William Morris (1834-96) and Philip Webb (1831-1915), Trellis, designed 1862
Historic Wallpaper from the Tom and Arlene Ellis Collection
In 1880, Albert H. Davenport (1845-1906) bought a business that had been established in 1842 by Ezra H. Brabrook. This Boston-based company expanded to include an entire range of decorating services. Davenport’s stock-in-trade included ‘tasty and unique designs of paper hangings of all possible tints and shades.’
The firm continued after Davenport’s death, merging in 1916 with Irving and Casson. The firm offered imported wallpapers until about 1934, when the inventory was sold off. This was acquired, probably during the 1950s, by Alice Wise, who made generous gifts to the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. And further donations were made by the next owners, Tom and Arlene Ellis: see Richard Nylander, Wallpaper in New England (Boston, 1986), pp. 239-40.
Since Tom Ellis’s death in 2019, Arlene has considered various options to find new homes for the collection. We have now been entrusted with the pleasurable task of spreading word of this remarkable collection’s availability.
Zuber & Cie (founded 1797), Cream & Gold Floral Pattern Against Pink Stripes on a Magenta Ground, 1880-1910
The Ellis Collection comprises wallpapers dating from the later nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, much in pristine condition. It includes examples from manufacturers like Zuber et Cie, Jeffrey & Co. (including papers designed by William Morris), and rare Japanese ‘leather’ wallpapers, renowned for their high relief, rich colours and lacquered finish.
Japanese, Leafy Chrysanthemum Pattern, embossed ‘leather’ lacquered tan finish on a black ground, 1870-1890
The link to elliswallpapers.org comprises individual samples as well as rolls sufficient to decorate complete rooms or whole walls. Please take time to look through the ‘catalogue’ and let me know if I can provide additional information. The collection can be viewed in Massachusetts, by appointment. Individual prices for each element of the collection are available, on request.