Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1530892
It's hard to imagine now, but people used to routinely paint over or rip down antique hand-painted wallpapers, particularly in the early 20th century, in favor of more modern styles. A new exhibit at Rhode Island School of Design's RISD Museum in Providence, Rhode Island, features 100 exceptionally rare French wallpapers from the 18th and 19th centuries — an unusually large and important collection, given that so few are left in the world. "The Art of French Wallpaper Design," on view through A Grand French Folly May 11, draws from the museum's Huard Collection of more than 500 French wallpaper examples, assembled during the '20s and '30s by French artist Charles Huard and American writer Frances Wilson Huard. Look for a broad array of drawings, borders, fragments, and large samples d e p i c t i n g a b s t r a c t and floral patterns, classical imagery, and extravagant narrative scenes. These intricate designs were made with carved blocks by such renowned wallpaper manufacturers as Zuber, Joseph Dufour, and Jean-Baptiste Réveillon. Highlights include a 7-foot-high panel from the 1790s by Arthur et Robert with a central medallion in grisaille; one of a pair, the monumental panel has been restored and is on view for the first time. An 1840 wallpaper design with a view of Venice within a framework of theatrical drapery is in pristine condition with vibrant paint colors, and a wallpaper representing the Five Senses was designed by Pierre Cietti, and produced by renowned French manufacturer Jean-Baptiste Réveillon. The RISD Museum has partnered with Adelphi Paper Hangings in New York to recreate one of the wallpapers through the same process of woodblock printing used by the original Paris-based manufacturer, Bon, and is available for purchase through Adelphi. RISD Museum, 20 N. Main St., Providence, Rhode Island, risdmuseum.org. Rebecca Sherman Table Manners D e s i g n e r J o h n D e r i a n 's collaboration with venerable L o n d o n t a b l e c l o t h manufacturer Summerill & Bishop is influenced by Derian's collections of 18th- and 19th- century imagery. A charming array of three printed designs on French linen recreates a romantic Central Park boating scene with swans and willows, a curious botanical depiction of fungi, and a fully set table complete with platters of fish and bottles of wine. Summerill & Bishop X John Derian, napkins $35, tablecloths $395 – $525, at johnderian. com, summerillandbishop.com. Rebecca Sherman Overdoor wallpaper panel by Monchablon, Paris, 1799 Circa 1780, one of a set of Four Senses panels by Jean-Baptiste Réveillon Right: John Derian X Summerill & Bishop scenic Central Park tablecloth 28