History of wall decoration in churches 

15th century frescoes, Denmark

Most medieval church interiors were originally painted with extensive decorative schemes. A variety of techniques were used, including frescoes, in which paint is applied directly onto wet plaster, and becomes part of the plaster itself, and ‘dry’ methods using tempera and oil paints. The imagery expressed visual messages for those unable to read the Bible.

In the Reformation of the 16th century, most wall paintings in English churches were obliterated. Many were destroyed, but it was also common to cover the earlier decoration with new limewash or plaster, on to which simpler, less ‘idolatrous’ decoration was applied. 

Victorian wall painting

In Victorian times, medieval inspired schemes of church interior decoration were revived, using painting, glass and other materials. Large firms of specialist decorators provided designs applied using stencils or ready-made panels. Changing tastes in the 20th century saw these once more covered over with simpler decoration.