Les Zones Terrestres, after restoration, in the Scenic Wallpaper Manhattan studio

Featured in Architectural Digest

Read the Architectural Digest story here - Scenic Wallpaper was entrusted with a rare antique Les Zones Terrestres, a landmark Zuber panoramic, for conservation and display.

Historical Significance

Les Zones Terrestres is one of the most ambitious and extraordinary scenic wallpapers ever produced. First printed in 1855, it depicts multiple climatic zones and landscapes - glaciers, oceans, waterfalls, forests, and exotic terrain - woven into a single expansive panorama. Created with over 2,000 individually carved woodblocks, it remains a testament to 19th‑century craftsmanship and artistry. Each scene is a work of art in itself, and together they create a continuous narrative of the world’s diverse landscapes.

Fully restored Zuber Les Zones Terrestres scenic wallpaper mounted on boards — Les Zones Terrestres, after restoration

Mounting on Boards: Planning & Preparation

After decades in storage, the team at Scenic Wallpaper carefully laid out all the panels and mounted them onto archival boards to preserve the fragile paper and provide a stable surface for restoration. This approach allows the wallpaper to be displayed as individual works of art while protecting its delicate structure.

Antique Zuber Les Zones Terrestres scenic wallpaper prior to restoration — Before mounting and restoration

Close-up of damage and wear on Les Zones Terrestres wallpaper panels — Before mounting and restoration

Planning included detailed assessment of the wallpaper’s condition, mapping areas of damage, and preparing the panels for careful in-place restoration.

Strategic decisions were made on how to best conserve the original artwork, integrate missing or damaged areas, and use plain blue paper as a base for additions.

Antique Zuber Les Zones Terrestres scenic wallpaper being mounted on boards — Mounting the wallpaper onto boards

Restoration Process

Once mounted, the artwork was carefully conserved: cracks and tears were filled, missing paint and large areas of lost pattern were recreated, water stains were treated and covered, and expansive sections of sky were repainted to seamlessly integrate with the original design. All in-painting was matched to the original color and style, maintaining the integrity and continuity of Zuber’s historic design. Our artist referenced detailed photos of the original Les Zones Terrestres to match the existing artwork and seamlessly recreate lost sections.

Before restoration of antique Zuber Les Zones Terrestres wallpaper — Before restoration and artwork

After restoration of antique Zuber Les Zones Terrestres wallpaper — After restoration and artwork

Hand-painting restored sections of panoramic wallpaper to match original design — Before restoration and artwork

Before hand-painting restored sections of panoramic wallpaper to match original design — Before restoration and artwork

After hand-painting restored sections of panoramic wallpaper to match original design — After restoration and artwork

Time Lapse video of hand-painting sections to match original design

Before restoration of antique Zuber Les Zones Terrestres wallpaper detail — Before restoration and artwork

After restoration of antique Zuber Les Zones Terrestres wallpaper detail — After restoration and artwork

Time Lapse video of hand-painting sections to match original design

Before hand-painted detail matching original Zuber panoramic wallpaper design — Before restoration and artwork

After hand-painted detail matching original Zuber panoramic wallpaper design — After restoration and artwork

Time Lapse video of hand-painting sections to match original design

Final Presentation

The restored Les Zones Terrestres now bring the 19th-century masterpiece to life in a contemporary context. Mounted and conserved on boards, the wallpaper can be appreciated as individual works of art, free from the structural demands of a wall installation, while retaining the scale, drama, and detail of the original panorama. The project demonstrates Scenic Wallpaper’s commitment to both historical preservation and exceptional presentation.