Interview with Alexia and Claudia, founders of Print~Sisters
Find out how sisters Alexia and Claudia turned true passion and appreciation for authentic vintage textiles and artwork to launch Print~Sisters.
Print~Sisters is a print archive specialising in vintage textiles from the 1800’s to the 1970’s. Their products have been thoughtfully crafted sourcing ethical fabrics from makers we trust to create meaningful products.
What’s your career background?
We both studied at the Royal College of Arts, Claudia with Textile Design and Alexia in Graphic Design. Claudia pursued her career in Fashion and Alexia went on to Event Management. But this all changed in Lockdown. We come from a very creative family background, both parents and grandparents were all in the arts , from textiles, to makeup, to graphic design.
Where did the idea for your business come from?
The first lockdown changed the pace of work for both of us, we had time to come together and think about how everyone was locked up at home and turning their creativity inwards to make their spaces feel more joyful, there was a natural flow to the process as we both already had beautiful prints framed on our walls from the archive that is homed in Claudia’s studio.
It started first with a little local exhibition in a café hoping it would cheer people up! The timing was perfect as we had time to dedicate ourselves to the process and building a website and to connect directly with the public.
What’s your USP?
Vintage archive prints. We have one of the largest privately-owned collections in the UK.
Who’s your target audience?
Everyone really, we want our prints to be accessible. A print or blanket is so portable and lifts any space to bring historical culture, natural elements, comfort and romance to your homes.
How do you spread the word about what you do?
We mostly do all our marketing on social media Instagram, in the last year and a half we have grown to 10k followers which is pretty amazing. Being in Heal’s Discovers last year was also great to get our name out there.
What is the ultimate goal? What are your plans for 2022?
To create more ethical products and expand our collection using the prints share the inspirational craftsmanship that the archive holds… there’s thousands of artworks from the 1830’s-1970’s waiting to be revived!
We both work best when working with others, to co-create their visions, hopefully the creative process will open up to lots more collaborations, bespoke projects and workshops for the future. We are very excited to be launching a wallpaper collection by Summer 22′
What are your brand values?
To share and revive the invaluable craftsmanship of the past textile designers, by reproducing these timeless designs from the archive collection we get to refresh them and create inspiring and beautiful products with value and longevity.
It’s so important to us that as we grow, we do so in a way which is kind to the planet; creating inspiring products with value and longevity, using both 100% recycled or sustainable papers and textiles, we strive to be as eco-friendly as possible.
And your proudest moment so far?
We were very proud of being party of Heal’s discovers and having our prints and now textiles stocked in their stores. Our Dad designed a lamp shade back in the 1968 and it was stocked in Heal’s so we have a close connection to the brand.
Who inspires you?
The archive is is our main source of inspiration, dating back to the 1800’s it is an endless source. But sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming, so we like to get ourselves out into nature or to art exhibitions.
Find out more about Print~Sisters.
