Launched this month, our new wallpaper collection, ‘Archive Trails’ is an archive-inspired anthology of English and French trailing wallpapers.
Trailing florals have been the subject of decorative pattern since long before the mechanisation of wallpaper production and the ensuing fashion for repeating pattern. Traditionally, the scenes depicted in early 18th Century interiors were painted by hand; in effect, bespoke murals. This artisan form of decoration was the precursor to the tighter, more structured designs we have come to understand and appreciate as conventional wallpaper over the last two Centuries.
Explore the history behind three of the beautiful ‘Archive Trails’ designs:
Vine offers an unmistakeable nod to the father of the late 19th Century Arts & Crafts movement, William Morris. A traditional surface print method has been employed to recreate the bold, original paper from 1932. The ‘Bleu’ colourway is very close to the original in colour, ensuring an authentic, yet contemporary version.
Combined with Lamp Black 228 on trims and furniture, the design can be used in a contemporary setting.
Vine - BleuThe oldest design in the Archive Trails collection, was discovered in the archives of The Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester. This 1760 English piece was found intact at a house in Aix-En-Provence, France. The exotic scene accurately imitates a typical 18th Century hand-painted Chinese paper, but the tax stamp, still visible on the back of the original rag paper, identifies it as English in origin. The colours interpreted in the ‘Serein’ colourway are very true to the original – a surprisingly well preserved archive document.
Complemented by vibrant accessories and the muted, soft qualities of Lamp Black 228, the intricate pattern and bold colours within the wallpaper create a striking focal point.
Darwin - SereinThis 1940’s design celebrates a truly rich mix of styles. The English Heritage-owned document from which this paper is drawn is actually a 20th Century piece, but the subject – exotic flora and the familiar oriental ho-ho birds - is classic ancient Chinoiserie, whilst the colouration in the original is very much in the style of a 19th Century French paper. This design retains the original’s oversized repeat and has been reproduced in six stunning colourways.
Combine two colourways of this exotic design with bold, statement upholstery and floral displays that complement its beautiful depiction of nature.
Paradise - FeatherBrowse the full collection on the Little Greene website.