Before I went to see “The Art of French Wallpaper Design,” on view at the RISD Museum through May 11, I thought the exhibition might be stuffy, but quite the opposite — it is a fascinating viewing experience.
The wallpaper samples in the show are from the French Rococo period (1770-1840) and relate a softer style of decorative art than Baroque. The historical context in which they were made spans the opulence of Marie Antoinette, and encompasses the French Revolution, a period of cultural shift is the time frame that led to the emergence of the French middle-class. The design challenge for wallpaper manufacturersin France at that time involved creating surface designs for newly cossetted middle-class interiors, mimicking Château-style at mass-produced prices.
Emily Banas, Associate Curator of Decorative Arts and Design at RISD Museum, oversaw the conservation of the works in the show and developed “The Art of French Wallpaper Design” as an exhibition. As a nod to the show content, at the opening Banas wore a full-length flowing floral dress, which complimented the profusion of patterned wallpapers on display. Visually referencing the exhibition’s interior design in her clothing choice was a fun, unexpected touch.
Banas’ exhibition comments were informed and relaxed. Artscope Magazine correspondent Suzanne Volmer “Cornered” her to talk about the show.
WHAT IN PARTICULAR WAS THE CATALYST THAT CAUSED YOU TO WANT TO LOOK AT WALLPAPER AS SUBJECT MATTER?
EMILY BANAS: A conservation endeavor. Through the process of working with approximately 500 wallpapers, borders, fragments and design drawings, I realized that it wonderfully encompassed the stories of design, production, and use of French 18th and 19th century wallpapers. The history of the collectors themselves, French artist Charles Huard and his wife Frances Wilson Huard, provided a fascinating layer to the story of the collection: how the wallpapers were collected, and why they were eventually sold to the RISD Museum. I knew the incredible designs, vibrant colors and variety of forms would be a huge draw for our visitors, that the added story of the collectors would make this exhibition unique.