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A wallpaper panel depicting a palatial courtyard framed by ornate blue and green drapery with stone archways, columns, and two lion statues flanking a cobblestone path.
View of Venice Wallpaper, ca. 1840. Mary B. Jackson Fund.

The Art of French Wallpaper Design

November 15, 2024 - May 11, 2025
A wallpaper panel depicting a palatial courtyard framed by ornate blue and green drapery with stone archways, columns, and two lion statues flanking a cobblestone path.
View of Venice Wallpaper, ca. 1840. Mary B. Jackson Fund.

Introduction

The Art of French Wallpaper Design explores the vibrant, surprising designs that adorned walls in the 1700s and 1800s. Featuring more than 100 rare samples of salvaged wallpapers, borders, fragments, and design drawings, this exhibition reveals the creative process and showcases the extraordinary technical skills involved in producing these works, presenting an invaluable resource for artists and enthusiasts alike.

This exhibition celebrates the vision and generosity of collectors Charles and Frances Wilson Huard, whose remarkable collection, assembled in the 1920s and ’30s, is now in the care of the RISD Museum. Accompanied by a comprehensive digital publication, The Art of French Wallpaper Design invites you to explore the remarkable innovation and craftsmanship of these historic pieces.

–Curated by Emily Banas, associate curator of decorative arts and design

Emily Banas, associate curator, decorative arts and design

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Events

  • Hands-on Art /
  • Workshops and studios /
  • Open Studio

Stamp Your Style

May 11, 2025 / 2-4 pm
  • Talks and Conversations /
  • Workshops and studios

Printing Wallpaper

Conversations and Demonstrations
April 26, 2025 / 3:30-4:30 pm
  • Critical Encounters /
  • Talks and Conversations

Critical Encounters - New Approaches in the Art of Wallpaper

April 26, 2025 / 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Talks and Conversations /
  • Workshops and studios

Printing Wallpaper

Museum at Night Conversations and Demonstrations
April 24, 2025 / 5-7:30 pm
  • Musical Performance /
  • Hands-on Art /
  • Talks and Conversations

Museum at Night

April 24, 2025 / 5-8 pm
  • Hands-on Art /
  • Workshops and studios /
  • Open Studio

Stamp Your Style

April 13, 2025 / 2-4 pm
  • More events +

Publications

  • Digital Publication

The Art of French Wallpaper Design

This publication discusses the history, making, and conservation of French wallpapers from the 1700s and 1800s, collected by Charles and Frances Wilson Huard and now in the care of the RISD Museum.

Videos

Video

A Walkthrough of Wallpaper

Video

The Making of Wallpaper

Related Objects

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Joseph-Laurent Malaine

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Jacquemart et Bénard

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Unknown Maker, Chinese

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Jacquemart et Bénard

Wallpaper of Antique Statue with Drapery Border
  • More objects +

The Art of French Wallpaper Design

November 15, 2024 - May 11, 2025
Download Checklist pdf

The Art of French Wallpaper Design

November 15, 2024 - May 11, 2025
Download Press Release pdf

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