Our story
Zena & Rose is printmaking and pattern design studio based in the riverside meadows of Chiswick, London
We create bespoke Indian wood block prints, featuring botanical and floral motifs, for special occasions and celebrations. We love to bring creativity into people’s lives, building awareness of, and supporting this heritage craft. Hosting printing workshops allows us to do this in a meaningful way.
We love to bring you joyful moments everyday through beautiful and useful things. Our own range of colourful patterned homeware and gifts features original bird and botanical illustrations. Whilst being inspired by heritage influences, we also aim to appeal to contemporary taste.
Our mission is to:
- Raise awareness of the heritage craft of Indian block printing
- Create beautiful and useful things using traditional hand skills
- Nurture creativity and confidence through accessible workshops
- Bring people together in a shared experience of joyful and mindful activity
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. 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.