A Wallpaper That Tells a Story
From the time of its origins, wallpaper has been a way to express personal style and individuality. From floral motifs and geometrics to chinoiserie and guilloche patterns, these beautiful designs have been a staple in any design lover’s arsenal. Our collection of french wallpapers include antique-inspired designs as well as contemporary creations that are sure to bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home.
Originally used to conceal and repair flaws in plaster, wallpaper began to be used more for decorative purposes, especially in the late eighteenth century. It was at this time that a wallpaper boom was experienced by European manufacturers. The styles, patterns and colors of the day inspired wallpaper designers to imagine the kinds of ornamentation that could be found in palaces, castles and mansions of the day.
At the heart of this craze for decorative wallpaper was the great French printmaker Jean-Baptiste Reveillon, who produced magnificent hand-decorated papers that captivated an enthusiastic clientele among the merchant class and nobility. He was soon followed by Joseph Dufour in Lyon and Zuber in Rixheim, Alsace. During the nineteenth century, when taking the Grand Tour was all the rage among young aristocrats and seafaring expeditions mounted by the main European powers fired the public imagination, Zuber et Cie produced glorious panoramic scenic landscape papers such as Views of Switzerland (1804), L’Hindoustan (1807) and Vues d’Amerique du Nord (mis-dated by Jacqueline Kennedy to 1834).
Today, while patterned wallpaper is still popular, there is a trend toward plainer, more minimalist décor, which has led many manufacturers to focus on digital printing techniques. The majority of modern wallpapers are “intisse”, which is made up of a web of fibres that eliminates the need for a paste table and allows for easy application with just water. This has also reduced production time so that it is possible to have a custom wallpaper in your hands within two weeks.
In the future, we expect to see more hand-crafted papers as well as technical innovations in wallpaper that provide both beauty and practical benefits such as being acoustic, damp proof or anti-microbial. And as digital latex technology continues to evolve, it will be possible for wallpapers to be printed on fabric so that they can be easily moved from room to room.
Anna French has long been a trendsetter and has a deep love for bold, original design. Her collections of french wallpapers range from small geometrics to large, dramatic designs that make a statement. With a strong belief in the power of family and faith, her courage to use colour and flair for the dramatic are evident throughout her work. Anna’s designs are both timeless and contemporary, bringing an unexpected twist to any room. Her latest collection is titled Glamour and is filled with elegant florals and delicate paisleys that are both modern yet classic. We are thrilled to be able to offer these beautiful designs from Anna papier peint francais in our online store.