The historic wallpapers made by Adelphi Paper Hangings have been featured many times in the pages of The Magazine ANTIQUES, and are likely familiar to any of our readers that have undertaken decorating projects that require the utmost attention to period detail. Browsing through the company’s extensive and continually expanding catalogue of reproduction papers, with designs dating from 1750 through 1930, is a true feast for the eyes.
Most recently, Adelphi has created a series of decorative wallpaper panels or décors modeled after those popular in the early 19th century. The panels are based on original designs—now in the collection of the Museé du Papier Peint—by Evariste Fragonard (son of the painter Honoré Fragonard) for the Parisian wallpaper manufacturer Joseph Dufour and issued in 1808. Fragonard’s series included each of the twelve months, from which Adelphi has selected four for reproduction—March, May, October, and November. The colors have been matched exactly to the original designs (orange and yellow over blue), and an alternative colorway (sepia grisaille) has been developed based on scenic wallpaper by Dufour in Adelphi’s archive. Measuring 32 inches high and 19 inches wide (image size) these distinctive wallpaper panels could also be framed and hung individually or in groups to emulate the look of a hôtel particulier in even the most modest apartment.
Adelphi Paper Hangings was founded in 1999 by wallpaper specialists Chris Ohrstrom and Steve Larson, and is known for its rigorous attention to historical accuracy that begins with the design process (all reproduction patterns are drafted from original sources), and continues into production (block printing by hand using specially formulated “distemper” paints, and offering both seamed (pre-1850s) and continuous roll papers). The firm is currently re-creating wallpapers and borders for several institutions with collections of period wallpapers, including Historic New England, Old Sturbridge Village, and the New York State Historical Association. For more information visit www.adelphipaperhangings.com.
