Modern Use of Zuber Wallpaper

Wilson Kelsey Design was a sponsor of the recently held symposium "Exploring Zuber et Cie’s “Views of North America” presented by Head Curator, Isabelle Dubois-Brinkmann, of the Musee du Papier Peint in France, James Abbott, author of "Designing Camelot: The Kennedy White House Restoration," and Joanna Gohmann who spoke about the French Idealization of America's democracy. 

Zuber et Cie creates incredible artistic wallpapers that bring both history and design together. Founded in 1797, Zuber et Cie produces woodblock printed wallpapers and furnishing fabrics that portray historical stories. The historical designs retain a source of inexhaustible inspirations and create luxurious new collections.

(Mural applied by Finishing Touch Professional Paperhanging; Photography by Greg Premru)

Although founded many years ago, don’t consider this wallpaper a thing of the past. High-end interior designers, Sally Wilson and John Kelsey of Wilson Kelsey Design, have a special admiration for Zuber papers. Sally Wilson, ASID says, “The colors and richness of hand blocked wallpaper, made in the old traditional way - are astounding.”

“There is something intangible about the experience. It is more like the appreciation of a fine piece of artwork - with every panel hand blocked and a completed series sometimes taking a year to complete.”

(The Diplomatic Reception Room with its American landscapes wallpaper, circa 1995/White House Museum)

Zuber is well known for its presence in the White House. During the presidency of John F. Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy had an antique copy of the panoramic wallpaper Vue de l'Amérique du Nord, (designed in 1834) installed in the Diplomatic Reception Room.

(Zuber wallcovering in foyer/Michael Jacob Ladue News)

Wilson Kelsey Design says, “having a scenic wallpaper entirely around the dining room walls brings a special experience to dining. There is always something interesting to look at, some little detail you may not have noticed before. The art brings a special glow, along with a story.”

They also find it particularly effective in foyers, stairways and hallways.

(French paneling in the design stages by Wilson Kelsey Design)

Another interesting effect can be created by paneling a room via panel molding and having the wallpaper only inside each of these panels. It creates a particularly French look. Some of the effective Zuber scenes for this treatment are done in grisaille (all sepia or grey tones).