Le Grand Siècle

The Grand Siècle, golden age of French Decorative Arts

 

From 1770, the wallpapers of France benefit from an exceptional radiation, until surpassing England, undisputed reference of then and main exporting country. French wallpapers are distinguished by particularly orginal and sophisticated designs, intense and sublte colors. The panoramas, made only in France, were a resounding success. Reviving the patterns of these historic wallpapers is a way to enhance the french Decorative Arts, hence the name "Le Grand Siècle", the founding period of manufacturing of luxury goods, development orchestrated by Colbert, one of the Louis the 14th's ministrer.

The patterns selected by the brand have in common to resonate with our times. This responds to the very current need to give depth to decoratve objects that do not just look good, but tell a story.

It all started a revelation of Vanessa Hahusseau, the founder of the brand. It is a visit to the exhibition "Spectaculaire Second Empire" at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris that she discovers breathtaking panoramas full of lush plants. Then, she discovers the wallpapers of the Museum of Decoratove Arts the BNF. The idea to edit these gems appeared. After two years of digital restoration work requiring infinite patience, the collection is born.

These decorations are made in France by an involved and demanding printer for almost exclusively tailor-made prints, which honor this wonderful legacy of the Great Century. Ultra matt, the support used benefits from good opacity, high dimensional stability, and excellent printability.