The Armarie Room was built on a love of printmaking, an appetite for caffeine, and an obsession with heavy, vintage machinery. With imagination, precision, a can of elbow grease, and more than a dash of moxie, the studio was brought to life! Founded by printmaker Renee Hadlow, The Armarie Room is the only place in New Zealand where you can see traditional letterpress equipment operating within a contemporary art and design business.
A Studio Dedicated to Fine Press Printing.
Step into the studio, and you might hear the rhythmic clank of cast iron presses and catch the nostalgic scent of ink. These elegant machines have been lovingly restored by Renee, with the help of a dedicated community of print enthusiasts—journeymen printers who worked these presses in the days when kids delivered newspapers on Raleigh Choppers. Each piece of equipment that has been revived is not just a tool of the trade, but a living link to a rich printmaking tradition spanning centuries.
While Renee loves getting her hands inky, she is more than just a printer. She is a creative thinker, explorer, collaborator, and storyteller. She takes risks, pushes boundaries, and obsesses over the details because every project she takes on is one-of-a-kind. The Armarie Room is driven by the joy of producing exquisite, meaningful pieces—each crafted with care, precision, and a deep respect for the art of printmaking.
The Armarie Room is located in Founders Heritage Park, nestled among character buildings and displays that celebrate Nelson’s rich history. The park is home to a vibrant mix of artists and businesses. You’ll find us in the Nelson Evening Mail Building, working alongside a public display that showcases the local history of the newspaper and publishing industry.
Art Meets Heritage.
With only a few operators left with the knowledge and skill to work with vintage machinery, we’re proud to offer hands-on learning opportunities alongside our products and services. Renee tutors workshops for all ages and abilities, sharing her expertise in printmaking and letterpress. There’s so much to love about this art form —from developing your design and mixing vibrant inks to using fantastic machinery and revealing the final result. Printmaking is full of wonderful surprises and unexpected outcomes. Sharing this delight with you is Renee’s passion.
Renee also loves bringing people together. She believes that supporting each other through creativity nurtures our community. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced printmaker, every workshop offers a chance to connect, learn, and be inspired by the magic of the press.
Renee is a dynamic and versatile artist, specialising in printmaking and modern letterpress. Her extensive portfolio features a diverse range of projects, including print editions, installations, costume design, textiles, modern letterpress, illustration, branding, and stationery. A single goal unites her work: the joy of producing beautifully crafted pieces.
About Renee.
Renee studied Craft Design at Christchurch Polytechnic and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Auckland (Elam). Her artistic journey has taken her across New Zealand and overseas, evolving to include a wide range of commercial, collaborative, and personal projects. Her achievements include industry recognition, most recently winning multiple top awards at the New Zealand Pride in Print awards. With over 20 years of experience, Renee has continually pushed creative boundaries, producing contemporary work using vintage machinery in ways its designers couldn’t have imagined. It’s a slower, more considered process—but it delivers a creative, beautiful, and satisfying result.
In addition to her artistic practice, Renee has shared her expertise as an educator, teaching nationally and internationally across private, public, and tertiary educational settings. She has written and developed numerous courses, currently offering specialised printmaking workshops for children and adults. As an artist, curator, and educator, Renee leaves an indelible mark on the creative landscape. Driven by a relentless pursuit of beauty and craftsmanship, she continues to inspire clients and students alike. “Every piece of work involves new challenges. Each piece is unique, so there’s always an element of the unexpected. I still get really excited when I see work come off the press—the 'Oooh, wow!' moment, full of delight. I’ll never tire of sharing that magic and inspiration with my clients and students.”
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