Historical Wallpapers

Héritage & Archive Collection: the Historical World of Isidore Leroy

Wallpaper is far more than a simple wall covering – it is a work of art that has travelled through the centuries, telling the story of decorative styles across France and Europe. The Héritage & Archive Collection by Isidore Leroy continues this tradition by reinterpreting antique motifs from our archives, panoramic landscape scenes and classical designs adapted for contemporary interiors.

The World of Isidore Leroy

Founded in the 19th century, the house of Isidore Leroy distinguished itself through its innovative printing techniques and the richness of its decorative motifs. Inspired by major artistic movements and museum collections, it preserves a historic savoir-faire while offering wallpapers perfectly suited to modern homes.

Each product is designed with care, respecting the original colours and styles.

The Evolution of Wallpaper Through History

Antiquity and the First Wall Decorations

The earliest wall ornaments appeared in the form of frescoes and painted fabrics. They decorated temples and patrician homes, foreshadowing the later decorative use of wallpaper.

18th Century: The Golden Age of Panoramic Wallpaper

France invented panoramic wallpaper, a true mural artwork. Inspired by landscapes, gardens and exotic scenes, these monumental designs transformed walls into living frescoes.

19th Century: Naturalism and Detailed Motifs

With industrial progress, printing became more accessible and refined. Floral and animal motifs reflected the growing fascination with nature and exoticism.

Example: Les Oiseaux (1879), a spectacular design that captures the 19th century’s taste for lush landscapes and lively scenes.

Early 20th Century: Elegance and Modernity

Wallpaper accompanied bourgeois interiors and adapted to emerging styles. Stylised plants, refined scenes and structured stripes brought both order and elegance.

Example: Rayure Joséphine (1913), a timeless classic with delicate lines, reflecting the elegance and restraint of the early 20th century.

The 1930s: A Reimagined Botanical Inspiration

In the interwar years, wallpaper embraced more graphic and modernist forms while maintaining its connection to nature.

Example: Frondaisons (1930), a lush leafy design illustrating the decorative richness and daring creativity of the 1930s.

Today, these iconic models are reissued in the Héritage & Archive Collection, bringing history back to life while harmonising perfectly with contemporary interiors.

Current Trends in Historical Wallpaper

Today’s trend is the revival of historical wallpaper, reinterpreted for modern spaces:

• Panoramic landscapes restore a sense of depth to rooms.
• Historical scenes and garden-inspired motifs lend interiors a unique charm.

The Héritage & Archive Collection by Isidore Leroy embodies this trend, offering exceptional products that bridge the past and the present.

FAQ – Historical Wallpaper

When did wallpaper first appear?

Wallpaper originated in China over 2,000 years ago and spread to Europe in the 16th century. Its true golden age began in the 18th century with the advent of French panoramic wallpapers.

What is the difference between wallpaper and tapestry?

A tapestry is a woven textile, often embroidered, whereas wallpaper is printed on paper or non-woven material and applied directly to the wall.

Why choose wallpaper from historical archives?

Choosing archival wallpaper gives your interior an authentic historical and artistic dimension. These designs are often inspired by original documents preserved in museums, private collections or heritage archives.