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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

Horizontal decorative design featuring interlocking arched patterns in shades of gray with gold accents below rows of horizontal stripes, with repeating light vertical stripes above.

Unknown Maker, French

Border
Wallpaper featuring alternating vertical stripes of poppies and ornamental floral motifs in a palette of blue, white, and taupe.

Unknown Maker, French

Poppies and Ornaments Wallpaper
Clusters of purple flowers with bright yellow centers bound by diagonal green and gold striped ribbon.

Unknown Maker, French

Flocked Wallpaper Border
White and red flowers with leafy stalks growing out of a pink and black basket with a diamond shape medallion depicting instruments. Bordered by leaves with a gray backdrop.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper
A circular emblem featuring a central flower surrounded by abstract petals and dotted accents in light gray.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Fragment
Scene depicting Paris’ momentous decision, flanked by the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite with Hermes as an observer, set against a subtle tan background.

Xavier Mader

The Judgment of Paris (Le jugement de Pâris) Wallpaper
Small gray horizontal border design featuring light gray interconnected geometric spirals framed by thin blue edges.

Unknown Maker, French

Border
A teardrop-shaped motif with purple flowers with light green stems, surrounded by a dotted purple border and gold scrolls on a dark background.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Fragment
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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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