JR Artisan Spotlight
Arthur Athas, JrOwner of Twigs Fabrics & Wallpaper
What inspires you?
My passion for collecting and preserving antique textiles and wallpaper documents continues to this day. Inspiration is always around from my plein air painting in the South of France, Pays de la Loire as well as hours spent playing my beloved piano.
Twigs Fabrics & Wallpaper was founded in July 1974
Celebrating over 50 years!
Describe your BRAND in 5 words or less:
Vetted Classic Designs Historical References
How did you get your start in the industry?
Arriving in New York upon graduating from Boston University, I began working with renowned Designer Sarah Hunter Kelly, which initiated my love for 18th and 19th century French textiles, wallpaper and furniture
Twigs Fabrics & Wallpaper’s initial production was a collection of original designs printed in our newly constructed Boston factory
Following our initial success, we expanded our design services to include the first collection for Rose Cummings Chintzes and several designers requesting custom products
Purchasing the Nancy V. MacClelland Company’s historic wallpaper enabled greater expansion. Established in 1927, these patterns continue in our product range.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art contracted Twigs to reproduce Joseph Dufours “The Monuments of Paris” for the new Richmond Room of the American Wing, currently on permanent display.
A new production facility was built in San Francisco, once again fueling expansion.
Several White House administrations have showcased our work. We have been honored with numerous awards for our installations in historic houses
Twigs Fabrics & Wallpaper initial production was a collection of original designs printed in our newly constructed Boston factory
Twigs Wallpaper and Fabric
Twigs Fabrics and Wallpapers was founded in 1973, includes the reproductions of 18th and 19th Century wallpapers and fabric, the archive of the Nancy McClelland Co, founded in 1924, the 17th and 18th Century I D S – Imprime du Soleil, Impronta del Sole – collection of Venetian papers and fabrics.
The wallpapers and fabrics have received numerous awards for excellence. The wallpapers are installed in an impressive roster of historic sites and museums. The most outstanding being, the scenic wallpaper, Les Monument de Paris on permanent exhibition in the Metropolitan Museum’s Richmond Room.
The archive and design studio for custom work are available worldwide.
What makes your brand stand out?
Purchasing the Nancy V MacClelland Company of historic wallpaper allowed for greater expansion. Established in 1927 these patterns continue in our product range.
Describe your studio or work space
My workspace is a creative haven surrounded by color, hundreds of designs in the archive and my brushes and paints.
Share your latest collection
The Metropolitan Museum of Art contracted Twigs to reproduce Joseph Dufours “The Monuments of Paris” for the new Richmond Room of the American Wing, currently on permanent display.
Any new techniques, mediums, colors, or aesthetics you are experimenting with or working on that you can share?
Our brand is distinguished by the utmost quality and care in production. New techniques in our hand-finished wallpapers continue to produce exceptional results.
