History

Originally coach trimming involved upholstering the interiors of horse drawn carriages then, as the carriages gained motors and evolved into the motor car, so the trade followed suit.

Today coach trimming is used for vintage and modern classic cars.

Auto-trimming is the term used for contemporary car interiors and, although some materials such as leather and vinyl may be similar, the techniques used are different.

 

Techniques

• Upholstery
  • Fluting, stuffed fluting
  • Deep buttoning
  • Use of traditional materials in stuffing such as cotton wadding, as opposed to foam
  • Fixings and fastenings – e.g. tacks and gimp pins rather than glues and staples.
• Woodwork
• Leatherwork

 

Local forms

n/a

 

Sub-crafts

Allied crafts:

• Coach building
• Upholstery
• Auto-trimming

 

Issues affecting the viability of the craft

• Skills issues: There are a lack of training opportunities for traditional skills and the older generation not passing on skills or technique.
• There is no main organisation or trade organisation.
• There is no government recognition for the trade.

 

Support organisations

The Association of Master Upholsterers

 

Craftspeople currently known

Coach trimmers specialising in classic car interiors:

• David Nightingale 
• Joseph Bennell 
• SJ Bowles 
• Elite Coach Trimming 
• Richards of England 
• Dave the Trimmer 
• Matthew Hill 
• Thornley Kelham 
• Mike Frewer 
• Richard and Alan Geater 
• O’Rourke Coachtrimmers 
• Mike Thomas and Dave Strange Trimmers
• Robert Smith Coachtrimming
• Julian Taylor

 

Other information

 

 

References

• Taylor, Don, Automotive Upholstery Handbook
• Mattson, Fred, Automotive Upholstery and Interior Restoration
• Taylor, Don, and Mangus, Rod, Custom Auto Interiors
• Caldwell, Bruce, Auto Upholstery & Interiors: A Do-it-yourself Basic Guide