French wallpapers - the American preference for French wallpaper during most of the 19th century - Brief Article

Magazine Antiques, Nov, 1999 by Allison Eckardt Ledes

Between the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century there was a shift in taste in the United States from imported English to imported French wallpapers. Earlier, Americans were obliged to order wallpapers from agents in Europe, but in the late eighteenth century, merchants from Boston to Richmond began to stock imported papers. As Richard C. Nylander wrote in his excellent book Wallpapers for Historic Buildings: A Glade to Selecting Reproduction Wallpapers, 2nd ed. (Preservation Press, Washington, D.C., 1992): "Beginning in the early 19th century, the importation and use of French wallpapers increased markedly. The French manufacturers had perfected the block-printing process, and their designs and colors clearly captivated the American consumer. Until about 1870 French wallpaper styles dominated the market.... Neoclassical designs, especially those by Reveillon, and floral patterns with arabesques seem to be as popular now as when they were first imported.... Many of these... designs were perfect complements to the new style of Federal architecture."

Brunschwig and Fils in New York City has recently expanded its line of wallpapers based on originals found in the Musee des Arts decoratifs in Paris. This museum houses one of the three largest wallpaper archives in the world. (The others are at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum in New York City.) Part of the proceeds from the sale of these Brunschwig papers is given to the Paris museum. In some cases the reproduction papers have been reduced in scale to better harmonize with the smaller interiors of American houses. A number of different colorways are offered for consumers who are not bound by the constraints of a period interior.

Among the offerings is a paper entitled "Marot" (illustrated at top left), which is a trompe-l'oeil imitation of drapery. The original block-printed example dating to about 1810 was discovered in a house in Barjols, France. A reproduction of it now adorns the Salon de Musique, a period room at the Musee des Arts decoratifs. "Cassaw Damask" (illustrated at left) is based on an original wallpaper block-printed by Reveillon in 1779. It features large floral patterns with the arabesques described by Nylander as being so popular in Federal America.

Two examples are based on papers originally manufactured in France by Jacquemart et Benard. One, "Les Oiseaux du Printemps" (illustrated at left) was originally produced between 1794 and 1797 and is a delightful combination of apple branches in blossom and doves. The other, entitled "Empire Diamond" (illustrated below), dates from 1810 and features a diamond pattern adorned with stars and abstract flowers.

Brunschwig and Fils maintains showrooms throughout the United States that are open to the trade only. For information and locations telephone 212-838-7878.