upholsterer june/july/august 2018 · amazing projects and incredible pieces of work – and i’d...

Upholsterer&

Official journal of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers www.upholsterers.co.uk

June/July/August 2018

Sitting ArtistsUpholstery goes high art

Little TreasuresA fairy tale story

Mending Hearts and Heirlooms

Upholstery enjoys the TV spotlight

01_USF_0618.qxp:USF Cover 22/05/2018 13:49

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Comment

Jan TurnerEditor

I never fail to be impressed by the sheer skill, imagination andcreativity of our members. There is some incredible work beingdone out there – much of it quietly crafted in small, tuckedaway workshops. And most of it totally unsung.

Other sectors run annual awards which recogniseoutstanding contributions with their own ‘industry oscars’ –and should such an awards system ever be introduced to theupholstery and soft furnishings craft, there would be noshortage of category contenders. Apart from recognising someof the outstanding work being done, annual awards could helpraise the profile of the skilled upholsterer and soft furnisher withthe wider public.

The late Joan Milton passionately believed in the need tospread the word to consumers about the benefits of usingaccredited crafts people to make or restore their upholstery andsoft furnishings and that remains a communications job still tobe tackled.

In the meantime, the nearest the trade has to any sort ofannual awards spectacle is the Heico Design Awards, thewinners of which are announced during the January FurnitureShow at the NEC each year. The awards themselves have grownin stature and authority with each passing year anddemonstrate just how hotly contested such ‘honours’ becomewhen established.

The Heico Awards are aimed at upholstery students – butnames which have popped up on its winners’ ‘podiums of thepast’ are among those making waves today.

In 2014, for instance, Electra Read-Dagg captured thejudges’ imagination with her Crystal Chair to win first prize inthe competition. And her name was among those elevatingupholstery to an art form at the recent Upholstery: Evolution toRevolution exhibition by Second Sitters at the National Centrefor Craft and Design in Sleaford between January and April thisyear (see page 20).

A fascinating mix of history and experimental new design,the exhibition provided a terrific showcase for past and presentupholstery skills and will have done much to raise the profile ofthe craft among the many visitors attracted during its threemonth run.

Another name that has cropped up, not once but twice, atthe Heico Awards is that of Sue Blow who was among thewinners in both 2013 and 2018. As well as securing a winners’prize both times, Sue took away the idea for a businessopportunity which has since taken shape as The Playful ChairCompany. You can read more about this on pages 14 and 15.

There are many more of you beavering away out there onamazing projects and incredible pieces of work – and I’d love toshare some of these with the rest of our readers. So, if you’veworked on a restoration or room transformation and havepictures of the project (ideally showing it step by step) and alsothe commissioning owner’s permission, please do get in touch.

So what are you waiting for?

Until the next time….

Jan Turner

Upholsterer&Soft Furnisher

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

Editor: Jan Turner, AKA PRT: 01756 795374 F: 01756 798789E: [email protected]

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Upholsterer&

Official journal of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers www.upholsterers.co.uk


Sitting ArtistsUpholstery goes high art Little TreasuresA fairy tale story

Mending Hearts and HeirloomsUpholstery enjoys the TV spotlight

Peter Cook International are pleased to be able to share with youthe impending launch of their latest catalogue. Once againwooden feet, ornate castors and decorative studding featureheavily alongside many other popular upholstery materials.Contact them on 0113 235 1111 to reserve your copy.

Peter Cook International Peter Cook International (Trentside)Aneal Business Centre Unit 2 Acton AvenueCross Green Approach Off Fields Farm RoadLeeds Long EatonLS9 0SG NG10 1GA0113 235 1111 0115 946 [email protected] [email protected]

03_USF_0618.qxp:00_USF_0017 22/05/2018 14:31

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4 Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher June/July/August 2018

Showcase

1. New KD-3 Dual 8" Blade electric foam cutter from Livedale. Variable speed, electric foam cutting twin blade knife - provides an excellent smooth, clean cut. Standard blade length is8” or optional 12” blade available. Comes complete with metal carry case. A high-quality rival to leading manufacturer foam cutters. All this for only £205.00+ vat. Replacement bladesavailable from £8.00 + vat.Contact: Livedale Foam & Sundries, Unit D Enterprise Court, Seaman Way, Wigan, Lancs WN2 2AG T: 01942 825144 E: [email protected] www.livedale.co.uk

2. Peter Cook International has increased their range of Queen Anne style legs.Martin Cave, General Manager, explains more; “The Queen Anne range is produced here in the UKand has proven popular for us since we launched two years ago. We still felt there was room for improvement and took the decision to stock more sizes and fixing methods. We can nowstain in a wider range of colours which customers are being very receptive to”.Peter Cook International, Aneal Business Centre, Cross Green Approach, Leeds LS9 0SG. Tel: 0113 235 1111 Email: [email protected] Cook International (Trentside), Unit 2 Acton Avenue, Off Fields Farm Road, Long Eaton NG10 1GA. Tel: 0115 946 0006 Email: [email protected]

3. Merrick & Day. Curtain-making products as used by professionals. In fact, everything, except the fabric, to make professional looking curtains and Roman blinds. Order online or phonefor next day delivery. Free next day cutting service on all Merrick & Day Roman blind headrails. Fibreglass rods and flat bottom bars included when ordered with a headrail. Large or smallorders. Trade and retail welcome.Merrick & Day Ltd Tel:01652 648814 www.merrick-day.com

321

If you have a new product that you would like to be included in the next edition, just send in a high resolution image, 50 words of text and contact detailsto [email protected] – cost £99

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04_USF_0618.qxp:04_USF_1217 05/06/2018 14:10

www.upholsterers.co.uk 5

Contents

6 & 7 AMUSF News Update andBranch Briefings

8 Industry News

10 Ask FIRA

News

Features

AMUSF ContactsHead OfficeAssociation General Manager: Richard Ranklin

E: [email protected]

