François-Xavier Richard – Wallpaper manufacturer

Indre et Loire – 1972

François-Xavier Richard is a wallpaper manufacturer. After graduating from the Beaux-Arts, he set up the Atelier d’Offard in 1999. He specialises in the manufacture of wallpaper from the 18th and 19th century manufactures. He creates his designs for private clients, luxury brands, cinema, and exhibitions.

2023 – Concours Ateliers d’Art de France, lauréat national, catégorie patrimoine ; Resident at Villa Albertine.

2012 – Centre du luxe et de la création, prize Talent de l’Audace.

2009 – Fondation Bettencourt Schueller, prize pour l’Intelligence de la Main.

2008 – Resident at Villa Kujoyama.

Research and innovation

François-Xavier Richard mastered the traditional techniques of his craft, applying them with contemporary tools. He creates his own designs on computer. Each stage of the creation is then carried out by hand or with presses, he assembles, based on eighteenth-century models. In addition, he uses techniques such as stone cardboard dating from the same century. The papers he uses are produced to strict conservation standards and each material selected is environmentally friendly. His pigments are natural and bound together with rabbit skin glue.

Transmission

François-Xavier Richard perpetuates and enhances his know-how by opening his workshop to the public. Many apprentices, trainees and Compagnons du devoir have been trained there. L’Atelier d’Offard is also a family story: Louis and Eloïse Richard are following in their father’s footsteps by co-founding the Maison Édition d’Offard in 2020.

François-Xavier Richard approached in 2023 the Fondation Rémy Cointreau to combine traditional and contemporary techniques. He wishes to acquire a multi-material 3D printer in order to produce pieces of stone cardboard.