In celebration of the breathtaking book, we ask Claud’s daughter and director of de Gournay, Hannah Cecil Gurney, to share a page from her family’s supremely stylish book.
Founded by Claud Cecil Gurney in 1984, legendary family-owned bespoke wallpaper purveyor de Gournay is renowned for its exquisite handpainted wallcoverings inspired by chinoiserie, Japanese Edo period paintings and 19th century French scenes, as well as art deco and art nouveau designs. The house’s new 256-page tome, de Gournay: Hand-Painted Interiors (Rizzoli), showcases the stunning use of the wallpapers by interiors illuminati, including Michael S. Smith, Miles Redd, India Mahdavi and Kelly Wearstler.
De Gournay handpainted Captain Cook’s Voyages Papier Panoramique wallpaper in Amarelo design colors on deep rich gold gilded paper with bronze pearlescent antiquing, as seen in The Ned hotel in London; de Gournay: Hand-Painted Interiors (Rizzoli).
“In a world with so much machine-made product, our handmade wallcoverings offer a unique opportunity for our clients to install something in their home that is a true one of a kind. It’s work of art that will stand the test of time and become a treasured antique for future generations—a wallcovering that tells a personal story. This wallcovering [shown above] is one we created especially for The Ned hotel in London based on the voyages of Captain Cook. It has so much drama. ... As you walk down the corridor of the hotel, you travel on a journey via the wallpaper.”–Hannah Cecil Gurney, director, de Gournay
“These elegant, colorful beeswax candles all handmade in England feature a unique ribbed design— pieces that truly elevate the home.”
de Gournay Embroidered Fabrics“We recently launched a collection of handembroidered fabrics to complement our handpainted wallcoverings. This Magnolia Canopy design handembroidered in silk thread and accented with beads feels so romantic and soft. It’s like being in a dream. Standing in this room brings a lovely feeling of calm and serenity.”
Marta Ferri Clothing“This woman is a genius. The daughter of an interior designer, she was inspired to make tailored clothing out of upholstery and drapery offcuts—a modern-day Julie Andrews, but with so much cool. And it’s now sold through MatchesFashion. I am so obsessed with upholstery-style fabrics and so excited that I can now wear them! So much pattern and texture. Divine.”
“These organic dresses recall India’s rich textile heritage with their beautiful block print. In partnership with the charity WomenWeave, which produces beautiful handmade cotton, Gabby’s dresses are crafted by a weaver from Calcutta and are completely organic and chemical-free.”
Collier Webb Cupboard Handles“Its products are handmade and you can feel it when you see and touch them. The quality is outstanding. For my son’s bedroom, he has a wall of cabinetry and we used a different shell-shaped knob on every door, all in a beautiful warm nickel finish too.”
Photography by: From top to bottom: Simon Brown/ courtesy of de Gournay;
Helene Sandberg/ courtesy of de Gournay; magnolia canopy by Rebecca Reid/courtesy of de Gournay; all other photos courtesy of brands
