SEEING THE LIGHT AFTER 90 YEARS

Luxury wallpaper installation specialist Fouassier Interiors has completed the meticulous restoration and installation of an exceptionally rare Colin Maillard wallpaper by Mauny, dating from 1936, as part of the full restoration of an historic manor house in Burgundy, France.

The manor house, originally built in 1900, is undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment designed to preserve the architectural heritage and artistic integrity of the property while reintroducing period craftsmanship throughout the interiors.

Conservation and restoration by Fouassier and his team of highly skilled specialist restorers

Purchased at auction by the owner specifically for the drawing room, the almost-antique rolls of Colin Maillard wallpaper are believed to be among the few surviving examples of the design still in remarkable condition after 90 years.

Printed by hand in soft greys and a delicate green, the wallpaper depicts the pastoral theme of the traditional game 'Blind Man’s Buff', known in France as 'Colin Maillard', from which the design takes its name. Originally created by Mauny - now part of the renowned French manufacturer Zuber - the paper represents a rare example of historic block-printing by hand.

Colin Maillard (or Blind Man's Buff) by Mauny dated 1936

Fouassier brought together a specialist team of artisans and restorers to ensure every detail of the project respected the heritage of the home and the integrity of the original materials.

Traditional installation methods were essential throughout the process. A liner was first applied before the wallpaper was installed using the traditional overlap technique, preserving authenticity while accommodating the fragility of the delicate paper.

The installation presented additional technical challenges due to alterations made by a previous owner, who had already trimmed sections of the wallpaper. Careful restoration planning and expert craftsmanship were required to achieve a seamless result.

Paint colours throughout the room were also selected to complement both the period architecture and the subtle palette of the wallpaper.

Original 1900 stained glass doors surrounded by Colin Maillard wallpaper

Colin Maillard wallpaper by Mauny

The room freshly painted and installed with Colin Maillard wallpaper

Trompe l'oeil ceiling feature

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/7d946e_01ff34def20f4371a4b799e9678bdfd8/480p/mp4/file.mp4

Arnaud Fouassier talks about the process of installing the Colin Maillard by Mauny wallpaper

Arnaud Fouassier pasting the Mauny wallpaper

Arnaud Fouassier 'booking' the Mauny wallpaper

Arnaud Fouassier hanging the Mauny wallpaper

Using the overlap technique

Fouassier smoothing the Mauny wallpaper

Fouassier installing Mauny's Colin Maillard

Joining Fouassier on the restoration project were painter and decorator Audric Gaggero; decorator and artist Michaël Domain, who created the trompe l'oeil ceiling artwork; carpenter Julien Nobis; and stained-glass restoration specialist Anne Brugirard.

Postcard of the manor house in Rully, which is now the subject of complete restoration

Known internationally for installing exceptional wallcoverings in luxury residences, heritage properties, flagship boutiques and prestigious hospitality spaces, Fouassier combines traditional savoir-faire with contemporary precision. From castles and manor houses to penthouses and luxury hotels, each project is executed with meticulous attention to detail and respect for craftsmanship.

“Exceptional wallpapers deserve exception installation.”

Arnaud Fouassier

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