Toile is a classic design staple that began in eighteenth century France and remains popular today. My favorite toile is Bird and Thistle, produced by Brunschwig & Fils and available in green, blue, aqua, red, beige, grey, and silver. The graceful, delicate design is an adaptation of an English textile made in 1785. The original design (in red) was used as curtains and a bedcover by Henry Francis du Pont at Winterthur, his country estate in Delaware. H. F. du Pont, the last private owner of Winterthur and a renowned antiques collector and horticulturist, collected textiles made in the 18th and 19th centuries. He particularly enjoyed textiles with floral and foliage motifs that connected with the 60 acres of naturalistic garden that surrounded his home. The subtle shadings and open, airy effect of this toile was possible due to the copperplate technique of printing. Prior to the use of the copperplate, printed fabrics were produced with wood blocks that limited the size and intricacy of the design.
Brunschwig & Fils has been licensing designs from Winterthur’s collection since 1971. Renditions of this pattern (on fabric) were introduced in the Spring 1976 and Spring 1999 collections, with Bird and Thistle Cotton Print and wallpaper making a renewed debut in Spring 2007. From powder rooms to kitchens, Bird and Thistle makes a lovely addition to any home. Below is a sampling of how today’s top designers incorporate the pattern in all of the many colorways…
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Matthew Bees
Traditional Home
Nina Nash
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Which color is your favorite? I love them all, and I have chosen beige for our guest room… stay tuned for updates!
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Wow! That’s one of my favorites as well but I never knew there were so many color ways!
Thanks so much for all of your excellent posts!
Nancy
Clever article.
A beautiful print. I enjoyed seeing all the different colors and applications.
Such a beautiful design, and so versatile. No wonder the designers love it. It really makes the room. Thanks for pointing it out.
I ordered a sample of the beige in early February but got a reply saying it’s out of stock everywhere. So disappointed! I did get the green sample but apparently, beige is the most popular. I saw a pic of the beige in a stairwell and it was gorgeous!
Hi Kim,
If you call Brunschwig directly, they definitely have it! I just ordered beige wallpaper, and it is scheduled to arrive this week! 🙂
Xx,
Andrea
The Glam Pad
I love that this pattern looks good in whatever room it’s used in and whatever size. I am leaning toward the brown print in my guest bathroom. Maybe matching shower curtains . As someone said ‘When more is not enough’!
Loved this! Bird & Thistle has been a longtime favorite of mine…and when I did my bath reno last year, I decided to use the blue and white version. There is not a person who sees it – man or woman – that is is not knocked out by that pattern. Thank you for sharing all the backstory and marvelous takes on the use of it.
Hi!
Love this article! I just used the green in a guest suite. It is breathtaking! And I’m going to Winterthur this Spring! Very timely for me:)
I hope this finds you well!
My best,
Patricia McLean
Patricia McLean Interiors, Inc.
http://www.mcleaninteriors.com