Administrative Assistant: Susan Tyler

E: [email protected]

The Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers

Ltd, (AMUSF Ltd), The Clare Charity Centre, Wycombe Road,

Saunderton, Bucks HP14 4BF

T: 01494 569120 E: [email protected]

Website: www.upholsterers.co.uk

Branch ContactsBeds, Bucks, Herts and North London – Wendy Shorter

T: 01727 824358 E: [email protected]

Hants & Dorset – Kevin Lee

T: 01489 572108

Kent – Davin White

T: 020 8854 4402

London – Wynne Gilham

T: 01708 752333

Surrey – Ron Mercure

T: 020 8941 4521

12 Feature: Mending Hearts and Heirlooms

14 & 15 Feature: Little Treasures

16 & 17 MyDecozo

18 Member Profile: Maria’s Traditional Upholstery

20 & 22 Exhibition Review: Evolution to Revolution

24 Expert Advice: Stitching

26 In the Hotseat: Joanna Heptinstall

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05_USF_0618.qxp:00_USF_0017 05/06/2018 13:46


AMUSF news roundup

The Fellows annual Spring outing saw more than20 members visit Forge Mill Needle Museum inRedditch – the oldest surviving needle scouringmill in the world.

The water powered mill – parts of which dateback to the 1700s – was once at the heart of theRedditch needle making district which, by theend of the 19th Century, had a virtual monopolyof production within Britain. With its access tothe colonies, it also became the world’s centrefor needle manufacture.

Said AMUSF manager and member of theFellows, Richard Ranklin: “Following a veryinteresting tour of the scouring mill, interactivemuseum and talk by our guides we enjoyed alunch and informal get-together.

“It was interesting to learn that prior to the16th Century, needle-making was carried out bycraftsmen, such as blacksmiths, to meet localdemands. Needles would be made from sheetiron cut into lengths which were then hammeredand rolled to the required thickness. Points werehand filed and eyes created by first flattening theeye of the needle and then punching a holethrough it. The result of this slow, laboriousprocess was a soft, poor quality needle.

“In the Redditch area, the first needle maker isrecorded in the village of Studley in 1639. Once

established, needle-making spread to includemost of the villages and towns up to 10 milesfrom Redditch.

“The 17th and 18th Centuries saw thedevelopment of needle-making into a cottageindustry with much of the work carried out bywomen and children from their homes.

“In the early 19th Century various machineswere introduced in order to increase productionand by 1850 these machines were concentratedunder one roof – the factory system.

“Good needles remain an essential tool fortoday’s upholsterers and soft furnishers, so itwas fascinating to learn more about their historyand production.”

• AMUSF Fellows are this year holding their annualsocial weekend from the evening of Friday June 22to Sunday 24 at the Ramada Hotel, Dover, Kent.Members are invited to join them at a cost of £198for a twin occupancy room for two nights bed andbreakfast and £46 per head for lunch, three-coursedinner and tea/coffee on the Saturday. This is anopportunity to talk and socialise with senior membersof the trade, but places are limited. For furtherinformation and availability please contact Richardor Susan at AMUSF Head Office, 01494 569120 oremail [email protected]

Fellows at the sharp end

A reminder that members in the followingcategories – full, associate, student andretired – have access to the association’sfabric buying service.

This enables members who may nothave an account with a particularwholesaler to purchase fabrics with savingsof 20-25% off RRP.

To place an order simply identify thefabric required and the company it comesfrom, noting the product code wherepossible and chosen colourway. Theneither email the AMUSF office([email protected]/[email protected]) or telephone thedetails through on 01494 569120. Youwill need to advise if the fabric is requiredfor curtains, domestic upholstery orcontract upholstery so the office can checkwith the supplier to see if further fireretardency treatment is needed. A quote,

which is kept on file for one year, is thensupplied.

Fabric companies currently in thescheme: Abraham Moon & Sons Ltd,Andrew Martin, Ashley Wilde Group, Baker

Lifestyle, Blendworth, Brunschwig & Fils,Chivasso, Colefax & Fowler, GP&J Baker,Glover Bros, Hardy, Harlequin, Harris, HenryNewbery & Co Ltd, JA Milton UpholsterySupplies Ltd, JAB, Jane Churchill, JanetReger, Jim Dickens, Julia Brendel, KatiePrice, Kenzo Maison, Kestrel, Kirby Design,Kobe UK, Kravet, Kvadrat, Kylie at Home,Larsen, Lee Jofa, Lelievre, Leon Brunswick,Linda Barker, Lister Corniche, Lorient,Manuel Canovas, Marcus Maurice, MarkAlexander, Marvic, Martins UpholsterySupplies Ltd, Montgomery, Morris & Co,Mulberry Home, Nouveau, Prestigious,Richard Wylie Ltd, Romo Group, RossFabrics, Samuel Simpson, Sanderson,Streets, Swaffer, Tassinari & Chatel, Textra,Threads, Turnell & Gigon, Twiggy, VillaNova, Voyage, Warner Fabrics by Zimmer &Rohde, Warwick, Wemyss + Trimmings,Wilman Interiors, Zinc, Zoffany

AMUSF fabric buying scheme

Boutique Collection from Kobe UK

06-07_USF_0618.qxp:00-00_USF_0017 22/05/2018 11:21

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher 7

AMUSF news roundup

WENDY MAKES WARDENWendy Shorter, AMUSF director oftraining and owner of Wendy ShorterInteriors, has been installed as JuniorWarden of the Worshipful Company ofUpholders.

Wendy, who was made a Liverymanwith the Company in 2009 is now oncourse to become Senior Warden inApril 2019 and Master in April 2020.

Said Wendy: “The installationceremony took place on April 17 atStationers Hall in London and I feelhugely honoured and privileged to begiven the opportunity.”

The Worshipful Company ofUpholders can trace its history back tothe early days of the Craft Guilds whichwere responsible for fostering the highquality of goods and standards ofworkmanship that have always beenthe pride of English industry.

