Since its founding in London in 1875, Cole and Son has stood as the epitome of British craftsmanship in the world of luxury wallcoverings. What began as a modest enterprise in the bustling hub of Victorian London's printing quarter has evolved into one of the world's most prestigious wallpaper houses, gracing the walls of palaces, stately homes, and discerning residences across the globe.
This luxury furniture brand's extraordinary journey commenced during an era when over 190 block printing companies flourished throughout London's creative districts. Against this vibrant backdrop, the son of a Cambridgeshire merchant carved out a distinctive niche, establishing what would become a dynasty of design excellence that continues to captivate interior enthusiasts nearly 150 years later.
The story of Cole and Son wallpaper reads rather like a who's who of British design history. By 1883, the company had established its first dedicated wallpaper factory in Offord Road, Islington, where innovative production techniques began to complement traditional woodblock printing methods.
This forward-thinking approach would become the hallmark of the brand's enduring success.
The company's commitment to quality and innovation caught the attention of the highest echelons of British society. In 1961, Cole and Son received the ultimate accolade when they were granted a Royal Warrant as suppliers of wallpaper to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
This recognition placed them alongside the most esteemed luxury furniture brand names, cementing their position as purveyors of exceptional taste and quality.
Throughout its storied history, Cole and Son has masterfully balanced reverence for traditional techniques with bold innovation. In 1900, the company revived the ancient art of hand-flocked wallpaper. This process originated in 17th-century Holland and provided an accessible interpretation of the cut velvet wallhangings favoured by the aristocracy.
The brand's founder made perhaps his most significant contribution to the wallpaper industry through the development of pan coating techniques and the creation of processes that imitate silk textures. Using ground mica solutions, he achieved lustrous silk-like effects on paper that remain in use today, demonstrating the timeless nature of true innovation.
No single design encapsulates Cole and Son's design philosophy quite like the Woods wallpaper. Created as a screen print in 1959, this elegant silver birch tree pattern has become synonymous with sophisticated interior design.
The Woods collection demonstrates the brand's ability to create patterns that feel both timeless and utterly contemporary, working equally well in period properties and modern spaces.
The design's refined palette and uncomplicated elegance have made it a favourite among both interior designers and homeowners who truly appreciate understated luxury. Its timeless and soothing presence subtly transforms spaces, creating an atmosphere of tranquility without overwhelming the surroundings.
This balance of simplicity and sophistication embodies the very essence of good taste, allowing it to seamlessly enhance any environment while maintaining a sense of serenity and class.
The Palm Leaves collection represents Cole and Son's mastery of botanical motifs. This striking design captures the bold graphic appeal of tropical foliage while maintaining the sophisticated restraint that defines the brand. With its bold frond prints set against chalky neutral backgrounds, Palm Leaves evokes the glamorous atmosphere of 1950s Miami with effortless retro appeal.
The collection has been reimagined in various iterations, including dense jungle compositions created through multi-layered printing techniques. Available in vibrant emerald greens, sophisticated teals, and softly muted tones, Palm Leaves demonstrates the brand's ability to reinvent classic motifs for contemporary tastes.
The long-standing collaboration with the legendary Italian atelier Fornasetti has resulted in some of the most coveted and iconic wallpapers in contemporary design. Beginning in 2007, this partnership has brought Fornasetti's surreal and whimsical imagery to life in the form of exceptional wallcoverings that effortlessly blur the line between decorative art and interior design.
These designs not only elevate the aesthetic value of a space but also bring a sense of storytelling and artistic expression into the home. Each piece captures a unique blend of fantasy and refinement, making it a true work of art for any wall.
Among the standout creations from this collaboration is the dreamlike Nuvolette pattern, featuring rolling clouds that stretch across walls and ceilings, creating an atmospheric and almost ethereal effect.
This pattern transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary environments, enveloping them in a serene, cloud-like ambiance that inspires calm and sparks the imagination.
The brand's collaborations extend beyond traditional design houses to include partnerships with fashion luminaries. The collection with Vivienne Westwood brought punk sensibility and rebellious spirit to wallpaper design, while the bespoke Flora wallpaper created for Gucci demonstrated how fashion motifs could be translated into interior art.
