Maureen gets major snaps for spotting this great find: “Views of Paris” wallpaper designed by Saul Steinberg — who is perhaps best well known for his New Yorker cartoons. Amazing but true: This Schumacher wallpaper has been in production and for sale by Schumacher since 1946.
Maureen wrote:
I have been searching for post-war/pre-fab ’50s stuff since we started our basement reno in April 2008. I came across an article (googled it) and found the Schumacher paper that I linked in my earlier comment. I understand that very few wallpapers were produced in the war era because they melted the printing presses as part of the war effort.
She goes on to explain that her house was built in 1949, so she is looking for design resources that harken to the 40s and very early 50s. And she adds that, with a big kitchen renovation in the works, and the wallpaper pricing out at CDN$360 per double roll, she hasn’t bit the bullet to purchase any yet — she’s still thinking through where to put it exactly, as there are a few possibilities.
I do agree: Oh my, this is truly fantastic. To be sure, a wallpaper to aspire to. Thank you, Maureen, for the great detective work. I see from some of your other comments, that you have a few more finds I need to spotlight on the main page. I can’t WAIT to see your kitchen!
Here are some links with more information:
- Maureen first read this story about vintage wallpaper in the Old House Journal online.
- The OHJ story pointed her to this New York Times story about the Cooper-Hewitt’s 1995 exhibit, “Kitsch to Corbusier: Wallpapers From the 1950’s.”
- The Times story led her to chase the Saul Steinberg wallpaper, Views of Paris in Black and White for sale from Schumacher.
- Read more about Saul Steinberg’s life and work via The Saul Steinberg Foundation.
Maureen says
This wallpaper really reminds me of the Madeline series by Bemelman. I love it too…
Jeff says
Wow, great to see this paper- it’s available I believe (or was) in fabric as well. I saw it on a pair of chairs in Miami with white lacquered faux bamboo framing.
Also, Saul Steinberg did some amazing work which was featured in my favorite of all mid-century modern magazines, FLAIR by Fleur Cowles. The 1953 hardcover annual, of which I have an autographed copy (yes, I’m bragging) has delightful whimsical line drawings by Steinberg among others.
Mel Kolstad says
This is AMAZING wallpaper! It kind of reminds me of the illustrations done by M. Sasek for his “This is…..” series of children’s books in the late 50’s. That line drawing style is so wonderful!
Leona Gaita says
This wallpaper also looks great in a frame, and hung as wall art!
Caroline says
I grew up with this wallpaper in my parents’ home. Love the memories. Our furniture was black and red tweed and houndstooth patterns, and it looked really snappy with that wallpaper.
pam kueber says
Wow, Caroline! Any photos around? That would be something to see!
Virginia says
Wowie, wow, wow, wow. I am rarely a wallpaper fan, but this definitely goes on the “love” list.
Tikimama says
Jeanne, I think I can shed some light on people’s aversion to wallpaper, even though it is back in style. My last house, my current house, and the house I’m moving to in a couple of weeks all had/have wallpaper. Not cool, atomic, 50s era wallpaper that is my style, but styles chosen by someone else a looooonnng time ago, that do not go with my aesthetic at all. So, I have spent, and alas, may spend in the future, many tedious hours removing wallpaper. And you said it – PTSD is close to the way you feel after going through it! I’m not against the idea of wallpaper at all, I just want to make really, really sure it’s something I want to live with for a long time!
Jeanne says
p.s. the actual wallpaper link is not working.
pam kueber says
Thanks, Jeanne, I fixed the link.
Jeanne says
I love it! I’ve been to Paris once and would love to go back. Anything that reminds me of it is great! And any articles about wallpaper and it’s history is so timely, seeing how wallpaper has made a sort-of comeback in the design world. It’s amazing how many people still have an aversion to wallpaper and won’t put any up. It must be a PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) after having to strip wallpaper earlier in their life or something. 😀
Amy says
I love the story behind her finding this wallpaper, but I especially like that it is still for sale. This sounds silly, but I think this wallpaper would be perfect in my bedroom closet. Sigh.