Today the livery works closely withthe City of London and its links withthe industry through charitable givingand supporting education. SaidWendy: “Through my links with the

trade and my work as a trainer inupholstery and soft furnishings, myaim is to further strengthen anddevelop those links. If anyone wouldlike more information or would like tobecome involved in the Livery, pleaselet me know:[email protected]”

TREK FOR JOANAs reported in the last issue, David Hayes, husbandof the late AMUSF former director and presidentJoan Milton, is taking part in a Great Wall of ChinaTrek in aid of Nightingale Hospice in Wrexhamwhere Joan spent her last few weeks.

The trek takes place between October 19-27 thisyear and on the last day, David will be amongthose helping to repair the Badaling section of theGreat Wall. New bricks are carried up to this sectionand placed in the wall and David hopes to placeone, in what is a World Heritage site, in memory ofJoan – exactly a year on from when she passedaway in the early hours of 27 October 2017.

Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can doso directly through David’s fundraising pagewww.justgiving.com/Joangreatwalltribute.

JustGiving sends all donations straight toNightingale House Hospice and automaticallyreclaims Gift Aid on UK taxpayers.

Said David: “All costs of the trip have alreadybeen paid, so every penny collected now goes toNightingale House Hospice Wrexham.”

Wendy Shorter celebrates herappointment as Junior Warden

06-07_USF_0618.qxp:00-00_USF_0017 22/05/2018 11:22


Reviews� Proposte (Villa Erba, Cernobbio, Lake Como, Italy, May 2 – 4): The latest ‘world preview’ of furnishing fabrics and curtains washeld in the modern exhibition centre of Villa Erba in Cernobbio and in the picturesque Villa Antica. As in the last three years, the fairalso extended to adjacent locations including the International Observatory. � Spring Long Point Exhibition (Harrington Mill, Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire May 14 – 16): The Long Eaton Guild onceagain showcased the best of furniture made in the UK with ranges from Guild members and associates including: David Gundry,David Knight, Duresta, Gascoigne, John Sankey, Iain James, Parker & Farr, Steed, Wade and Artistic.

Previews� Manchester Furniture Show (Manchester Central, July 15 – 17): The largest furniture and interiors event of the summer. Itsees the first newly combined Manchester Furniture Show and MidPoint Furniture Exhibition event. MidPoint will retain its ownidentity and occupy its own section in the show. Over 150 premium and mainstream brands will show new and best-sellingcollections in upholstery, beds and cabinet furniture, along with interior accessories, including soft furnishings.www.manchesterfurnitureshow.com� Decorex International (Syon Park, London, September 16 – 19): The well established international trade fair for interiorsoffers a comprehensive exhibition of wall coverings, furniture, lighting, floor coverings of professional designers and architects.Visit www.decorex.com� NBF Bed Show (Telford International Centre, September 18-19): The annual two-day showcase for the bed industry is backfor 2018 to celebrate the very best in beds. With new feature areas, short presentations on key topics and a host of exhibitorsthis is a show not to be missed! Parking and entry remains free and there will be complimentary refreshment vouchers forvisitors. Register now at www.bedshow.co.uk

Industry roundup

EXHIBITION ROUNDUP

Two upholstery sector services for theconsumer have hit the headlines this year –one a new website aiming to help peoplefind and compare sofas from all UK retailerson one site; the other for doing a roaringtrade in ‘high quality make-do and mend’repair kits.

MastaPlasta furniture Band-Aids are repairpatches, first launched by the company’s founderswho spotted a gap in the furniture repair andreupholstery market (quoted as worth $2.5bn andgrowing). They believed people found it expensive to repairfurniture, especially sofas and that they had just the solution.

Said co-founder Donna Clarke: “With fewer customers buyingsofas, our industry expertise gave us the foresight to know thatpeople still wanted to keep hold of their furniture. The only issuefor them was that there wasn’t a 100% reliable way for them topatch up their furniture – which is where we stepped in. Over thepast five years, turnover has grown 10-fold with businesses andconsumers revelling in the fact that they can repair their furniturefor less than £10.”

With half a million packs of Band-Aids sold since the businessfirst began in 2009, MastaPlasta has recently achieved a 1500%increase in turnover, conquering markets ranging from the US(where 80% of wholesale customers are based) to military bases

in Guam. The companyhas recently received twoQueen’s Awards for

Enterprise for outstandinginnovation and

international trade.Chesterfield-based

FindASofa.com is a newlylaunched website that allows users

to search, find and compare sofaswhich they can do by selecting

everything from their preferred colour andshape to cover and size.Sofas from retailers including Argos, Harveys,

ScS and Furniture Village are already listed on thesite, launched by Phil Price, who has 20 years’

experience of business on the internet and previouslyworked closely with DFS and Bensons for Beds.

Said Phil: “People have got used to using websites like Go-Compare for insurance and Trivago for hotel rooms but frompersonal experience I’ve found there is a real need of anequivalent for sofas.

“We’ve got over 1,200 sofas/ranges listed already but this isjust from a handful of early adopters, so we now want every sofafor sale in the UK listed.”

SOFASURFIN’

MastaPlasta chair

08_USF_0618.qxp:00_USF_0017 22/05/2018 11:23

T: 01942 825144 E: [email protected] www.livedale.co.uk

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QI am going to make a loosecover for a post 1950 sofa that Iknow does not contain any

foam and still has the original untreatedcover on. What level of compliance do Ineed to meet with the new loose cover?

AUnder The Furniture andFurnishings (Fire Safety)Regulations 1988 (as amended),

loose covers are required to meet theSchedule 5 Part I match test. However, ifthe covers are made to fit a specific sofathen these would be considered asremovable/replacement covers and as suchwould be required to meet Schedule 4 Part I (cigarette test) and Schedule 5 Part I. In addition to this, as the sofa is post-

1950, it is best practice to advise yourcustomer that all non-conforming fabricsand fillings should be replaced withcompliant materials.