More recently, the collaboration with Stella McCartney has resulted in innovative, eco-friendly wallpapers, including the award-winning Fungi Forest design, which showcases the brand's commitment to sustainable luxury without compromising on aesthetic excellence.
Cole and Son wallpaper represents the pinnacle of technical achievement in wallcovering production. The brand offers various paper types to suit different applications and preferences, from traditional paste-the-wall options to modern non-woven varieties that can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth.
Every roll of Cole and Son wallpaper is produced to exacting standards, with careful attention paid to colour consistency, pattern matching, and durability. The brand's commitment to quality extends to its packaging and presentation, with each collection carefully curated and documented.
The company's manufacturing processes incorporate both time-honoured techniques and cutting-edge technology. Traditional hand-printing methods continue to be employed for special collections, while modern screen-printing facilities ensure consistent quality and efficient production for larger runs.
The excellence of Cole and Son wallpaper has been widely recognized by the design industry, earning numerous prestigious awards over the years.
Notably, the brand has won the Elle Decoration International Design Awards (EDIDA) for Wallcovering of the Year twice first in 2005 for the iconic Woods design, and more recently in 2023 for the innovative Fungi Forest pattern.
These accolades are a testament not only to the aesthetic allure of their designs but also to the brand's remarkable ability to evolve and stay relevant in an ever changing design landscape.
Despite these innovations, Cole and Son has remained firmly committed to its core values of unparalleled quality and craftsmanship, consistently delivering products that combine artistic vision with enduring excellence.
The Contemporary Selection brings together four of the brand's most popular modern collections, featuring enduring icons that epitomise Cole and Son's unique design philosophy. These collections demonstrate how colour and pattern can be combined to create interiors that feel both current and timeless.
For those drawn to period authenticity, the brand's historical collections offer carefully researched reproductions of archived designs.
These collections allow modern homeowners to capture the authentic atmosphere of different eras while benefiting from contemporary production quality and durability.
The brand also produces speciality wallpapers for specific applications, including borders, ceiling papers, and coordinating fabrics that allow for comprehensive interior schemes. This attention to complete design solutions sets Cole and Son apart as a luxury furniture brand that truly understands interior design.
While deeply rooted in tradition, Cole and Son has also embraced innovation in response to growing concerns about environmental responsibility.
The brand’s introduction of eco-friendly base papers and sustainable production methods demonstrates a strong commitment to responsible luxury, ensuring that sustainability is woven into the fabric of their design process.
A standout example is the award-winning Fungi Forest design, created in collaboration with Stella McCartney. This collection marks Cole and Son's first eco-based wallpaper, a significant milestone in their sustainability efforts.
By blending environmental consciousness with their signature aesthetic excellence, the brand proves that beautiful, high-quality designs can be both eco-friendly and visually striking.
Choosing Cole and Son wallpaper represents an investment in enduring quality and timeless appeal. These are not trend-driven designs that will feel dated in a few years, but carefully considered patterns that will enhance interiors for decades to come.
The brand's designs have graced the walls of historic houses, luxury hotels, and private residences around the world, creating a legacy of beautiful interiors that span generations. This longevity makes Cole and Son wallpaper not just a decorative choice but a wise investment in lasting beauty.
Each collection tells a story, whether paying homage to classical design traditions or setting new artistic trends. This narrative quality gives Cole and Son wallpapers a depth and richness that transcends mere decoration, creating walls that serve as conversation pieces and sources of daily inspiration.
FCI London proudly features Cole and Son wallpaper within our carefully curated selection of luxury interior products. As one of London's most respected luxury furniture store, we understand the importance of offering only the finest wallcoverings to complement our exceptional furniture collections. Our design team can guide you through Cole and Son's extensive portfolio, helping you select the perfect wallpaper to enhance your interior vision and create spaces that truly reflect your sophisticated taste.
If you're looking to enquire about any Cole and Son's product, get in touch with our expert team today. We will source it for you at an unbeatable price and help you find the perfect pieces to elevate your home.
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