Well, there’s wallpaper . . . and then there’s wallpaper! A new exhibition opens this weekend at the RISD Museum: The Art of French Wallpaper Design.
The Art of French Wallpaper Design explores the vibrant, surprising designs that adorned walls in the 1700s and 1800s. Featuring more than 100 rare samples of salvaged wallpapers, borders, fragments, and design drawings, this exhibition reveals the creative process and showcases the extraordinary technical skills involved in producing these works, presenting an invaluable resource for artists and enthusiasts alike.
The exhibit runs from Saturday, November 16 to May 11, 2025.
An opening reception takes place Thursday, November 14, 5pm to 7:30pm, with refreshments, a cash bar, and conversation with museum staff . . . and it’s free.
Don’t forget: Admission to the museum is free through November — just show them your “I Voted” sticker.
(Seen here: View of Venice Wallpaper; Courtyard seen through Drapery, ca. 1840.)
The Art of French Wallpaper, 10am to 5pm, Saturday, November 16, RISD Museum, 20 North Main Street, (directions)