Atelier Doffard
Atelier d’Offard:
At Atelier d'Offard, under the expert guidance of François-Xavier RICHARD, we honor the age-old art of hand-blocked wallpaper production, a craft perfected in the great factories of the 18th and 19th centuries. Our atelier bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, blending time-honored techniques with contemporary innovation to craft wallpapers for both historical reconstitution and modern lifestyles.
Innovation Meets Tradition
Our commitment to research and innovation is matched only by our dedication to the mastery of traditional craftsmanship. We utilize modern tools and processes to reinvent wallpaper's role in decoration, ensuring each piece we produce is not only a work of art but a testament to the enduring appeal of handcrafted paper.
Awards and Recognition
Atelier d'Offard's exceptional craftsmanship has been honored with several prestigious awards, including:
Talent de l’Audace at the Talents du Luxe, 2012
Intelligence de la Main, Fondation Bettencourt-Schueller, 2009
Regional Award from SEMA, 2006
Award from the Académie des Sciences, Arts et Belles-Lettres de Touraine, 2006
Designated as an "Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant," our atelier is celebrated for its contribution to preserving living heritage, supported by the Bettencourt-Schueller Foundation.
Flocking: Separating itself from the traditional methods, our flocking technique brings the luxurious feel of velvet to paper. By applying natural wool or silk powder to the paper's surface, we achieve a unique, tactile finish that is both visually stunning and inviting to the touch. This process, entirely controlled in-house—from cutting and dyeing to application and finishing—allows for unparalleled quality and a distinctive look that enriches any interior.
Embossing and Leather Goffrage: Our embossing process introduces a dynamic element to wallpaper by creating raised patterns that play with light and shadow, adding depth and interest to walls. The technique can be further enhanced with the application of wax, varnish, patina, or metallic leaves, creating effects that mimic the luxurious texture of leather or the subtle intricacy of low relief designs. This method not only elevates the paper's appearance but also its tactile quality, offering a sensory experience that is both refined and captivating.
Sustainability and Craftsmanship
Our wallpapers are distinguished by their 100% natural pigments and glue, embodying principles of conservation with vibrant textures. We offer a variety of paper qualities, including Vergé (120g/m²), Vélin (300g/m²), Japanese Paper, and Kraft, catering to diverse aesthetic and functional requirements.
Artisan Techniques
Hand Block Printing: Each wallpaper from Atelier d'Offard is a masterpiece of precision, created with hand blocks on a manual press. This labor-intensive process allows for the application of color after color, layer after layer, resulting in a unique, matte finish. The depth of color and texture achieved through this technique ensures that each wallpaper not only decorates a space but transforms it, embodying the essence of true artisanship.
Stone Cardboard: An innovative use of historical materials, our stone cardboard offers a versatile medium for creating dramatic relief decorative elements. This old but gold technique involves crafting stone cardboard slabs that can be adapted to any surface or shape—be it columns, furniture, walls, or ceilings. The material's notable technical properties are especially beneficial for intricate interior architecture projects, enabling designers to infuse spaces with a sense of history and dimensionality.
Custom Finishings
At Atelier d'Offard, the possibilities for customization are as vast as the imagination. Our range of finishings includes:
Metallic and Leather Effect Embossing: By applying metallic finishes or simulating the texture of leather, we offer our clients the ability to bring an element of sophistication and luxury to their spaces.
Flock: With our expert flocking technique, clients can add a velvety texture to their wallpapers, available in a spectrum of colors to suit any design scheme.
Patina: Our patina finishing imbues wallpapers with an aged or antique look, perfect for creating a sense of depth and history in a room.
Varnishes and Polishing: For a sleek and refined finish, our varnishes and polishing techniques provide a smooth, protective coating that enhances the wallpaper's durability and aesthetic appeal.
Strié, Iridescent, and Other Effects: Whether seeking the subtle striations of strié or the shifting colors of iridescent finishes, our clients have access to a wide array of effects that can transform their walls into a statement of artistic expression.
Each technique and finishing option at Atelier d'Offard is a testament to our commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and the creation of spaces that reflect the unique vision and taste of those who inhabit them.