Farrow & Ball, the renowned traditional English manufacturer of high-quality paints and wallpapers, aims to revive five almost forgotten patterns with its wallpaper collection “The Purnon Papers.” The motifs in the freshly printed collection range from delicate flowers to ornate damask-like prints. They are skillful reinterpretations of designs that came into the hands of the new owners during the renovation of the Château de Purnon in the French department of Vienne.

Each of these designs is available in five characteristic color schemes and bears the names of the aristocratic former owners, as a reminder of the heyday of the stately estate. Like its other wallpapers, Farrow & Ball manufactures “The Purnon Papers” by hand using traditional techniques and fine colors.

“Patterns so precious and complex that we had to show them to the World”

Charlotte Cosby, Creative Director at Farrow & Ball, is enthusiastic about the artistry of the original prints: "When I saw the patterns for the first time, I was simply overwhelmed. They look so incredibly precious and complex. It's almost a shame that they lay hidden in the old walls all these years. I felt a little like I had discovered a treasure chest whose contents I absolutely had to show the world," Cosby enthuses. “We have reworked individual elements of the original patterns, such as color and size, to adapt them to today's design concepts and make them just as relevant and compelling for modern spaces as they were in the château. From hotels to houseboats, cafés to cottages, ‘The Purnon Papers’ will be equally at home anywhere.”

Traditional printing Methods for authentic Texture, Depth, and Feel

Farrow & Ball's traditional production methods reproduce the texture, depth, and feel of the original wallpapers. Depending on the pattern, techniques such as roller block or flatbed printing are used—and, of course, Farrow & Ball's original paints, which are renowned for their depth. “Mastering these two centuries-old manufacturing methods alone takes months,” says the creative director, “and only with them can the distinctive look that gives every room a special touch be created.”

Two of five unique Designs: Purnon and Adelaïde

Perhaps the most striking pattern in the collection is Purnon, the wallpaper named after the château itself. “With its ornate design and classic details symbolizing peace, abundance, and prosperity, it is a real eye-catcher. Adelaïde, on the other hand, is exceptional in a different way, with a floral, distinctly more abstract design. We have enlarged the format compared to the original to make the design even more opulent. Surprisingly, the wallpaper can still appear quite delicate,” emphasizes Charlotte Cosby.