Matchboard panelling

[Michelle]

Hello

After removing many layers of wallpaper I have discovered matchboard panelling to half of the main room of my cottage. It appears to have been covered up since 1910; I got this date from the newspaper that has been pasted over the panelling. Found some interesting news and adverts!

I'm wondering if anyone knows the history of matchboard panelling - when it first came into use and for what purpose etc. I believe my cottage was built around 1800, so does that mean the matchboard was a later addition?

 

[Gervase]

It was often added later - particularly with ceilings - as it was a cheap and cheerful alternative to lath and plaster. Think of it as a Victorian equivalent to plasterboard. I've not seen it anywhere before around 1840, but that's not to say it wasn't used.
Making it relies on powered saws (water or steam), so you'd tend to find its use beginning where industrialisation of that kind started, and then moving out with the railways.

 

[Nemesis]

Matchboarding was also a way to cover up damp, and also it took more knocking about than plaster - often found on entrances and staircases, even if only the lower part.

 

[Michelle]

Thanks you two, that's great. The matchboarding is stained fairly roughly with some reddish brown stuff - was that a normal Victorian finish?

 

[Nemesis]

It depends really - pitch pine was usually given a varnish. Over time it darkens.

Hard to say if the stain is original or not. If too grim I'd consider painting it!