Highgrove by Sanderson

Highgrove by Sanderson: Designs inspired by the royal gardens

Table of Contents

    Since 1860, Sanderson has embodied quintessential British design, showcasing its iconic florals and timeless weaves in homes across the UK.

    Founded by Arthur Sanderson, it was quickly established as one of Britain's leading wallcovering merchants. Now offering fabrics, paint, trimmings, and, more recently, homeware and gifts, as well as its famous wallcoverings, today it is recognised worldwide for its distinctive florals and vibrant botanicals, continually pushing the boundaries of heritage design.

    In May 2025, and showcased at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Sanderson and Highgrove Gardens unveiled the "Highgrove by Sanderson" collection. This thoughtfully designed and curated collection of wallpapers and fabrics draws inspiration from the rich flora and fauna of Highgrove Gardens, which has been lovingly restored and nurtured over 45 years by His Majesty King Charles III. The collection features elements from iconic garden areas such as the Stumpery, Wildflower Meadow, Kitchen Garden, and Ancient Apple Orchard, blending historic archival designs with detailed botanical illustrations.

     

    Design Director Claire Vallis and Lead Designer Rebecca Craig discuss designing the Highgrove by Sanderson collection. Video credit: Ollie White-Smith.

    Highgrove Toile

    Kitchen Garden

    Wildflower Meadow

    The Stumpery

    Topiary View

    Ancient Apple Orchard

    Quintessentially British

    Arthur Sanderson founded the company in 1860 in Islington, London, quickly becoming one of Britain’s leading wallcovering merchants. By the end of 1860, his business was among England’s largest dealers of overseas goods. Between 1868 and 1869, he began commission-printing designs by hand. His eldest son, John, joined the firm in 1877, and in 1879, to meet rising demand, Sanderson acquired land in Chiswick, West London, where the design studio is still located today. In March 1882, Arthur Sanderson passed away, having established a respected British brand that imported and produced high-quality wallpapers for markets in Europe, Japan, Australia, and North America.

    Arthur’s legacy continues to shape the decorating industry, with many recognizing him for his valuable assistance and sound advice. Today, Sanderson, with its design studio still located in Chiswick and historic factories across the UK, continues to innovate within the realm of heritage design. Their products are available in well-known retail stores such as Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, and Next.

    For over 100 years, Sanderson has held a Royal Warrant for four consecutive monarchs: George VGeorge VIElizabeth II, and now His Majesty King Charles III. Holding the Royal Warrant reflects Sanderson's commitment to the highest quality standards, craftsmanship, and service and is a testament to the British craft industry.

    Botanical Elegance Rooted in History and Artistry

    Each garden at Highgrove, affectionately referred to as "rooms" by His Majesty King Charles III, has its own unique character and ecosystem. Sanderson has elegantly translated and refined these individual havens into thoughtful new designs for the Highgrove by Sanderson collection, incorporating a historical perspective from its 165-year-old archive. This effort brings to life original hand-painted designs alongside a fresh interpretation of archival documents. 

    “It has been such an honour to work with The King’s Foundation team as designers, to explore the gardens, to learn about the incredible ecosystem, the devotion behind each unique landscape and its meaning. Every garden at Highgrove has a story to tell." – Rebecca Craig, Lead Designer at Sanderson.

    All designs are created at the Sanderson Design Studio in Chiswick, London, and every printed fabric and wallpaper is manufactured in Sanderson's historic UK factories.

    Highgrove by Sanderson Wallpaper Collection

    Each wallpaper captures the natural beauty and sustainable spirit of the gardens, reflecting His Majesty The King's vision of harmony between nature and design. Crafted with meticulous artistry, the collection offers timeless patterns in carefully curated colour palettes, bringing the essence of Highgrove's celebrated landscapes into interiors worldwide.

    A Design Story of Highgrove Gardens

    From the Oak Summer House to the sculpted English yew topiary and the iconic circular Derbyshire gritstone seat crafted by Hereford Cathedral masons, the Highgrove Toile design beautifully incorporates various elements from the estate. Features such as the espaliered apple trees and sweet briar roses found on the Kitchen Garden wallpaper, the classical green oak temple, and the whimsical thatched treehouse depicted in the Stumpery design all tell a decorative story of Highgrove's distinct gardens. Additionally, the Ancient Apple Orchard wallpaper highlights the iconic apple tunnel, filled with ancient apple varieties harvested for the estate's restaurant. 

    “The design process for creating this collection was really very special. We pulled out different elements from our amazing archive, which we then shared with the household. We then used these archives to inspire a design that mirrored the garden. We have these pieces that have been reimagined and redrawn, but still with that beautiful integrity of the Sanderson botanical hand, the Sanderson artistry that is so recognisable.” – Claire Vallis, Design Director at Sanderson.

    Each wallpaper vividly blends culturally inspired designs, including damasks, toiles, tapestries, garden plans, and archived florals.

    The sale of highgrove products, garden tours and events support the charitable work of the kings foundation.