La maison leroy
History and Renewal
Explore the key dates that have shaped the history of the Leroy house,
creator and manufacturer of high-quality wallpaper.
1842
La Maison Leroy
At the beginning of the 19th century, the wallpaper industry stagnated, struggling to adapt to industrialisation due to the technical difficulty of mechanisation. In 1842, Louis Isidore Leroy revolutionised the sector by inventing machines allowing continuous, multi-colour printing, inspired by textile techniques. Thanks to him, production fully entered the industrial era. The company experienced rapid growth: awards at the 1855 and 1867 Universal Exhibitions, patented innovations, and the diversification of its collections. It established itself as a key player in the technical and artistic renewal of wallpaper.
1876
International and Technical Development
Louis Isidore handed the company over to his son Charles in 1879. During the Belle Époque, the company prospered by embodying luxury and ostentatious comfort, remaining at the forefront of style thanks to its fashionable designers and artists. As an international company, Isidore Leroy exported a quarter of its production. In 1912, a factory was built in St Fargeau Ponthierry, which is now preserved and open to visitors.
1920
The Golden Age and Decorative Arts
In the 1920s, the Leroy house reached its peak, drawing inspiration from Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements. Its creations adopted an aesthetic based on constructive logic and an abundance of geometric shapes such as circles, triangles, and diamonds. These motifs evoke the movement and dynamism of an enthusiastic generation discovering the airplane, the automobile, and the pleasures of sport.
1969
Modern Times
During a period of prosperity, wallpaper became a staple in homes, driven by colourful and floral styles. Isidore Leroy took advantage of this to innovate with bold collections, including the success of the Twin Set and non-woven wallpaper starting in 1972, reaching its peak in 1970 as the European leader. However, the late 1970s were marked by the Wallpaper Crisis, which saw the disappearance of most French manufacturers. Rising costs and foreign competition forced the Leroy Manufacture to temporarily close in 1982.
2016
The Renewal
In 2016, the brand was reborn in Bordeaux. Driven by new printing techniques and a dynamic team, it multiplied collaborations with renowned designers and quickly became a key player in decoration once again. By mastering the entire production process in its workshops, it remains faithful to its heritage. It rediscovers its archives, restores its legacy, and also offers customisable panoramic designs created with contemporary artists.
