Russia and China power Walker Greenbank

Wallpaper sales are booming as homeowners in Britain and abroad seek a taste of luxury even in tough economic times.

Walker Greenbank, owner of upmarket brands such as Sanderson, Harlequin and Morris & Co, has seen an 8% surge in underlying revenues in the first four months of the year. International sales jumped 13%, with the greatest demand in Russia, up 23%, and China, up 21%. Chairman Terry Stannard said Morris & Co, founded by 19th-century Arts and Crafts designer William Morris, was attracting particular attention in its 150th anniversary year.

Harlequin's new Momentum collection, using textured effects and a scatter-machine technique, has been its fastest-selling launch in 15 years. The shares rose almost 3% to 50.38p.