JR Artisan Spotlight
Julian and Helen SandersonCompany Director & Creative Director of Ian Sanderson
What inspires you?
Helen’s creative language is constantly evolving, shaped by close observation of the world around her. Inspiration might come from the natural landscape, the way light drifts across the North Wessex Downs, or from the softened patina of printed and woven antique documents held within our extensive archive. Her work is guided by a tactile, elemental approach to materials, process and inspiration often comes from unexpected sources such as; a colourful ceramic plate, the depth of marmalade hues, and the subtle irregularities found in handmade practices. These layered ideas build upon the company’s long-standing expertise, resulting in designs and collections that feel instinctive and relevant.
Ian Sanderson Founded in 1962
Describe your BRAND in 5 words or less:
Champions of Pattern and Colour
How did you get your start in the industry?
Ian Sanderson is a family-run British textiles house with over six decades of history supplying fabrics, wallpaper, and hand-pleated lampshades to leading interior designers. Founded in 1962 by Ian Sanderson, an instinctive designer and pioneer of his time, the company is now steered by his son and CEO, Julian Sanderson, alongside Creative Director Helen Sanderson.
Julian brings a considered commercial and strategic approach to the business, ensuring the brand remains relevant while honouring its heritage. Trained in printed textiles at Winchester School of Art, Helen has shaped and led the design department since 1991, bringing a distinctive and enduring creative vision to the brand.
From our home in North Hampshire, we continue to collaborate closely with British print and weave mills, as well as international manufacturers. Our approach unites traditional techniques with innovation, always prioritising integrity, craftsmanship, and beauty.
What makes your brand stand out?
Each Ian Sanderson collection is carefully and confidently curated. There is always an edge and something unexpected, balanced with refinement. We are known for our brilliant colour palettes and decorative patterns that work together, connecting our collections regardless of ephemeral trends, as well as a British charm that feels both classic and contemporary. Our textiles live beautifully for decades.
Any new techniques, mediums, colors, or aesthetics you are experimenting with or working on that you can share?
The studio continues to explore traditional techniques by reinvesting in time-honoured processes such as hand-block printing, embroidery, and screen printing, while also using modern technology to fully explore and elevate treasured designs from our archive, which dates back nearly a century. The preservation of craft skills is central to our company values, as is our passion for creating beautiful, decorative designs.
Describe your studio or work space
Our studio is set on the Sanderson family’s working farm in North Hampshire, home to a herd of rare breed Gloucester cows and just a stone’s throw from Downton Abbey. Inside, the space is layered and alive with creative energy, we have image boards and sampling pinned everywhere, fabric lengths draped and folded, books stacked alongside samples and sketches. It is both ordered and instinctive, reflecting the way we work: considered with experience, but always led by creativity.
Share your latest collection
The latest releases showcase an exploration of pattern, texture, and scale. Delfyn Paisley is a beautifully detailed screen print on natural linen, offering a classic motif with contemporary colours. Eglantine marries graphic shapes with screen printing, highlighted by hand guided crewel work in accent colours, creating a layered, tactile surface rich in craftsmanship.
Dulcie Wallpaper reimagines our popular Dulcie fabric as wallpaper, offered in 18 colourways and two scales, Big & Little.
