Refurbished designer's dwelling: Uncommon, 19th-century wallpaper utilized in a historic Piccadilly apartment complex in London.
Taking a Stroll Through Time: The Revival of a 19th-century Panoramic Masterpiece
Wendy Nicholls, a seasoned interior designer, breathed new life into a London apartment housed in a Grade I-listed building on Piccadilly, W1. Her client, with a taste for the classic and the unique, was to be the muse for this design journey.
The pièce de résistance of this project was a stunning, large-scale panoramic wallpaper, crafted by the French wallpaper manufacturer Dufour. This masterpiece, originally installed in the client's Parisian residence, was a feat of art and engineering, printed from woodblocks with colors finished by hand—a tradition that hushed standardized production methods of the era.
Upon arrival in London, the wallpaper was found to be a foot too short to reach the lofty ceiling, believed to be more than 10 feet high. Instead of settling for a compromise, a team from Colchester Lister was summoned to create an extension of the skyline, filling the gap with painterly flair. "It's a rare, 19th-century wallpaper that you can't just bung up—it needed careful consideration to figure out how it would make sense in its new home," explained Nicholls.
The room was adorned with furnishings painstakingly curated for earlier projects, given a revitalized charm with the addition of double-edged frilled cushions that complemented the room's ensemble of tobacco, blue, and ochre tones. A leopard print footstool was strategically placed atop a Baltic Chandelier, boasting ormolu arms, blue glass, and crystals, adding a touch of eclecticism to the space. The design ethos was a charming blend of the romantic, the Swedish, and the French, as Nicholls described, "it was the look my client wanted."
The curtains consisted of a fine-striped beige and white linen, devoid of lining to allow sunlight to gently filter through the room. The result was a timeless space, brimming with interesting trinkets, a testament to a lifetime of collecting indelible pieces of artistry.
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*** background information and notes ***- Historical Context and Production: Early 19th-century Developments - Large-scale panoramic wallpapers, commonly known as "paysage" (country landscape) papers or panoramic decorations, emerged prominently in France and England in the early 19th century. These wallpapers often featured elaborate rural or exotic landscapes, narrative scenes, and sometimes architectural illusions such as columns and moldings. Notable makers in France include Joseph Dufour and Jean-Baptiste Réveillon, while in England, the East India Company commissioned wallpapers featuring whimsical landscapes. The era also saw innovations in printing techniques, enabling larger rolls and more intricate hand-painted or stenciled designs. Machine-printed wallpaper became widespread in England by the mid-19th century.- Restoration Process: Experts assess the wallpaper’s condition, historical significance, and original materials before restoration. Detailed photographs and notes are taken to guide the restoration and ensure authenticity. Gentle cleaning removes dust and dirt without damaging fragile pigments. Damaged areas are repaired using reversible materials and matching pigments, while loose or flaking sections are carefully reattached using conservation-grade adhesives. A protective coating may be applied to shield the restored wallpaper from light and humidity.- Design Inspiration: Popular designs depict idealized rural or exotic scenes, sometimes inspired by travel and trade routes. Some designs incorporate faux architectural features like columns and moldings. Scenes often told stories or evoked idyllic fantasies, offering a portable escape within the home. The work of designers like William Morris, Walter Crane, and Joseph Dufour influenced both the style and execution of these wallpapers.
The interior design of the London apartment, revived by Wendy Nicholls, harmoniously blended styles from various regions, creating a unique amalgamation of the romantic, the Swedish, and the French. This eclectic blend was a reflection of the home-and-garden lifestyle desired by the client, who also owned a stunning 19th-century panoramic wallpaper, a masterpiece from Dufour, a renowned home-and-garden brand.
