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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 border depicting a bundle of green stalks wrapped in a leafy vine of pink, white, and red flowers framed against a white background and deep red base.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Border
Vintage repetitive wallpaper sample depicting a dense, ornate, blue and cream pattern showcasing paisleys and intricate stylized floral motifs on a rich tan-toned base.

Atelier Boulard

Domino Paper (Papier Dominoté)
Corner design with a yellow and red circular section in the top left with green accents, a red and yellow checkered portion, and swirling green vines on a red edge.

Unknown Maker, French

Design for Ceiling Paper
Intricately shaded teal cone shaped object with gold embellishments hanging from gold chains, with a draped beige cloth hanging down from its tip on a light blue background.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Fragment
A vivid blue, asymmetrical design with golden floral accents and curling elements.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Fragment
Symmetrical composition with playful winged cherubs surrounding an abundant vase. One of the cherubs holds rope tied to a bird, while the other is aiming an arrow at it.

Jacquemart et Bénard

Wallpaper Dado Cupids and Garlands
Thin horizontal strip with a repeating pattern of flower shapes with small yellow petals set within black ovals alternating with small white rays on a purple backdrop.

Unknown Maker, French

Border
Dark green leaves on curling golden vines intertwining a horizontal gold pole, set above a section of intricate geometric teal patterns.

Unknown Maker, French

Wallpaper Border
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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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