Our story

Zena & Rose is a printmaking and pattern design studio based in Chiswick and Devizes. The brand’s mission is to raise awareness of the heritage craft of wood block printing, combining it’s Indian origins with British sensibilities.  

The brand’s collection of botanical wood blocks has been designed in-house by the studio, inspired by British garden plants. The blocks are hand-carved by artisans in India and made from sheesham wood, a sustainably managed hardwood protected by export license.

Our wood block printing kits are a fun and creative way for beginners to start their textile designing journey.

We also help people create beautiful and useful things using traditional hand skills, nurturing their creativity and confidence through accessible workshops. Through our workshops we also raise awareness of and support the heritage craft of Indian wood block printing.

Zena & Rose is a member of Heritage Crafts Association and is on the Crafts Council Directory.

Management team 

Zena & Rose design studio was founded by Joanna Sanderson, now its Creative Director.

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. In 2021, she launched Zena & Rose because she wanted to follow her passion for design, pattern and printing.

At the start of 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. 

Meet the carvers

A few years ago I made a friend who was selling wood block quilts in London. Her family are based in Jaipur, India and work in the block printing industry. Through this connection I found the artisans who make our wood blocks. They are paid fairly for their work and skills.

I have also travelled around Jaipur myself to understand the block printing industry first hand.