Original ceiling paper cracking - how to fix?

[ExposureLab]

Hello,

I have an 1879 terrace which has original ceiling work in the hallway.

Since we moved in, and added an en suite type room above the hallway, we have seen cracking appearing in the patterned period paper which was on the ceiling. attached are some photos. How would I go about fixing and maintaining the original feature?

If you noticed patchiness in the paintwork, ignore that as it was there when we bought the house. I think the 'builder' who restored the house painted over it and it's discoloured.

Your thoughts appreciated,

Thanks

 

[footprints]

Have you lifted a bit to see the condition of the plaster underneath?
I would have thought it very unusual for paper/Lincrusta/Anagypta to crack open that way, maybe a seam might open, but as a rule that's all.

If it is solid underneath I would try to squirt some water underneath to soften it then ease it away enough to get a heavy duty paste under. Then a finger full of filler in the remaining gap if needed and paint.

 

[stevethespreader]

if that was my ceiling I would take the paper off see whats underneath if anything needs repairing repair it then, repaper

 

[ExposureLab]

Have you lifted a bit to see the condition of the plaster underneath?
I would have thought it very unusual for paper/Lincrusta/Anagypta to crack open that way, maybe a seam might open, but as a rule that's all.

If it is solid underneath I would try to squirt some water underneath to soften it then ease it away enough to get a heavy duty paste under. Then a finger full of filler in the remaining gap if needed and paint.

Cheers for the advice. So water would soften it allowing me to manipulate it back into place with paste?

 

[ExposureLab]

if that was my ceiling I would take the paper off see whats underneath if anything needs repairing repair it then, repaper

The problem with this is I'd like to keep it original.

 

[stevethespreader]

if that was my ceiling I would take the paper off see whats underneath if anything needs repairing repair it then, repaper

The problem with this is I'd like to keep it original.

who said that that is the original paper? keeping that paper would mean there will always be some kind of reapair that can be seen and also you wont know whats going on the the ceiling underneath you should be able to get similar paper to replace it then repaint it and it will look just as good

 

[ExposureLab]

if that was my ceiling I would take the paper off see whats underneath if anything needs repairing repair it then, repaper

The problem with this is I'd like to keep it original.

who said that that is the original paper? keeping that paper would mean there will always be some kind of reapair that can be seen and also you wont know whats going on the the ceiling underneath you should be able to get similar paper to replace it then repaint it and it will look just as good

Nobody, I'm basing it on the fact that the person who owned the house before us was 94 and the rest of the house has all its original features in place. The neighbours tell us that as far as they know she changed nothing and she had lived here all her life.

Would you have a link or at least a suggestion of where I'd get similar paper?

 

[stevethespreader]

if that was my ceiling I would take the paper off see whats underneath if anything needs repairing repair it then, repaper

The problem with this is I'd like to keep it original.

who said that that is the original paper? keeping that paper would mean there will always be some kind of reapair that can be seen and also you wont know whats going on the the ceiling underneath you should be able to get similar paper to replace it then repaint it and it will look just as good

Nobody, I'm basing it on the fact that the person who owned the house before us was 94 and the rest of the house has all its original features in place. The neighbours tell us that as far as they know she changed nothing and she had lived here all her life.

Would you have a link or at least a suggestion of where I'd get similar paper?

well I had 5 minutes to spare so I googled for you the first link looks a good bet ive given you a second link for good measure http://www.originalfeatures.co.uk/anaglypta-wallcoverings/about-anaglypta

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/2909...&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=95

 

[footprints]

Should soften but do look at the ceiling underneath!

This comes up in a search

http://www.thevictorianemporium.com..._wallpaper/product/lincrusta_wallpaper_ve1583

Make sure you are sitting down when you look at the prices!