Our story

Zena & Rose studio began as a brand known for colourful patterned homeware and gifts featuring original bird and botanical illustrations. We are inspired by heritage influences but also aim to appeal to contemporary taste. We love to bring you joyful moments everyday through beautiful and useful things.

From our studio in the riverside meadows of Chiswick, West London, we began hosting block printing workshops in 2023, bringing our love of colour and pattern to a wider audience. 

Team 

Zena & Rose was founded by Joanna Sanderson.

Joanna’s creative journey began when she was young, spending time with Zena and Rose, her great aunt and grandmother. The sisters worked as seamstresses in the family workshop making garments. One of Joanna’s fondest memories is of Zena and Rose teaching her to sew using patterned fabric remnants from the workshop.  With their help, her imagination could run wild.

Joanna was looking for a creative outlet after working for 10 years in the heritage and museum sector, advising on the conservation of historic buildings. She founded Zena & Rose because she wanted to follow her passion for design, pattern and illustration.

In 2023 she travelled to Jaipur in northern India to meet wood block printers and understand this beautiful heritage craft. She enjoys teaching workshops and has collaborated with other makers and craftspeople such as Laura Letters Life and The Fourth House Candle Company.