaper in witchcraft trials fascinating. However, the execution of the book fell short. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their extensive research rather than providing a coherent and engaging narrative. The book lacked a clear structure, making it challenging to follow the timeline of events. Additionally, the writing style was dense and overly academic, making it difficult to connect with the subject matter. Overall, I found the book to be a disappointing read that failed to deliver on its intriguing premise.