QI’ve made a few small footstools for sale on a charity stallat a local event. Do they need to

have labels attached?

AAll upholstered furniture for saleto the general public is required tocomply with The Furniture and

Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988(as amended). In addition to the specifiedtests, the component parts of upholsteredfurniture must meet the Regulations andalso meet the permanent labellingrequirements for products. Therefore,unless specifically excluded by theregulations, all upholstered products arerequired to be permanently labelled.

QI am doing a repair to a chairusing less than a metre of fabric.The original fabric was back

coated but the replacement piece is toosmall to be treated. Do these smallrepairs still need to comply?

AThe Furniture and Furnishings (FireSafety) Regulations 1988 (asamended) state that unless the

furniture is pre-1950, all fabrics and fillingsmust comply with the relevant Schedules.In the case of a cover fabric this wouldneed to meet Schedule 4 Part I (cigarettetest) and Schedule 5 Part I (match test). If the fabric composition is 75% or more

by weight of the specified natural fabricsand used over a Schedule 3 interliner thenit would only need to meet Schedule 4Part I.

The regulations do not give anyexemptions to fabrics due to their size ordifficulties in treating them.

Steve has been with FIRA International for18 years and is an expert in flammability. He also has a great working knowledge offoams, mattresses and fabrics and currentlyrepresents FIRA on BSI committees dealingwith foam performance. As part of FIRA’steam of upholstery experts, Steve has beeninvolved in a number of projects to diagnoseissues and assist clients in developing theirproducts to meet the required industrystandards.

For more information on FIRAInternational visit www.fira.co.uk,email [email protected] or call 01438 777 700.

Ask FIRA


LOOSEENDSSteve Cotton, FIRAInternational’s technicalspecialist for flammabilityand physical upholstery,answers more of yourflammability questions.

10_USF_0618.qxp:00_USF_0017 22/05/2018 11:26

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Feature


MENDING HEARTSAND HEIRLOOMSAMUSF member SonnazNooranvary of SonnazUpholstery in Dorset hasbeen showcasing the skillsof traditional upholstery onBBC Two’s popular new TVseries, The Repair Shop.

Described as a “place where broken,battered and beloved artefacts,heirlooms and curios come back to

life”, the programme uses a panel of skilledcraft specialists to rescue and restore muchloved antiques and curios. And, from seriestwo, Sonnaz has taken on the mantle ofofficial upholstery expert.“I’ve done some hard yards to hone my

particular skillset and am truly delighted tobe able to use it in a way that honourstraditional upholstery skills,” said Sonnazwho has run her own business fromWimborne in Dorset for nearly seven years.After originally training in upholstery

with Sunseeker Yachts at Poole, Sonnazdecided to follow in her family’s self-employed footsteps and launched her ownbusiness in Summer 2011.Now one of just a handful of businesses

in the UK that deals, in-house, witheverything in from woodwork restorationto upholstery and soft furnishings, thebusiness employs a team of six and her‘leap of faith’ has been fully justified.Sonnaz herself has worked particularly

hard to develop her expertise intraditional upholstery and it is those skillswhich have been put under the spotlightin The Repair Shop where, she says, “I amcomfortable that however closely thecameras follow me, I know the work I dois totally authentic”.Of the seven pieces which she has

restored for the programme (“I was onlymeant to do one!”) – one of which is seenin series two, six more in the still-to-be-screened series three – two itemspresented particular challenges.

One was an iron back nursing chair thathad already paid two unsuccessful visits toother upholsterers. Said Sonnaz: “The chairhad been handed down through thefemale side of a family and had beenintended as a wedding gift from a motherto her daughter.“It was in quite a state and everything

needed to be stripped back to the frame. Ithad to be fully hand sprung, stuffed andstitched and I knew it needed to be prettyepic for the big reveal. I was petrifiedbecause there was none of the usual clientliaison on the detail, so the outcome couldhave been disastrous. Few people do thiskind of work as it is pretty niche but for us itis bread-and-butter stuff. However I was stillapprehensive about how the mother anddaughter would react to it – fortunately itwent really well, although the intensity ofthe process involved can’t really be shownas the programme can only show highlightsof the work done.”Another project which proved particularly

challenging – but more in terms of thesentiment involved – was an antique chairwhich meant a great deal to the lady who

submitted it for the programme.Said Sonnaz: “As a child, she had spent

many happy hours with the chair and hergrandfather, listening to many of his talesand stories. I wanted the restored chair toreflect that and took a massive risk on thechoice of fabric and braid. I was terrifiedthat she wouldn’t like what I had chosen.Thankfully she was elated and I was sotouched by her story and the reaction towhat I had done that I balled my eyes out!“Working on the programme has been an

incredibly rewarding experience and I’veloved working with the whole team there. Itoriginally came about as the result of atotally random phone call from one of theresearchers and after a couple of interviewsand trip to Chichester to meet everyone itall went from there.“It has proved a fantastic showcase for

traditional upholstery skills as well asshining a light on peoples’ passions - andsome of the wonderful treasures to befound in homes across the country.”The Repair Shop is produced for the

BBC by Ricochet. Series three is due to airthis Autumn.

Sonnaz at work

12_USF_0618.qxp:00_USF_0017 22/05/2018 11:27

Diploma in Forwarding Upholstery Development 1 year/part-time at The British School of Upholstered Furniture Course aims: The course aims to move students’ skills and the trade into a more forward-thinking ideal, progressing contemporary use of traditional upholstery techniques in 21st century design and enabling students to be creative while retaining strong historical foundations.

By the end of the course, and following a programme of historical and critical studies and research both theoretical and practical, students will have designed and created one new substantial piece of upholstered furniture to their own design, to the highest possible standards and design specifications, using traditional processes. Students will showcase their work and methods at an end of year show. After the course students will have increased confidence, be able to make informed decisions regarding correct upholstery applications and have a greater understanding of professional practice opportunities for their future in the trade.

