Transforming Archive Designs - Révolution Wallpapers

The wallpaper collection ‘Révolution Papers’, launched at Maison Et Objet in 2014. Read on to find out more about the collection and the inspiration behind the designs.

We’ve scoured the archives of both London and Paris to source our latest heritage wallpaper collection. The title of this range refers not to the storming of the Bastille in 1789, but to the ground-breaking advances in the production and distribution of wallpapers in the ensuing industrial period.

‘Révolution Papers’ comprises seven designs that typify the period: traditional damask and delicate toile patterns, a sophisticated (and sometimes surprising) treatment of colour and a beautiful surface quality only achieved by traditional block-printing.

The first design was found in a London home built for ‘minor nobility’.

Sackville Street c.1730

Sackville Street is one of the largest and best-preserved patterns in the archive and was found in the bedroom of a grand townhouse in Sackville Street. Because of its size and scale, this design is printed on a much wider roll (80cm width) and will be available in four colourways.

There are four colourways for you to choose from: left to right - 'Tweed', 'Chandelier', 'Source', 'Saphir'.

Bonaparte c.1850

Bonaparte has taken it’s name from our brand new showroom in St Germain, Paris. It’s a revision of an authentic 19th Century French Damask, but was found more recently as a painted piece of artwork in a Parisian studio. Rich shades, layering and gradation of colour are all entirely faithful to the original papers, whilst also displaying a very contemporary feel.

There are seven colourways - 'Red Gold', 'Sophie', 'Sable', 'Pure Gold', 'Pierre', 'Classique', 'Imperial'.

Stag Toile c.1895

This single-colour print of a woodland stag is much less formal than the typical Toile de Jouy designs which originated in France during the late 18th Century and was taken from an original 19th Century English linen.

There are four colourways: left to right – 'Juniper', 'Burgundy', 'Chocolat', 'Moss'.

Versailles c.1890

Versailles is based on an original document that was machine printed in graded tones to give a trompe l’oeil effect. It’s in a classic plaster Rococo style and features intricate scrollwork and abundant cornucopia bursting with flowers.

There are six colourways for you to choose from: 'Royale', 'Dark Pearl', 'Argent', 'Guilded', 'Urbane', 'Monument'.

Palais c.1840

Here is a classic interpretation of this pattern and it’s typical of French wallpaper panels produced by the manufacturer Réveillon from the late 1700s onwards. The scale, style and surface treatment have all been maintained, embracing floral bouquets and garlands with drapery and arabesque decoration.

There are three colourways for you to choose from - Left to right: 'Redowa', 'Schottische', 'Galliard'.