Cole & Son has a fascinating history. Founded in 1873 by John Perry, son of a Cambridgeshire vicar, the company – then called John Perry Ltd was originally situated in a wallpaper mill in Islington, North London, an area famous for the 200 hand block printing companies working there in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today Cole’s factory is in Haringey, just a few miles further north of the original site, while the showroom is in the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour.

Today, the Cole & Son archive consists of approximately 1,800 block print designs, 350 screen-print designs and a huge quantity of original drawings and wallpapers, representing all the styles from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Amongst these are some of the most important historic wallpaper designs in the world. Coles is now the prime source for entirely authentic period wallpapers printed by the original method and has provided wallpapers for many historic houses, including Buckingham Palace and the White House.

Cole & Son are one of the last remaining producers of hand-flocked wallpaper, still using their traditional method, which has not changed in the last 200 years. This collection includes the unique Flock on Foil designs

Contemporary interpretations of oriental designs in wider width paper

A selection from the archive of damasks, providing a contemporary signature through both scale and colour

Further bold large-scale retro designs with contemporary colourings. The collection includes the award winning Woods design

Recreates the glamorous feel of the 1920s to 1950s. Designed by Cole's Studio in collaboration with The Royal Oak Foundation, The American membership affiliate of The National Trust.