V&A Decorative Papers II by 1838 Wallcoverings
Following the success of its first collaboration with world-renowned V&A museum, 1838 Wallcoverings has launched another series of designs in its latest collection; V&A Decorative Papers II. Consisting of nine captivating patterns in over 30 colourways, this collection is both beautiful and bold in equal measure, rebirthing intricate patterns from the V&A’s extensive archive dating back to the 1700s.
Each design has its own captivating story to tell, here we take a closer look at three of the beautiful designs with insights from the team at 1838 Wallcoverings and the V&A themselves…
With Rhododendron, this woodblock printed wallpaper was redrawn in a way to both compliment the archive piece and to also give it a new contemporary feel. Based on a wallpaper that is thought to have been made in England during the 1920s, it reflects a time where British consumers wanted to give their homes an exotic feel and were drawn to rich, all-over floral patterns.
Rhododendron is a great nod to the Arts and Crafts movement, infusing a retro yet modern feel to a scheme and comes in three vibrant colourways.
Rhododendron shown in its new and original archival form
One of the oldest designs of the collection, this illustrative painting from Southern India in the 1700s (also known as a ragamala painting), was enlarged from a small, hand-held watercolour painting with fine details to form an eye-catching, large-scale mural that repeats across the wall.
With stylised palm trees, pretty lotus blossoms and peacocks, which were often used to symbolise absent beloveds, Garland of Ragini has been translated into two colourways representing day and night. This enchanting mural will make a really bold and beautiful design statement when used in a scheme.
Garland of Ragini shown as it's original watercolour design, alongside the new design
The Leman Album, one of the V&A's greatest textile treasures, served as the inspiration for Pineapple Garden, as vibrant and eye-catching as the original archive watercolour design that inspired it. Uplifting and joyful, this pattern skilfully combines graphic florals and swirling leaves with a hint of fun as exotic pineapples are hidden amongst the foliage. The star of this design is the pineapple, a fruit highly valued by the Georgians as a sign of prestige, that later came to symbolise hospitality and welcome, making Pineapple Garden ideal for home decor.
Despite being over 300 years old the original yellow colourway still feels relevant, and is joined by four additional colour options for welcoming, uplifting schemes.
The evolution of Pineapple Garden, from a watercolour design by James Leman to its new design today
