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Looking Back at 160 Years of Sanderson

Looking Back at 160 Years of Sanderson

24th January 2022

Sanderson was founded in 1860 by its namesake Arthur Sanderson, and began in Chiswick with a wallpaper factory. This was during the Victorian era which was a boom time for wallpaper in Britain. The company benefited from that demand but unfortunately suffered the loss of their director in 1870, only three years after launching.

Arthur's sons were left in charge and under their leadership the company grew in size. They became known for their hand-drawn designs that celebrated the British countryside. Their success saw staff increase from 40 to 300 and from one printing press to eight.

In 1902 an extension was built on the Chiswick factory designed by renowned Arts and Crafts architect, CFA Voysey. Their achievements continued and in 1924 they received the Royal Warrant as Purveyors of Wallpapers to King George V.

Unfortunately in 1928 tragedy struck again with a devastating fire. The Voysey extension, however, is still standing and is now a landmark of the area.

Production instead moved to a new factory in Perivale which continued to produce wallpaper until the seventies. In the meantime, Sanderson began creating floral furnishing fabrics. These types of materials continues to be the hallmark of the brand today.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary they launched their first collection of complementing Sanderson wallpaper and fabric. These were created in tandem with an extension to their Uxbridge factory and the launch of a showroom.

It's the duality of Sanderson wallpaper and fabric collections, however, that has become the legacy of the brand. They have since gone even further with paint and home accessories.

Sanderson Today

Sanderson has established itself as one of the best known brands for both wallpaper and fabric. Their recognisable style continues to re-imagine the British countryside with a focus on floral motifs.

Their reputation has led to some wonderful collaborations in recent years which have further elevated their designs. Acclaimed lines included them teaming up with the likes of Bloomsbury and Emma Bridgewater.

The year 2020 also sees the brand celebrate their 160th anniversary as they continue to create stunning designs. Additionally, they released a new collection with the National Trust. It's the ideal partnership to mark this occasion and celebrate their shared passions.

Our Favourite Sanderson Fabric and Wallpaper Collections

From sustainable, traceable sources, the Arboretum collection introduce an impressive choice of statement fabrics and wallpapers that celebrate the beauty of the English countryside, in six enticing colour stories.

A beautiful range of six smaller scale fabrics that can be used to create a harmonious look in any style of home. Coloured to sit alongside the Arboretum collection as an array of usable and versatile decorating solutions.

A collection of lively pattern and sweet embroideries, inspired by the Eastern cultures, featuring Bonsai trees, Imperial dragons and exotic florals. These wallpapers and fabrics will transform an interior.

Taking their influence from the botanical these stunning wallpaper and fabric designs are exquistely detailed. Tropical tones sit alongside softer shades showcasing the undeniable beauty of the original plants and flowers

To celebrate 160 years of Sanderson, their classic fabrics and wallpapers have been reimagined in this celebration of iconic design. Timeless colourways, new scales and statement brights add a new dimension to these archive patterns.

These wallpaper and fabric designs celebrate the history of the silk road. The historic trading route brought materials and patterns across the world, spreading and celebrating exotic flair.

Preservation of natural and cultural heritage is at the heart of the National Trust. Thanks to their efforts, architecture, interiors and land have been saved and now celebrated in this wonderful range.

Escape to the coast with these co-ordinated collections that pay tribute to the great British seaside. Nautical prints, beach huts, and sea life are seen amongst these whimsical patterns.

Stimulating patterns in pastel colours strike the perfect balance in these children's collections. Alphabets, polka dots, and zoo animals are seen alongside fairylands, pirate treasure maps, and hot air balloons.

Placid scenes inspired by the coast create the gentle imagery of these collections. The sketches and watercolours in blue and brown tones evoke memories of sweet sunsets and autumnal evenings spent by the sea.

Sanderson celebrate their original home in a London hamlet and the elegance of that period with these designs. Damasks, foliage, and geometric patterns make for exquisite and timeless collections.

Inspired by kitchen gardens, allotments and country farmers' markets these light and lovely patterns bring the outside into homes. Bird prints, flowers, and busy gardens in block colours add delightful imagery to interiors.

Large impressionist prints grant rich colour and pattern to interiors. Lilac, indigo, and coral pink florals can then be balanced with exquisite embroidery and demure damask designs.

Foliage and wildlife of the British woodlands bring life to these designs. They're inspired by a good old fashioned ramble through the forest. They illustrate textures with realistic imagery that enchants admirers and draws them in.