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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

Decorative pattern featuring three flowers on a flowing leafy stem with dark brown shadows and blue highlights on a muted brown, textured background.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Fragment
A simple gray rectangle with floral motifs accompanied by a dotted right edge.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Border
Small square ornament in black on a neutral backdrop featuring a central orange flower with curving petals, a white center, and subtle blue accents.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Fragment
A horizontal band with red flowers, leafy vines, and clusters of red circles on a gray background.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Border
Three smaller green ovals flanked by two large ovals, outlined in gold and teal. Bordered by dark green stripes on a light beige background.

Unknown Maker, French

Flocked Wallpaper Border
Decorative border featuring a central diamond pattern with a white outline and black accents over a purple and black striped background framed by yellow stripes and a dotted white line.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Border
Gray square design on a neutral backdrop. Features a circular design with a flower in the middle which has white accents and a shaded green center.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Fragment
A circular emblem with a green profile portrait of a man, surrounded by gray ridges and a striped background.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Fragment
  • 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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