Join ISHKAR as part of London Craft Week for a workshop in the art of Syrian block printing with master artisan Zena Sabbagh. When Aleppo was bombed, Zena fled to Beirut. She left many of her possessions behind in order to rescue her precious collection of wooden stamping blocks. Here she set up a block printing atelier, providing employment to women from Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and Iraq. 

This workshop is an opportunity to learn from Zena about the art and technique of block print. Participants will leave with a set of decorated tea towels that they themselves have printed. They will also leave with an appreciation of the history and symbolism of this ancient Syrian craft, and a powerful sense of inspiration too. 

Please note: Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, and recent events in Lebanon, unfortunately, Zena will not be able to join us in person for the event but will still attend via video link from her atelier in Beirut.

ISHKAR was launched in 2016 by Flore de Taisne and Edmund Le Brun after having lived in Afghanistan for three years. Their aim was to create a brand that would redefine the way the world saw countries torn apart by war. Initially doing this through a curated collection of high-end craftsmanship from conflict zones, ISHKAR's work has since expanded to hosting informative events and organising pioneering trips to destinations such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraqi-Kurdistan.

This workshop is open to participants aged 18 and over. All materials are provided and participants are welcome to bring an item clothing or their own fabric to print on.

Watch ISHKAR’s video by Louise Gholam about Zena below: