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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

Border fragment with a colorful center frame depicting a human figure upon an arched form, framed by white scroll designs and dark red florals and linework.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Border
Striped light and dark turquoise wallpaper with white geometric patterning overtop. The left side contains a pink ribbon wrapping around a leaf garland and two brown embellished vertical lines.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Border
Wallpaper fragment depicting a warm gold column with ornate floral and shell carvings set against a blue-gray background.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Capital

Unknown Maker, European

Woodblock for Wallpaper
Print of multiple tall, outdoor archways, with engraved geometric patterning and sculpted statues, extending out into a sunset horizon. Various groups, all accompanied by a guard, stand within the archways.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Border The Adventures of Don Quixote
Intricate and elegant patterns of draping florals and tassel motifs done in white appear embossed on a warm dark orange backdrop

Jean-Baptiste Réveillon

Flowers and Garlands Wallpaper
Segment of vintage wallpaper featuring a symmetrical repetitive pattern. The elegant print includes blue, pink, and green tassel motifs placed alongside floral designs; set on an off-white background.

Unknown Maker, French

Bowknots and Tassels Wallpaper
Wallpaper with Art Deco style drapery pattern with a diamond motif in a palette of brown, black, cream, and teal.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Frieze
  • 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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