Leaders of Luxury: Claud Cecil Gurney and How de Gournay Paints the World by Hand

De Gournay has changed little in its approach over the years.

The British luxuryLuxuryA lifestyle defined by exceptional quality, craftsmanship, exclusivity, and sophistication, encompassing the finest products, services, and experiences that represent the highest standards of refinement and excellence.Go to Luxury Glossary wallcoverings house has spent decades championing hand-painted artistry that transforms interiors into landscapes of flora, fauna, history, and imagination. Founder Claud Cecil Gurney’s fascination with beauty began long before he established the company. (Article continues after the video.)

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As a child, Gurney traveled extensively with his mother. While he admits he did not always appreciate the experiences at the time, they planted the seeds of a lifelong passion.

“I remember going around the world with my mother, going to the opera that I hated at that time, and taking me to museums and auction sales and junk shops,” he recalls. “Eventually it captivated me.”

Those travels introduced him to historic homes adorned with hand-painted wallpapers, particularly the exquisite Chinese export wallpapers of the eighteenth century. The beauty of those interiors left a lasting impression.

“I was just gobsmacked to see these beautiful things,” he says. “And when eventually I wanted to get out of finance and economics, I chose it because it’s just something very beautiful. Creating beauty is probably the most enjoyable thing to do in life.”

That simple pursuit of beauty became the foundation of de Gournay. The company was never conceived as a calculated business venture; instead, it grew from genuine enthusiasm and passion for a craft he loved.

“I had no idea whether it was going to be something that grew and expanded and became a successful international business,” he says. “I was doing it because I loved creating these things for myself. I wasn’t doing it to try and make a fortune.”

Today, de Gournay is recognized globally for its hand-painted wallcoverings, decorative furnishings, and bespoke commissions. What began as a personal passion has evolved into a global enterprise supported by hundreds of artisans around the world. The company’s philosophy remains rooted in preserving artistic traditions and keeping them relevant for contemporary audiences.

Contrary to assumptions, reviving traditional Chinese wallpaper techniques did not require resurrecting a lost art form. Gurney says the artistic knowledge remained alive in China through generations of painters and art schools.

“The ability to paint hadn’t died,” he says. “It was still there and encouraged.”

The challenge was identifying artists who could reconnect with historical methods and adapting those skills to create wallpapers for a modern luxury market. Today, de Gournay works with approximately 500 artists in China, 150 in India, and another 50 in Yangon, creating one of the world’s largest networks dedicated to hand-painted decorative arts.

What distinguishes the brand is its ability to balance historical authenticity with creative evolution. Gurney views design as a continuous cultural dialogue rather than an exercise in preservation.

“A lot of the art and design in the world can be traced back to Chinese art and design,” he says, noting how motifs travelled along trade routes and evolved across cultures. Designs often associated with Persia, India, Greece, or Europe frequently share roots and influences that span continents.

An openness to cultural exchange is reflected in de Gournay’s collaborative approach. The company frequently works with leading designers, architects, and creatives around the world, translating their ambitious concepts into handcrafted works of art.

“We think of ourselves executing the painting that somebody wants to have,” Gurney says.

Often, designers arrive with a concept rather than a finished visual plan. A request might involve interpreting a historic European fresco or imagining a contemporary narrative through traditional techniques. The de Gournay team conducts extensive research, develops designs, and brings them to life through the expertise of its artists.

“We are the executors, we’re the painters,” he says. “Luckily, we have some amazing artists who are able to interpret these things and present them beautifully.”

This collaborative spirit found expression in the creation of Latina Manila, designed by Filipino designer Jonathan Matti and installed across three rooms in Malacañang Palace. For Gurney, the project represents both a creative milestone and a deeply personal connection.

“It’s iconic,” he says. “It’s mind-blowing.”

Having spent significant time in the Philippines as a young man, he speaks warmly of returning and witnessing the country’s growth. The project reflects what de Gournay does best: creating detailed interpretations of place, memory, and history.

The enduring appeal of the brand lies in the emotional response its work evokes from those who view it. Gurney believes beautiful interiors serve an important purpose in modern life.

“Happiness,” he says when asked what he hopes people feel when entering a room adorned with de Gournay panels.

He describes the home as a refuge from the pressures, disappointments, and anxieties of everyday life. Surrounded by vibrant colors, botanical imagery, and natural landscapes, people can find a sense of calm.

As lifestyles have changed, so have the spaces people choose to decorate. Four decades ago, clients often focused on grand country estates. Today, de Gournay’s work appears in city apartments, yachts, private jets, and residences scattered across multiple continents. The settings may have changed, but the desire to create meaningful environments remains constant.

The brand has also embraced the digital era. Gurney credits social media, particularly Instagram, with helping transform the company into a globally recognized name. What began as an early experiment, encouraged by a chance conversation nearly 15 years ago, has evolved into one of the most influential visual presences in the luxury interiors sector.

Yet for all the international acclaim, Gurney’s personal definition of beauty remains surprisingly simple.

“Beauty is simplicity,” he says.

He believes happiness comes from maintaining a connection to nature, whether through gardening, animals, or the changing seasons. It is a philosophy that mirrors the imagery found throughout de Gournay’s creations, where flowers, branches, birds, and historical landscapes become reminders of the serenity people seek.

This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ Design Issue, June 2026.