I spent a semester in London studying Decorative Arts at Sotheby’s Institute of Art a long long while ago and we spent a tremendous amount if time at the V & A Museum.  

I was thrilled to see the new 1838 V & A Wallpaper Collection.

Inspired by the vast archive of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, V&A Decorative Papers is a rich collection of nine wallpaper patterns in over 30 colourways, encapsulating design excellence and craftsmanship. An enchanting selection of reimagined, timeless designs, each with their own fascinating story to tell.

I have a favorite in Kyoto Blossom Mural. 

This stunning scene has been adapted from a kimono from the V&A’s archive. A dramatic, large-scale wall mural that celebrates traditional Japanese crafts, the pattern reflects perfectly the beauty of these majestical birds and cherry blossom trees with rippling water beneath. A cloud-like background texture in sumptuous Sandstone pink gives depth and movement.

Available in 4 colours: Golden Yellow, Prussian Blue, Mist and Sandstone

One roll contains 4 panels (A, B, C & D) for the full design. The design can be repeated out to cover further walls by using another roll in the same order (A B C D) until the required area is papered. Depending upon the wall height, the panel can be trimmed at the top, bottom or both to create the desired scene.

Kyoto Blossom Mural archive inspiration: Embroidered kimono, Kyoto, about 1860–1900
The V&A holds one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Japanese art, including ceramics, woodwork, prints, paintings, sculpture, textiles and dress. The design of this kimono illustrates the close connection between painting and textile arts that exists in Japan. The surface of the garment acts as a kind of hanging scroll for the creation of a hand-painted and resist-dyed image of elegant cranes under plum blossoms and pines. The crane is a symbolic bird in Japan where it is considered to bring happiness, good luck and longevity.

Daily Desires:

(email subscribers open in a browser to view content)