Toile de Jouy, woving history into the present

Some fabrics tell a story, and few do so as elegantly as Toile de Jouy. It was created in 1760 by Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf in the town of Jouy-en-Josas as a fabric and an artistic textile. It quickly became a symbol of refinement in the French decorative arts. Its success was not only technical — it became an artistic sensation too. Jean-Baptiste Huet soon emerged as a key figure in the Toile de Jouy aesthetic. This French painter and engraver from the 18th century used the fabric as a narrative medium. His designs captured the spirit of the Grand Siècle: they were filled with allegory and movement, depicting bucolic scenes, mythological references, and exotic landscapes.

Apartments of Marie-Antoinette in Château de Versailles showcasing Toile de Jouy

Even after the French Revolution, this textile flourished in Europe, adorned even by Napoleon. But industrialization in Europe made it fade. The Toile de Jouy became a relic, admired by collectors, preserved in galleries and museums, but largely absent from contemporary life. Only in recent years have a few artisans and visionaries reignited fascination with this timeless craft. Across haute couture, interior design, and now even bespoke stationery, Toile de Jouy is experiencing a quiet renaissance. Far from a relic, it is reclaimed as a bridge between past and present.

We saw it as the perfect element to incorporate into our vision — a whisper of history woven into the present. In collaboration with museums and artists, we have created a unique burgundy rendition of a masterpiece by Jean-Baptiste Huet, visible today at both The Victoria and Albert Museum and The Grand Parc du Château de Versailles. This design, reinterpreted for our envelopes, pays homage to the past while anchoring it firmly in the present.

We did not want it to be a gesture of nostalgia but rather one of continuity. Not only to preserve history but to carry it forward, to place it in the hands of modern travelers and writers. And the most impressive part? The design remains, as relevant now as it was centuries ago, mainly because it was shaped by those who understand that true luxury is not about excess, but about depth, meaning, and an unshakable reverence for craftsmanship. 

Now, each time you encounter a Des Épigraphes card you’ll be able to join us in carrying history in our hands as we write the future. As always, with style and elegance.