Who the course is for: The course is aimed at those with traditional upholstery experience. It is technically an advanced course that could supplement learning for those who have finished or are about to finish the AMUSF diploma, or would be suitable for those who have enough basic grounding and want to forward their learning.

We also offer Independent courses with tutors who are experts in their field. Sept 8-9 2018 Hand-made Passementerie with Clare Hedges. Sept 13-16 2018 Four day open seat weaving class with Rachael South Sept 29-30 2018 Two day workshop on handmade lampshades with Angela Constantanou March14-18 2019 Five day workshop on the French 18th Century chair back with Armand Verdier June 20-24 2019 Five day introduction to traditional French upholstery with Armand Verdier

How to apply Visit our website for course information and on how to apply or enrol on courses. Application deadline for the Diploma is 12 July 2018. Email enquiries to [email protected]

www.britishschoolofupholsteredfurniture.co.uk

British School of Upholstered Furniture

“We feel that this course will fill an essential gap in upholstery training in the UK” Course Tutors, Gareth Rees and Gregory Cupitt-Jones

New upholstery course

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Applications are open now

13_USF_0618.qxp:000_USF_1217 01/06/2018 12:55 Page 1


LITTLETREASURES

Feature

When Sue Blow first entered theannual Heico Design awards in2013 with her underwater sea

adventure miniature chair, she came awaywith more than just a runners’ up prize.The competition, with its wealth ofincredibly imaginative entries sparked off abusiness idea which has now taken shapeas The Playful Chair Company.

Studying at the time for her Level 2exams at Wendy Shorter Interiors, Sue wasinspired by the miniature marvels whichgo on show each year at the annualawards: ”There were some incredibleentries and although everyone is given thesame basic miniature chair to work with,the creations students come up with areamazing. Each one is unique and veryindividual and I could see there was abusiness opportunity for making totallybespoke miniature chairs for people whoare either collectors or looking for a piecethat would become a treasured familyheirloom.”

With three granddaughtersoffering her plenty of scope to testthe market Sue has gone on tomake a number of further ‘playfulchairs’. She believes the biggestmarket is for pieces which combinethe magic of a child’s world withthat of practicality.

“After the first Fish Chair Imade one called Grandmother’s Pondwhich was really for my own fun andcame with a lot of very delicatedragonflies, butterflies and frogs which Imade individually, mounted on collarstiffeners.

I used that as an exhibition piece and toallow me to play with a continuing themeof removable pieces. The idea of makingchairs which told a story and could betailored to an individual’s own idea ofmagic really excited me, with each onebeing a combination of story, toy andstorage as well as somewhere to sit. Oneof my own granddaughters is completelyentranced by mermaids so I developed

that as theme for her and it’s been a joy tosee the pleasure she gets from having herown special fairy tale chair.

“Then I created a Night Time WoodChair which features a fox and silhouettesof trees. Half of the back then drops downto reveal badgers and moles andhedgehogs hidden in the roots of the tree.

From dragons to mermaids andbadger filled woodlands,upholsterer Sue Blow is turningfairy tale chairs into a bespokebusiness story. U&SF reports…

Grandmother’s Pond

Heico Awards jointrunner up Susan Blow

Fish chair from abovewith grandchildren

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Feature

“The theme which unites all my chairs isthat they have secret pockets and dropdown sections into which I put handmadeanimals and accessories – little people lovelittle things to hold in their hands. Childrenalso love the secret sections and use themto store their own little treasures.“I have now set up as a commercial

business with a website(theplayfulchair.co.uk) but I am stillworking out the best route to market. Thisyear I am going to exhibit at some highend craft fairs and interiordesign fairs to see if I can findthe right market for mychairs but I believe thecustomer profile is someonewho is happy to spend asubstantial sum of money onsomething that is a collectibleheirloom for children – but alsocomfortable to sit on. It’s importantthat as well as being fun it is afunctioning piece of furniture.“Each chair is a truly bespoke piece so

could well appeal to grandparents andparents along with people who designnurseries. Or perhaps peoplewho love collectible piecesmade using traditional craftskills and embroidery.“My latest chair was a dragon

themed one which really allowed me to

have some fun with jewelled fasteners –and the great thing with dragons is no-onecan tell you that you’ve not done themcorrectly! I was inspired to create this oneby a fabulous watercolor picture of adragon and entered it into this year’s Heicoawards – again taking the runners’ up prize.“I would very much like to see the

company evolve as more of a collective,

working with other people rather than justbeing a ‘one woman vanity’ project. Itwould be lovely to work alongside otherupholsterers with a shared vision but theirown creative ideas”.Working from the workshop/studio at

her home near Avebury, Wiltshire, Suenow spends a great deal of time on thebusiness although does still do someupholstery work for private customers aswell as still being in demand for her longtime professional skills as a managementlearning and development consultant.“I tend to do the more upholstery-led

work during the day and use evenings asan opportunity to do the intricate detailedwork – such as the pocketable felt animals.We live just a stone’s throw from theStone Circle so the area is very conduciveto design and creativity”.Although it can barely reflect the time

spent creating and crafting each chair, Sueis keen to keep the price just south of the£1,000 mental price barrier. She said: “I dobelieve there are people out there who arewilling to pay for something which iscreated specifically for them or theirchildren and grandchildren. “We know that people are willing to pay,

often several hundred pounds, for say awedding or special celebration cake. Theyrecognise the skill and craftsmanshipinvolved in creating a one-off piece – thedifference is that one may only last alunchtime while what we are creating willlast a lifetime.”

Night Time Wood Chair with detail (inset)

Dragon’s Den Chair,back and front

14-15_USF_0618.qxp:00-00_USF_0017 22/05/2018 11:29

MyDecozo


HELPFUL HINTS FROM

In the last article we outlined how to usedouble-sided sticky tape (DST) whenmaking joins in blackout bondedinterlining. Once you have some tape inyour workroom, there are various otherjobs it is good for. It’s also worthmentioning that there are variousstrengths of tape.

