History of Toile Wallpaper

Micah RookeGeoriga CTAE Resource Network

2010

Usually refers to a finely detailed design with figures or flowers, usually monochromatic.

The original meaning makes reference to the “cloth” or “toile” in French, produced by Christopher Philippe Oberkampf at his factory in Jouy, France in the 1700’s

Influences from India introduce exotic flowers and creatures in the patterns.

Medium of toile was ideal for telling stories like Robison Crusoe, Paul et Virginia, the Fables of la Fontaine and Don Quixote.

Other plays popular at the time were depicted but have been hard to understand since the text is not available in print.

Historical themes show scenes from lives of Joan of Arc, Mary Queen of Scots, or Henri IV of France

Based on current events of the day such as “Monument of Egypt” or “Balloon of Gonesse”

Greek mythology was also adapted in print

Many toiles and block-printed patterns produced at Jouy are still available. Few are still produced by the original method known as copperplate and roller-printing.

Most wallpaper manufacturers have their own version of toile in their product line.

Toile is also a popular pattern for home furnishings and apparel.

Balloon de Gonesse Temple d’ Amour Les Miserables or The Scottish Shepherds Plaisirs d’ Indochine Les Quatre Saisons Monuments of Paris Dublin Toile Haywood La Bastille Mt Vernon Plantation Toile

…are photographs from plates originally published in the early 1900th century.

One of the best known toiles is the 1785 design by Jean-Baptiste Huet.He illustrates the four seasons in a romanticized country setting.•What characteristics do you see in this paper?

Toile by Jean-Baptiste Huet created in 1785. Named for an adolescent cupid being offered a lamb by a woman. This paper was used by the courts of Marie Antoinette.

1806 Design by Jean-Baptiste Huet . Includes robed woman sacrificing dove to Venus, scene from stories of Androcles and the lion, and the seduction of Leda . Geometric patterns showing classical mythological motifs.

Block printed design dates back of late 1700’s. “Chinoisserie” was in vogue. Chinese figures area arranged in medallions set on a ground of flowers.. This added to the popularity of this design.

Block-printed design of 1788 from Jouy displays exotic flowers inspired by patterns on Indian chintze.

Late 18th century block printed displays a ship cough in a thunderstorm. The ship medallion is decorated with a garland and a large bouquet beneath.

From a block printed fabric. A woven Asian fabric was the inspiration for this design. The floral/stripe was printed to imitate a type of weave called “connele.”

Paper by Schumacher and Company adapted from 18th century archive documents.

Monochromatic representation of toile being used on walls, upholstery, and draperies.

Les Toiles IV Maryvale

Schumacker http://www.fschumacher.com/

Brunschwig & Fils http://www.brunschwig.com/why_working.php

Scalamandre http://www.scalamandre.com/

Cowtan & Tout http://www.cowtan.com/

Note: websites are subject to change since the printing of this PowerPoint presentation.

AssignmentStudents will create their own toile

Using the history of toile create your own pattern reflecting your “favorite things.”

Create this pattern using colored pencils and graphics.

Toile should be displayed on a standard sheet of poster board.

This is a creative project so be creative!