Toile de Jouy
Contents |
[edit] What is Toile ?
Toile de Jouy is the name given to a specific type of unbleached linen fabric, which has printed romantic often pastoral patterns on it, generally in a single colour and usually black, blue, or red. The term has also been adopted to describe similar patterns applied to other household items such as wallpaper and fine china. It is also often shortened to toile, though the shortened version is also used to describe a short run of fabric used a test materials in the clothing and furnishing industries.
[edit] Historical origins
The term originates from France, more specifically from a town just outside of Paris, Jouy-en-Josas, where Christophe Philippe Oberkampf opened a factory and worked with the designer Jean-Baptiste Huet to produce these styles of fabric as early as 1760. Not far from Versailles the fabric was very popular with the french aristocracy in particular Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, considered a luxury item it was mostly used for interior decorative hanging fabrics such as curtains, but also later the same pattern was adopted for wallpapers. The same types of fabrics were also being produced in England and as such around a similar time began to feature in many English country houses. The factory continued to readapt the designs and create new patterns, often relating to social political events, such as for example the French Revolution. factory even produced a French Revolution–patterned toile. It also commemorated the American Revolution, and a few centuries later, on this side of the ocean.
[edit] Modern interpretations
The style of Toile de Jouy had a resurgence in popularity in around the 1950's, as production became cheaper and the styles more available, it can be seen in a variety of films of the time. It also had a somewhat adapted resurgence in around 2010 through to today, with artists producing new designs in this old style but with modern day scenes. For example scenes from Coney Island, Harlem, Brooklyn and New Orleans, or London and Glasgow, even with favourite popular characters.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.