Bitten By Witch Fever: Wallpaper & Arsenic in the Nineteenth-Century Home

Name: Bitten By Witch Fever: Wallpaper & Arsenic in the Nineteenth-Century Home
Price: 44.54 USD
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4.9 of 5 Stars: Pharmacology - Bitten By Witch Fever: Wallpaper & Arsenic in the Nineteenth-Century Home

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Book Synopsis: The shocking story of a deadly trend in Victorian wallpaper design, illustrated by beautiful and previously unseen arsenic-riddled designs from the British National Archives.

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 décor, 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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Experience the shocking and fascinating story of a deadly trend in Victorian wallpaper design with our captivating book, "Bitten By Witch Fever: Wallpaper & Arsenic in the Nineteenth-Century Home". This meticulously researched publication uncovers the hidden dangers lurking in the exquisite and intricately patterned wallpapers that adorned the homes of the era.

Unearth the secrets behind the alluring Schweinfurt green pigment, also known as Paris, Vienna, or emerald green, which captured the imagination of designers worldwide. This toxic compound pigment, created in 1814, offered a range of vibrant colors that lasted over time, making it a favorite choice for manufacturers and designers. Little did they know that the pigment contained lethal amounts of arsenic, eventually finding its way into the very fabric of Victorian homes.

Delve into the pages of "Bitten By Witch Fever" and travel back in time to the heart of the arsenic wallpaper craze. Discover the UK's largest mining plant owned by William Morris, the genius behind the British Arts and Crafts movement and a celebrated wallpaper designer. Morris's dismissive phrase, "Bitten by Witch Fever," reveals just how ignorant society was about the severe health risks associated with arsenic-laced wallpapers.

Immerse yourself in this thought-provoking book, which offers a unique glimpse into the fatal world of Victorian home décor. The British National Archive has provided exclusive research and stunning facsimiles of the wallpapers themselves, making this a must-have for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and interior design connoisseurs alike.

Uncover the hidden dangers of the past and embrace the richly illustrated pages of "Bitten By Witch Fever". Get your hands on this captivating piece of history now and relish in the beauty and horror that once graced the walls of Victorian homes.

Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Victorian wallpaper design. Order your copy of "Bitten By Witch Fever: Wallpaper & Arsenic in the Nineteenth-Century Home" today by clicking here.

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