ABOUT THE Armarie Room
where fine art and modern design meet traditional technology
A studio dedicated to fine press printing
It began with a love of printmaking, an appetite for caffeine and an obsession for heavy, vintage machinery. With imagination, precision, a can of elbow grease, and more than a dollop of moxie, The Armarie Room was born! Established by owner Renee Hadlow (its distinctive name comes from a play on her middle name, Marie), The Armarie Room is the only place in New Zealand where you can see letterpress equipment operating in a contemporary art and design business.
Photo credit: Radio New Zealand
Our Workshop is Unique
On a visit to the printery you may see cast iron presses gently clanking and take in the nostalgic scent of ink. These elegant machines were restored by Renee and a local community of print enthusiasts—journeymen printers who worked these presses in the days when kids delivered newspapers on Raleigh choppers.
We treasure the tools and equipment we’ve brought back to life. They connect us to traditions of printmaking spanning centuries and are part of our cultural heritage. Ask Renee and she’ll tell you she enjoys fine tuning the equipment as much as the printing!
Courses and workshops in fine press printing
There are only a few operators left with the knowledge and skill to work with this machinery, so alongside our products and services, we provide opportunities for hands-on learning. We regularly host events and workshops for all ages, designed to share our knowledge of fine press printing.
visit us in sunny nelson
we would love to share a little of our story with you.
The Armarie Room is located in Founders Heritage Park. Set within character buildings and displays of Nelson’s heritage, the park hosts a wide range of artists and creative businesses. You’ll find us in the Nelson Evening Mail Building, working alongside a public display that showcases the rich history of the newspaper and publishing industry in Nelson.
Renee Hadlow
meet r.marie
Photo credit: Aisling O’Brien
Renee is a dynamic and versatile artist, specialising in printmaking and modern letterpress. Her extensive portfolio features a diverse array of projects. These include 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.
Renee studied Craft Design at Christchurch Polytechnic. She also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Auckland (Elam). Her artistic journey has taken her across New Zealand and overseas. Her practice has evolved to include a wide range of commercial, collaborative, and personal projects. Her achievements include receiving industry awards and recognition. Recently, winning multiple gold awards at New Zealand Pride in Print.
“Over the years I’ve challenged myself to push 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.”
With over 20 years of experience as an educator, Renee has shared her expertise nationally and internationally. Her teaching roles span private, public and tertiary educational settings. They include writing and developing numerous courses. Renee currently shares her passion for printmaking through specialised classes for children and adults.
As an artist, curator, and educator, Renee continues to leave an indelible mark on the creative landscape. Driven by a relentless pursuit of beauty and craftsmanship in her work.
“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.”
Photo credit: Aisling O’Brien