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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

Exhibition images

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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

Video

Critical Encounters

Related Objects

Segment of yellowed wallpaper featuring an undulating red and white motif bordered by intricate curved details; set against a faded blue backdrop. A botanical shape is placed below the curve.

Basset

Domino Paper (Papier Dominoté)
Panel of elegant vintage wallpaper featuring a richly colored central arrangement of exotic birds and flowers interspersed with smaller floral clusters on a faded canvas

Unknown Maker, French

Flowers and Birds Wallpaper
Decorative pattern of various metallic brown vases surrounded by large, vivid blooming flowers set against a warm orange backdrop with subtle teal medallions and gold patterns.

Jacquemart et Bénard

Flowers and Ornaments Wallpaper
Print of repeating blue vases with a floral, geometric border above and thin lined border below. Yellow dotted embellishments are along its neck and raised leaf motifs around its base.

Jacquemart et Bénard

Wallpaper Dado
Ornate blue floral and berry design at center set against a beige background. Surrounded by ornate blue patterning against a black background.

Unknown Maker, French

Design for Wallpaper Border or Ornament
Green leafy tulip to the left of a cluster of pink flowers, topped by green and pink florals and a floral base. On aged paper with additional sketches.

Unknown Maker, French

Design for Wallpaper Border
A circular green floral motif with six symmetrical petals outlined in white, with a black circular center and black dot accents.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Fragment
Segment of vintage wallpaper featuring a pattern of bright white swans within idyllic pond scenes. The vignettes are decorated with blue floral motifs on a deep red background.

Jean-Baptiste Réveillon

Flowers and Swans Wallpaper
  • More objects +

The Art of French Wallpaper Design

November 15, 2024 - May 11, 2025
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The Art of French Wallpaper Design

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

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