If these walls could talk...: News, Views and Stories: Leeds Heritage Theatres

Several people look closely at a board displaying fabric samples and illustrations of patterns, beside two ornate mirrors in the Dress Circle bar. A man also stands nearby and gestures to the group of onlookers.

Wednesday 27 May 2026

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A theatre in colour
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Since its construction in 1878, Leeds Grand Theatre has been expertly maintained by craftspeople and technicians over the years.

This spring, the Wallpaper History Society was treated to a talk about the building’s rich heritage – from original wallpaper samples and archive images to a venue tour and insightful talk from specialist decorator, George Bogojevic.

Written by George Bogojevic and Tyler Kellet. Edited by Kelly Scotney and Ben Fletcher

A theatre in colour: rediscovering the original vision (2020-22)

In 2020, a 10-year programme began to carefully document and restore the Front of House colour schemes of the theatre. Working alongside heritage specialist decorator George Bogojevic (GB Decorating Yorkshire), this project set out not only to unify decorative finishes but to uncover the building’s original artistic intent.

Early work focused on the main staircase, where the glass lantern, cornicing and barrel ceiling were meticulously repaired and redecorated using historically accurate colours.

By 2022, attention turned to the main foyer. Here, detailed paint analysis and archival research revealed a surprising discovery: the original scheme was rich in red tones – very different from the later green finishes visitors had come to expect. Even the smallest details mattered, including delicate metallic pinstripes around the mirror arches, subtle features that quietly shaped the overall elegance of the space.

Using historic British Standard colour charts, conservators reinstated these schemes with precision, bringing audiences closer to the theatre’s authentic Victorian character.

A person stands and presents an open book to a room of people. as another person points at the book. Samples of wallpaper and a large blueprint is visible on a table in the background. — George Bogojevic talking to the Wallpaper History Society. Credit Ben Fletcher

In a busy room, two people point and gesture towards several rolls of elaborate patterned wallpaper stood on a table in the foreground. — Observing wallpaper samples during the Wallpaper History Society tour. Credit Ben Fletcher

Craftsmanship and care: restoring decorative heritage (2021-25)

Behind the scenes, restoration is as much about craftsmanship as it is about conservation.

In 2021, the stage curtain underwent a highly-skilled restoration. After repairing tears and stabilising the surface, specialists carefully cleaned and retouched the painted design. Because modern paints could not replicate the aged colours, each tone was hand-matched, ensuring the curtain retained its unique character without over-restoring or altering its history.

This sensitive approach continued across the theatre. In 2024, the Dress Circle boxes and surrounding areas were enhanced with bespoke wallpaper inspired by the Gothic designs of Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, reconnecting the interiors with one of the great designers of the 19th century.

By 2025, rare Lincrusta wall plaques dating from around 1890 were restored on the main staircase. Every raised detail was carefully picked out using authentic colours, highlighting the intricate architectural patterns that Victorian audiences would have admired.

Each project reflects a shared philosophy: to preserve, not replace, and to celebrate the craftsmanship embedded in every surface.

Stood next to seats in the dress circle. a person in a red coat smiles, reaches out a hand and looks up across the auditorium of the Leeds Grand Theatre auditorium. — Member of the Wallpaper History Society in Leeds Grand Theatre auditorium. Credit Ben Fletcher

Walls that tell stories: materials, design and innovation

The theatre’s walls are more than decoration; they are a record of changing styles, materials, and innovation.

From its earliest days, the building featured Lincrusta-Walton, a luxury embossed wallcovering first produced in 1877. Made using natural materials and still manufactured today, Lincrusta was prized for its durability and rich, sculptural detail, perfect for a grand theatre setting.

Alongside it, Tynecastle canvas panels brought another layer of craftsmanship. Developed in the 1880s, these embossed designs were inspired by European leather hangings and used in prestigious interiors, from theatres to ocean liners and even luxury yachts.

More recent restorations continue this legacy. In Bar 1878, the Lincrusta ‘Fanfare’ design draws on 1920s Art Deco influences, echoing a time of glamour, geometric forms, and theatrical flair. Meanwhile, archival research uncovered original designs for the Dress Circle Bar, including the richly detailed Sanderson ‘Teazel’ wallpaper, complete with gold leaf embellishment.

Together, these materials and patterns tell a continuous story, linking Victorian innovation, early modern design, and present-day conservation into one living heritage.