The Art of Handcrafted
Woodblock Printing
At Mauny, wallpaper is not simply printed; it is crafted by hand, layer after layer. Each pattern, whether drawn from the repertoire of the 18th century or from the world of André Groult, is the result of a long and meticulous process in which every stage calls upon a distinct artisanal expertise.
In contrast to industrial production methods, the Maison embraces a way of making in which time is not compressed, but understood as essential to the precision and integrity of the décor.
Des papiers peints fabriqués
à la planche de bois
Véritable savoir-faire ancestral, l’impression à la planche de bois construit chaque décor lentement, couleur après couleur.
The Carved Woodblocks
Everything begins with the carved woodblocks, some historic, others recreated identically from original models. Built from several layers and topped with pearwood, they are hand-carved with extraordinary precision. Every incision is conceived in reverse, anticipating the placement of color and the layering of successive printings, so that the design emerges with perfect accuracy during the printing process. This remarkable archive of carved woodblocks, central to Mauny’s identity, is the subject of ongoing research, care, and preservation. Each woodblock corresponds to a single color, meaning that one pattern may require dozens of blocks, revealing from the outset the complexity of the décor.
Preparing the Colors
Colors are prepared according to the traditional détrempe technique, combining water, chalk, pigments, and binders. Nothing here is automated. Guided by the archives and by eye, the artisan works to recover the precision of a shade, its balance, and its vibrancy. Each color is developed in relation to the others, with layering always in mind. This process gives rise to a palette of remarkable richness, in which color is never flat. It remains alive, subtly nuanced, and delicately irregular.
Color Proofs
Color proofs reveal the use of color, the order in which it is applied, and the technical intricacies of the printing process. The sequence of application, known as the “color progression,” follows a precise logic: the colors covering the largest areas are printed first, followed by intermediate tones, then lighter shades, and finally the details. Each hue is carefully numbered, every printing stage precisely anticipated. Mastery of color becomes an art in itself, while the proofs serve as a living record of the artisan’s hand and of the construction of the décor itself.
Cellulosic Paper, an Essential backing
Even before printing begins, the paper itself plays a fundamental role in the creative process. At Mauny, wallpapers are printed on cellulosic paper, continuing a tradition of paper supports used since the 18th century. Made from plant fibers, this paper has a naturally matte, lightly absorbent, and richly textured surface, ideally suited to the détrempe technique. Rather than sitting on the surface, pigments are absorbed into the paper itself, giving the colors greater depth, subtlety, and vibrancy. Its matte finish softly diffuses light without glare, allowing the décor to reveal itself with elegance and nuance. While contemporary production methods have improved the paper’s consistency and stability, its essential qualities remain unchanged: exceptional absorbency and chromatic richness, creating a finish that is deep, matte, and almost painterly.
Coloring the Ground
Before printing, the paper is prepared and tinted entirely by hand. Across long wallpaper lengths, a ground color is applied with a brush and then blended through steady circular movements performed by the artisans. This first layer is crucial, establishing the depth, luminosity, and atmosphere of the décor beneath the motifs to come. Each length is then left to dry naturally for an essential period of time before the woodblock printing process can begin.
Inking the Woodblocks
Woodblock printing demands exceptional precision and control. Each block is first moistened, then inked by hand on a wool felt pad. On the inking table, a felt surface saturated with color receives the woodblock. The printer carefully monitors the consistency of the pigment, while the engraved block is pressed onto the felt to ensure an even distribution of color. The density of the pigment, the temperature of the air, and the texture of the paper all influence the final result. Each impression therefore becomes a delicate balance between technical mastery and the sensitivity of the artisan’s hand.
The Drying Process , When Time Stands Still
The drying of the wallpaper, carried out using suspended wooden rods, perpetuates a traditional method essential to the quality of the décor. After printing, the still-damp wallpaper lengths are carefully hung over smooth wooden poles, allowing air to circulate freely around each surface. This suspended drying process ensures slow, even evaporation while preserving the integrity of the material. It minimizes the risk of smudging, distortion, or sticking, all common with flat drying methods. Hanging in space, the wallpapers seem suspended in time, between two layers of color or already poised to reveal their full richness, beauty, and magic.
The Hand Behind Every Final Detail
Once the printing or stenciling process is complete, each wallpaper roll is carefully inspected and then entrusted to a decorative painter, who applies the final touch-ups by hand with a fine brush. This exceptional level of care, carried out entirely by hand, from the pressure of the woodblock to the precision of the brushstroke, gives each wallpaper a subtly unique character, where the trace of the artisan’s hand becomes an integral part of the soul of the décor.
Printing the Motif
With a steady and practiced hand, the printer positions the woodblock precisely onto the paper length. Small brass pins, known as registration pins, fixed along the edge of the block ensure the perfect alignment of each successive color. At the back of the press, a small wooden crosspiece supports the movable lever mechanism. Through measured pressure, the color is transferred onto the paper, settling into the surface with depth and vitality. Each wallpaper length is then hung to dry naturally in open air before receiving the next color. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is forced. Through this patient choreography, the décor gradually reveals itself in all its richness. The making of a single wallpaper requires dozens of successive printings and several weeks of meticulous work.
The Art of Stencil Printing
Alongside woodblock printing, Mauny also preserves the art of stencil printing, an equally demanding technique. Each color is applied separately using cut stencils, carefully positioned on the paper with great precision. Today, the stencils are made from transparent materials, allowing for exact registration and perfect layering of colors. The pigment is then applied by hand, using brushes or soft bristle tools, through controlled gestures that respect the texture and integrity of the paper. As with woodblock printing, this process relies on the patient repetition of successive applications and on a precise understanding of the motif. The result is a décor of remarkable delicacy, where the precision of the design meets the richness and texture of the color.
Mauny Wallpapers, the Luxury of Time and a Singular Beauty Passed Down Through Generations
The manufacturing process behind Mauny wallpapers explains both their rarity and their singular character. Each décor is the result of time, of a succession of precise gestures, and of craftsmanship patiently preserved and passed down through generations. Whether drawn from the historic collection or from the creations of André Groult, this exacting approach gives every wallpaper a distinctive quality: that of a décor that does more than simply cover a wall, but brings it depth, presence, and vibrancy. This savoir-faire cannot simply be taught; it must be transmitted. From hand to hand, from eye to eye, these gestures have endured for centuries. One must learn to see, to feel, to repeat, until perfect balance is achieved. At Mauny, this transmission lies at the very heart of the workshop’s mission. It ensures fidelity to ancestral techniques while allowing the craft itself to remain alive and enduring.
