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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

Black decorative design strip on a neutral backdrop. Features a central cluster of white flowers surrounded by symmetrical swirling florals in orange and feathered teal shapes with orange accents.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Fragment
Gray curved strip on a neutral backdrop featuring a geometric repeat in slightly darker shades above a dark edge.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Border
Gray intricately shaded ornamental design with a floral leaf atop of overlapped rounded rectangular forms. Below is a black horizontal segment with a thin pink stripe.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Border
Ornamental border with a large black stripe and a smaller pink stripe above a shaded gray motif made up of geometric pillar patterns with floral details and vertical gray stripes.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Border
Horizontal rectangular pattern on a tan backdrop featuring intricately gray shaded repeating arches with gold accents bordered by light gray stripes. Atop is a paint splatter to the center right.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Border
Golden ornamental motif on a neutral backdrop featuring a layered central floral design bordered by alternating darker and lighter circles.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Fragment
Horizontal decorative design on a white backdrop with black borders and three yellow flowers above a teardrop pattern. The center flower is surrounded by symmetrical black leaves and dots.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Border
Ornamental design on a neutral background. Featuring a round, grooved white vase with blue star shaped flowers and deep green leaves spilling over the top.

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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