About Us

parable n. a story told to illustrate a moral

How It Began
The Parable journey began in 1989 when Nigel Parker discovered 1200 American wallpaper printing rollers.  Instantly recognising the quality of workmanship and skill to create such intricate detail, he knew they should not be lost.  He purchased them with thoughts already in his mind of ways to replicate them.  

The Essence Of Parable
Many years later, Nigel acquired a further 600 British rollers along with silk screens and Surface Print machinery. The cost of transporting and storing this huge collection is immense.  Finally, in 2003, Nigel and his partner, Amanda Barry, moved the whole collection to Devon.  Against the trend of this throwaway age, they began developing ways to reinvent the rollers to preserve the originals, not knowing at that time how complex the methodology needed to be to create products that do justice to the craftsmen and women of this forgotten era. 

Research And Development
They knew it was imperative for the products to be seamless.  The research, development and trialling demanded precision engineering, complex moulding and difficult casting techniques, taking years to perfect.  They were adamant that lighting products should use eco-friendly low energy leds and where possible, they wanted to link arms with other British companies. 

Acknowledgements
Sincere thanks goes to Mr Frank Burtenshaw, artisan and time served indentured Wallpaper Draughtsman of the highest order, probably one of the last of his ilk in the world today.  His belief in Parable has been vitally important and they are truly honoured that this respected gentleman willingly shares with them his knowledge and memories of life in the wallpaper industry from the 1940s to the 1990s.

Parable is a member of the Wallpaper History Society.