History of Thibaut
Still bearing the founder’s name, Thibaut (pronounced Tee-Bo) was founded in New York in 1886 by Richard E. Thibaut, an American of Parisian descent. Once heralded as the “world’s largest wallpaper company” Thibaut began as a successful retailer and with multiple distribution points in Boston, New York and Newark. Three generations of the Thibaut family owned and managed the company before it was sold to its employees. RPM, a manufacturer of specialty coatings purchased the company in 1976. In 2005, management and The Riverside Company became the owners, and since June 2014, management co-owns Thibaut with Champlain Capital.
Thibaut is proud to be the oldest continuously operating wallpaper company in the United States. Over the years Thibaut has transitioned from a wallpaper editor and distributor to an upscale design house, but still operates as a close-knit, family oriented company. Printed fabrics were introduced in 1960 and more recently the line has expanded to include a wide variety of embroidered, multi-purpose and woven upholstery fabrics.
While remaining true to its history and legacy, Thibaut has continued to expand and further serve its network of designers and showrooms worldwide. Anna French, a luxury brand of wallcoverings, fabrics, embroideries and Scottish lace was acquired in 2007. Thibaut Fine Furniture was introduced in 2012 as the latest chapter in Thibaut’s long history of great design.
THIBAUT TIMELINE
1886
Richard E. Thibaut opens the doors of Thibaut in the same year the Statue of Liberty graced the New York harbor.
1889
Thibaut and his staff opened their first storefront in New York City and the Coca Cola Co. is founded in Atlanta.
Prior to the invention of the delivery truck, Thibaut delivered wallpaper by horse and buggy.
1911
1914
1918
WW1 begins in Europe
Stock Market Crashes
1929
1936
The beauty of Thibaut wallpaper (as featured in this ad from House & Garden) provided a small antidote to the woes of the Great Depression
1939
WWII begins with German invasion of Poland
This cheery pattern evokes the importance of the homestead as soldiers return from WWII.
1945
Thibaut was ahead of its time with the flower power found in their first printed fabrics
1959
1961
Barbie makes her debut at the American Toy Fair, while Thibaut Murals gain immense popularity in American homes.
1969
Clearly, Woodstock wasn’t the only groovy thing going on.
See Sympatico from Design From Today Vol. XII collection
1986
President Clinton’s guests enjoyed the Chartier pattern in the White House. This pattern is currently available in Thibaut Classics
Film Forrest Gump, winner of six Academy Awards, features two Thibaut murals.
1993
1994
2005
2007
Thibaut introduces a dedicated line of upholstery weight woven fabrics.
2011
2012
Thibaut introduces Thibaut Fine Furniture.
Present
The Thibaut Tradition Continues...