The least expensive and slightly lesssticky type is easily available online, oftenbacked with brown thin paper. The nextstep up is for general craft use, then thereare others that are much stickier and canbe used for tasks such as lampshademaking. Finally, there are some that are

permanent after 24 hours in place,waterproof and work much more like aglue for attaching trimmings etc.

They are available in a range of widths,starting at about 4mm, and some arethicker than others which may influencewhich jobs they are suitable for. Here aresome suggestions:-• When making cover buttons, put a

small piece of tape on the button shellto hold the fabric in place whileassembling the button.

• Use a strip of narrow tape down thecentre of Velcro when sewing it acrossthe top of a roman blind as it helps

prevent the top edge ‘shrinking’ duringstitching.

• Low-tack tape can be useful when patternmatching seams, use it away from theseam line and remove after sewing.

• Hold decorative trim in place beforestitching as it may be easier than usingpins.

• It can be useful to hold seamallowances in place after joining fabricwidths or attaching contrast borderswhere the fabric cannot be pressed orhas a tendency to spring back.

• Some makers like using tape to hold thetop edge of interlining inside roman blinds.

The UK’s largest soft furnishings forum looks at the wonders of double-sided tape in the workroom.

16-17_USF_0318.qxp:16-17_USF_0617 01/06/2018 12:40


MyDecozo

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• You can ensure fabric covered battensand fascia stay neat before stapling byanchoring the fabric along the lengthwith tape.

• If you find yourself working withunstable or springy fabrics, tape can beused to hold side turnings neatly againstinterlining before stitching in place.

In some situations, it is better to use thelower tack tapes and remove them aftersewing, e.g. pattern matching seams. If thetape has to be left in place then be carefulwhere it is positioned so that your stitchline does not go through it and ‘gunk up’the needle. Always test in an

inconspicuous area before using, and bevery wary of placing any sticky tape onfabric with a pile such as velvet.

Where to buy:-eBay, Merrick & Day,MyDecozo online shop, Needcraft and manycraft suppliers.

16-17_USF_0318.qxp:16-17_USF_0617 01/06/2018 12:41

Member profile


How long have you been doing your job?I have been upholstering professionally fornearly eight years. Prior to this I hadalways been interested in fabrics andchairs and so finding these two passionscoming together, as one, in the craft ofupholstery was great.

How long did it take to learn the skill?The skills that I learnt throughundertaking the AMUSF accreditedcourses gave me the confidence to furtherdevelop my knowledge and techniques bytaking on a variety of commission workfor clients. There is no substitute forexperience and with new challenges youare always learning.

Do you consider yourself a craftspersonor tradesperson?First and foremost a craftsperson. Thepride and satisfaction gained from doing ajob well is hard to beat.

What makes up the bulk of your work?It used to be commission work but as theteaching side of the business has grown, itis now delivering our in-house coursesalongside the AMUSF accredited coursesthat is taking up most of our workshoptime.

What keeps you motivated?The ability to pass on my knowledge toothers and to see the joy and sense ofachievement it brings to students whenthey have completed their projects.

BIG TICKFOR AMUSF

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR BUSINESS TO BE FEATURED ON THE MEMBER PROFILE PAGE, CONTACT EDITOR JAN TURNER AT [email protected]

Name Maria WillisName of business Maria’s Traditional

UpholsteryWhen established August 2010Owned by Maria and Bill WillisLocation Meppershall,

BedfordshireSpeciality Traditional upholsteryNumber employed Partnership

What aspect of your work do you mostenjoy?Teaching is the best. It is always fulfillingto pass on knowledge and to see thepleasure that it can give to others. It canalso sometimes provide someone with anew opportunity in life.

Professionally, what is your greatestfrustration?Seeing upholstery work done poorlywhich is presented as being ‘professionallyupholstered’.

Tell us about the most challengingproject you have ever undertaken.Without doubt, reupholstering a largedeep buttoned Chesterfield sofa. Beforeanyone asks I don’t do these anymore!

And the most unusual/bizarre/funnyrequest you have ever dealt with?There have been a few animal skinspresented for covering chairs and stools:in fact one was named ‘Gerty’. WhenGerty the pet cow was no more, theowner had her hide preserved and askedme to use it to cover a foot stool.

What are the most pressing issuescurrently facing your business?The most challenging aspect for me is nothaving sufficient storage space.Upholstery materials are bulky items andwhen you put them together with chairsand frames it can get a bit frustrating attimes.

How long have you been in the AMUSFand how important is this to you?For nearly nine years and I consider myAMUSF membership as being afundamental part of the business. It hasbeen invaluable in helping to attract workand students to my workshop andpromoting my business at a professionallevel.

Professionally, who or where do youturn to for advice/ a second opinion?It is always good to exchange knowledgeand experience with fellow upholsterers.For those really difficult issues, such as thefire regulations, I know that I can alwaysrely on the AMUSF for sound advice.

When you talk to a fellow upholsterer/soft furnisher, the talk always turns to...?With me it is always chairs or fabrics.There are some wonderful fabrics outthere and beautifully shaped chairs. It’sjust finding the time to do them all.

How do you keep your skills andtechniques updated?The variety of commission work which Ihave done has played a big part in this,particularly when undertaking bothmodern and traditional upholstery. Overthe years, I have also built up a fairlycomprehensive collection of upholsterybooks by well-known upholsterers.

What is the single most important pieceof advice you would give to someonestarting out in this business?Keep practising what you know and don’tgive up. Gradually build up your skill baseby taking on progressively morechallenging work but consolidating whatyou have already learnt at the same time.

What has been your proudestprofessional moment? Without doubt becoming an approvedAMUSF training centre which will allowme to share my passion for upholsterywith many more students in the future.

