Woodcarver · Gilder · Maker · Educator

Zeinab Harding is a woodcarver, gilder and designer working across traditional craft and contemporary design.

She trained in Historical Woodcarving and Gilding at the City & Guilds of London Art School, developing a specialist knowledge of woodcarving and gilding. Since then, her practice has grown to include commissioned work, restoration, contemporary making and collaborative projects with artists, galleries and designers.

Zeinab is particularly interested in how traditional craft can be brought into contemporary contexts. Her work explores the balance between preserving traditional skills and finding new ways for them to be used, experienced and understood.

A practice across craft, design and culture

Zeinab's experience spans art, design, heritage and education. She has worked with artists and galleries, including Yinka Shonibare and Bullseye Gallery at Collect, contributed to creative projects at the PepsiCo Design Centre, and worked as a production coordinator for Howe London.

She has also worked with the King's School of Traditional Arts, developing the course in traditional wood carving in Alula, Saudi Arabia.

Her training and practice have been recognised through awards including the De Laszlo Prize for Outstanding Woodcarving and the Brinsley Ford Travel Award.

What Zeinab offers

• Bespoke Commissions - Specialist woodcarving and decorative craft for private clients, interiors, collections and creative projects.

• Collaborations - Working with artists, designers, galleries, collectors and creative organisations, bringing specialist knowledge of materials, traditional techniques and making.

• Creative Consultancy - Guidance on materials, techniques, traditional craft processes and the development of creative ideas.

• Workshops & Education - Workshops, demonstrations and educational projects exploring traditional techniques, materials and the cultural knowledge behind craft.

Craft in a contemporary context

At the heart of Zeinab's practice is a belief that traditional craft should continue to have a place in contemporary life. Woodcarving and gilding carry centuries of knowledge, but they can also be used to create something entirely new.

Whether working on a commission, collaborating with a designer, advising on a project or teaching a traditional technique, Zeinab brings together careful making, historical knowledge and a contemporary approach to design.

For commissions, collaborations, consultancy or workshop enquiries, please get in touch.

Exhibitions

2025

Pepsi Co Design Centre - London

2022
London Design Fair
The Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair - Battersea Park 2021

2021
Chaiya Art Awards - The Oxo Tower
2020
Mayfair Art Weekend - Burlington Arcade
London London Craft Week - Burlington Arcade
London Collect 2020 - Somerset House
The London Art Fair - London Design Centre