Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1291046
the Communist Chinese government, and contracts were often agreed upon with cigarettes and brandy, which he brought to Beijing in copious amounts. He also brought photographs of historic English rooms with antique Chinese wallpapers for the artists to copy. Over time, Gurney quietly strayed from government oversight and opened illegal painting studios out of rented houses in rural areas of China. There, he employed hundreds of artists in secret until the laws allowing foreigners to operate businesses changed. Success wasn't overnight; it took years before the painting quality met Gurney's expectations, and until he was able hotel's history and the Florida flora and fauna … all with a touch of whimsy. Work has been underway for some years on the launch of a new standalone collection of designs entitled the Diaghilev collection. Envisaged in broad reference to the decorative aesthetics of Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, the series expands on the rich visual material created by visionaries such as Léon Bakst. The collection will be showcased for the first time later this year, in my father's private home in London. I can't say too much about either of these yet, but we're also working on some wonderful new designs with Michael Smith, as well as a very particular USA label on a series of hand-embroidered textile designs. In Dallas, we're looking forward to Kips Bay Decorator Show House this month; we've provided hand-painted wallcoverings and hand-embroidered fabrics for Doniphan Moore's master bathroom and Dina Bandman's guest bedroom. Obsession Marta Ferri clothing — this woman is a genius! The daughter of an interior designer, she was inspired to make tailored clothing out of all of the upholstery/drapery offcuts her mother had left over from projects. A modern-day Julie Andrews, but with so much cool. And now sold through MatchesFashion. I'm so obsessed with upholstery-style fabrics and so excited that now I can wear them! So much pattern and texture. Divine. I hope she starts making clothes for my children out of old curtains, and then my Sound of Music dreams will have come true. to source the most beautiful silk and handmade papers to serve as the background. Fast forward 34 years: Gurney's daughters have joined the company, including Hannah Cecil Gurney, who serves as business development director. Hannah spoke to us from the recently renovated Victorian house in London's Battersea area that she shares with her husband, Eddie Harden, son George, and twins Scarlet and Oscar. Hannah, tell us about your lovely home and what's new at your family's legendary wallpaper company. New and noteworthy We're thrilled to be working with the iconic Colony Palm Beach on a bespoke hand-painted wallpaper for their lobby, which will draw on the (Continued on page 86) (Continued from page 82) Elmar Krop Clockwise from above left: In a room by Rachel van der Brug of Rho Interiors, de Gournay Sarus Cranes hand- painted wallpaper. The de Gournay book out this month from Rizzoli. Hannah Cecil Gurney at home in London. De Gournay Sans Soucis wallpaper, painted and hand-embroidered on silk. De Gournay bespoke Vases wallpaper in an interior by Kelly Wearstler. 84