Contact details: Tel. 01462 814775Website: www.mariasupholstery.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

18_USF_0318qxp.qxp:00_USF_0017 22/05/2018 11:30

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Unit 1 Whitworth Road, Frome, Somerset BA11 4BYTel: 01373 451415 [email protected]

19_USF_0618.qxp:000_IM_0017 01/06/2018 12:25 Page 1


SITTINGARTISTS

Feature

With a Banksy-style GuerillaUpholsterer and pieces thatelevate the craft ofupholstery to high – andeven disruptive – art, theUpholstery: Evolution toRevolution exhibition bySecond Sitters at theNational Centre for Craftand Design in Sleaford thisyear proved a hugelypopular attraction for thetrade and tourists alike.U&SF took a peek at a showwhich had something foreveryone before it closedon April 15.

Continued on p22 ››

Combining a comprehensive historyof upholstery with morecontemporary interpretations of

the craft, the Second Sitters exhibitionin Sleaford offered a carefully curatedinsight into a skill that dates back to itsformalisation as a trade almost 700years ago.

Along with an opportunity to touchand feel some of the exhibits and –during its four month run – attend aseries of workshops open to all, this wasa fascinating glimpse of the work ofancient and modern artists.

For be in no doubt, this was a showwhich in part, would have been just asat home in the Tate Modern with radical pieces of work thatdemonstrated the exquisite skill andresponsive interpretation of theircreators.

There was humour too with a video

showing the craft’s very own GuerillaUpholsterer travelling the countrysidemaking anonymous, Banksy-style raidson far flung bus shelters to leave hishallmark calling card – a series ofrandom chairs.

More seriously, the exhibition paidtribute to the artists and organisations(including the AMUSF) that have playeda key role in the evolution of the craft –from the early Coffers chairs which wereamong the first to meet the need forcomfort with an open frame seat with aplatform of webbing and canvas onwhich a loose cushion rested; throughto Elizabethan Farthingale chairs, theFrederick Parker collection and thelegendary career of Dorothy Gates.

Counterbalancing the crafts long andillustrious history, the exhibition alsofeatured more experimental work bytoday's upcoming upholsterers with

20-22_USF_0618.qxp:00-00_USF_0017 22/05/2018 11:31

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21_USF_0618.qxp:000_IM_0017 01/06/2018 12:35 Page 1

pieces by the talented Alex Law, ElectraRead-Dagg, Hannah Stanton, MissPokeno, Jude Dennis and Polly Granville toname just a few. Challenging thetraditional nature of the trade,contributions included The Riot Chair,Suicide Chair, Hiroshima Chair and anUpholstered Chair Coat.The lively programme of events and

activities running alongside the three-month show included The Memory Chair,a travelling artwork showing chairs asplaces of comfort and refuge andexpanding over time to collectcontributions from those choosing to‘post’ their thoughts into its fabric. Aworkshop was also run in conjunctionwith a local charity for the homeless withsome residents working together toupholster a sofa, loaned to the exhibitionbefore being installed in their shelter.

Feature


The Hiroshima Chair by Polly Granville

Mick Sheridan, Vestigal Twin conjoined chairs upholstered in new wool and vintage tapestry 2017. Photo Electric Egg

BettinaLangloise, Blodeuwedd

Upholstery as Art

The exhibition, which ran from January 27to April 15, was conceived and curated byJude Dennis and Hannah Stanton, bothpractising upholsterers who come togetheras Second Sitters to promote independentUK and international upholsterers throughpublications, exhibitions, collaboration andeducation days (for more info seewww.secondsitters.co.uk)

The exhibition itself was supportedusing public funding by the NationalLottery through Arts Council England. Judeand Hannah are currently negotiating totake the exhibition at other venues –watch their website for details.

20-22_USF_0618.qxp:00-00_USF_0017 22/05/2018 11:32

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We are a family run business supplying cushion inners of all descriptions to the trade nationwide

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23_USF_0618.qxp:000_IM_0017 01/06/2018 12:38 Page 1


Expert advice

Though perhaps not quite so difficultas tacking down, the stitching ofupholstery is complicated work and

while the craftsman may understand theprinciples governing it, it is only bycontinual practice that he can becomeexpert. Stitching, in addition to skill andjudgement, requires an appreciation ofgood lines, especially in the production ofevenly balanced scrolls such as those shownon the fronts of settees and divan chairs.

The beginner should, if possible, startwith small chairs, but will get a good ideaof the effect of the different rows ofstitching by a study of Fig 171. Thenumber of rows of stitching depends uponthe height of seat required. The generalrule is three rows for a small chair. Fig 171shows four; C and D are called blind rows,B is the second row and A the top row.The various angles at which the needle isthrust through the work should benoticed, as this isimportant. The blind rowsare so called because nostitches are visible on thetop surface of the scrim.These blind rows serve thepurpose of drawing the hairforward to the edge in orderto form a firm bulge ofstuffing for the subsequentrows. By the second row ofstitching, B Fig 171, the hairin this case appearing on theseat as well as on the frontedge of the work. The top rowA is the final stitching, and onthis the finished outline of theupholstery depends.

It must be remembered thatwhen stitching a frequent useof the regulator is absolutelyessential, and the upholsterershould so arrange the work thatthe stitched edges slightly

overhang the frame, Fig 172.Unless attention is paid to this,damage is frequently causedto the final covering, becauseit is liable to come intocontact with the sharp edgeof the wood frame at A, Fig173. Similar damage to thecovering may also be causedin other ways, namely:1. If the edges are

insufficiently firm whenstitched, see Fig 173. Insuch cases the fault is at onceapparent when pressure is applied tothe seat.

2. If the number of stitches are insufficient.3. If, in stitching, the upholsterer finds he

must juggle with the edge to rectify thetacking down, the final covering is againliable to the fault shown at Fig 173.

Stitching a blind rowThe method of stitching a blind row isshown in the four diagrams, Figs. 175-178. Commence at A, Fig 175, close to therail, insert the needle to B, draw the eyethrough in a circular movement asindicated by the dotted line, returning asshown at C, Fig 176. The eye of the needlemust not be drawn out at B for the blindrow, A knot is tied at A, Fig 177, anddrawn tight. Insert the needle, as before atB, drawing through at C, looping thetwine twice, run the needle through Aeither to the right or left. After pulling theneedle clear of the scrim, the twine isstrained tight by compressing the canvaswith the left hand, at the same timepulling twine in the direction of the arrowsat Fig.178, with the right hand. The resultof a blind row of stitching is the formationof invisible loops of twine whichautomatically draw the hair to the front,so forming a firm bulge of stuffing asshown at B, Fig 178. It is advisable tocommence with small stitches about 1in.in length and ¾in apart. The needle mustnot be sloped too much, and the pointwhen thrust through must be on thenear side of the hair twines, otherwisemore stuffing than is necessary will becaught up by the loops.

STITCHINGMore expert advice and top tips in our latestextract from Frederick Palmer’s famed book,Practical Upholstery.

24_USF_0618.qxp:00_USF_0017 22/05/2018 11:34

A dedicated textile trend blogby Niek De Prest.

moodbrussels.com/en/blogSurf the NEXT WAVE!

The world is changing exponentially. So will our industry. But how will this affect your business and the textile business in general? Niek De Prest casts an eye on the future of textile design and the textile industry.

MoOD & Indigo are organised by Easyfairs, Maaltekouter 1, 9051 Gent, Belgium+32 9 241 95 63 - [email protected] - [email protected]

Meet the who’s who of upholstery, window and wall covering producers.

Discover surface pattern designers that make a difference.

moodbrussels.com#moodbxlindigobrussels.com#indigobxl

Official journal of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers

www.upholsterers.co.uk

NEXT ISSUE...Sept/Oct/Nov 2018• Exhibition diary dates

• Manchester and BITA reviews

• Decorex and Long Point

Previews

• New products

Plus all the latest industry news

Upholsterer&

Upholsterer&

Official journal of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Sof

t Furnishers www.upholsterers.co.uk


Sitting ArtistsUpholstery goes high

art

Little TreasuresA fairy tale storyMending Hearts

and HeirloomsUpholstery enjoys the

TV spotlight

25_USF_0618.qxp:000_IM_0017 05/06/2018 14:55 Page 1


Q & A

How would you most like to beremembered?For producing beautiful and perfect work.And for being a nice person.

How would classmates at school havedescribed you?Creative, studious, a bit of a wallflowerand with Bananarama inspired hairstyles. Ienjoyed art, got enthusiastic in English,never made a team in sport and wasusually sent out of the class in chemistryfor giggling. I think I blossomed late.

And the teachers?Polite, intelligent, enthusiastic, hardworking.

How did you get into this business?I was working as a journalist for Homes &Gardens. I was asked to write a piece aboutlearning upholstery and went to theTraditional Upholstery Workshop in Wales. Ifell in love with the earthy smell (it was theballs of twine!), the complex stitching, andthat it was creative and very practical. Istayed for a week, came home and enrolledon an upholstery course straight away.

What would you class as your greatestachievement?My upholstery school, my book and mychildren.

Your greatest regret?Not having any money when the contentsof the Savoy hotel went up for auction in2007. Still don’t…

Is your glass half empty or half full?Usually half full. I truly believe that life iswhat you make of it. You can create yourown opportunities.

Who has been your greatest inspirationand why?My grandmother Doris. She was adressmaker who brought up her childrenon her own. She was stickler for technical

skill, never said ‘that’ll do’, always lookedsmart, was polite, a great gardener,laughed like a drain and worked very hard.

When it comes to sport do you fall intothe active or armchair camp? Football orrugby?Neither. I never sit still long enough towatch sport on TV. I sail my own dinghyon the River Avon. I’d play more tennis if Icould find someone who didn’t mindwinning all the time.

Your perfect day?A long dog walk followed by a quietafternoon upholstering something just forme, with a constant flow of Earl Grey tea.A glass of wine with friends would roundit off beautifully.

Your desert island disc?Anything Elvis.

If you weren’t doing what you do now,what would you be doing?I’ve always fancied specialising inpassementerie. I could get very excitedabout knots and tassels. Like upholstery,it’s a whole world of hand-making usingancient traditions, with names like gimps,galloons, spangles and limeade de spirals.Magical!

What’s the best thing about ourindustry?We are. Upholsterers tends to be hard-working nerds who enjoy spending hoursa day in a shed. We are also supportive,enthusiastic, and dedicated: ask a fellowupholsterer a work-related question andyou could be there hours.

And the worst?Persuading customers that our work takestime to do well, is highly-skilled and costsmoney.

What would you change?Now it seems that all upholsterers comeinto the trade as a second career, yet sooften I hear my students wishing theyhadn’t wasted decades in marketing/sales/IT/whatever. I would like to seeupholstery – indeed all traditional crafts –encouraged as an exciting and creativecareer option for school leavers too.

What’s in your living room?My grandmother’s 1920s sofa. It’senormous, green and she upholstered itherself back in the fifties. Considering shelearned her skills at the WI, she did acracking job.

What winds you up?People being late.

Best piece of advice to someone startingout?Learn your skills well, keep practising andkeep striving for perfection. Enjoy thejourney every step of the way.

IN THE HOTSEAT...…WITH JOANNA HEPTINSTALL, OWNER AND FOUNDER OF THE

TRADITIONAL UPHOLSTERY SCHOOL

26_USF_0618.qxp:00_USF_0017 22/05/2018 11:34

MANCHESTER CENTRAL | 15-17 JULY 2018

FEATURING MIDPOINT

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15:39

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upholsterer june/july/august 2018 · amazing projects and incredible pieces of work – and i’d...

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