Upholstery and soft furnishings

Even though the craft of upholstery has been practiced since the Middle Ages (with some historians believing it originated from tent making), the beginnings of what we now view as modern traditional upholstery dates back to the Elizabethan Era, having originated between the late 16th and early 17th Century. The term describes the fabric furnishings which are applied particularly to the upper layers of the design.

While early upholsters were responsible for all aspects of interior design of rooms decor, their focus then shifted to soft furnishings of furniture (chairs, sofas, beds etc.), floor coverings (like rugs), mattresses,  tapestries, car and boat interiors. Upholstery is still a popular craft in the UK, particularly associated with companies who offer reupholstering services and functions alongside carpet fitters and soft furnishing professionals.

Traditional upholstery uses solid wood or webbed platform, and it can involve the use of springs, lashings, stuffings of animal hair, feathers, grasses and coir, wools, hessians, scrims, bridle ties, stuffing ties, blind stitching, top stitching, flocks and wadding all built up by hand. Often, the outer layer of upholstery is patterned and embroidered for a special aesthetic effect. Currently, the material used most widely is Polyurethane foam. Because of the richness of the styles, techniques, materials used and variety of objects upholstered the craft operates a broad terminology such as tufting, buttoning or webbing.

• Training issues: Skill shortages caused by lack of training and apprenticeships over last 25 years.
• Training issues/funding issues: Lack of funding and joined up policy on apprentice training.

• Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers
• Guild of Traditional Upholsterers
• The Worshipful Company of Upholders

East London Furniture Institute (ELFI) – delivers the AMUSF Upholstery Diploma, providing professional, heritage-focused training in traditional upholstery techniques. The course is led by Rachael South, a third-generation upholsterer, and is rooted in hands-on making, historical methods, and deep material knowledge aligned with the preservation of craft skills.

They also deliver the T-Level Craft and Design Upholstery and  T-Level Craft and Design Furniture Making and will now expand to the upholstery specialism. This is aimed at 16-18 year olds and is a 2-year course which is a mix of theory, practical and a 90-day industry work placement

• The Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers has a list of members on its website.
• The Guild of Traditional Upholsterers also has a list of members on its website.
• The Wendy Shorter Interiors website also has a list of upholsterers and soft furnishers.

In 2018, the Worshipful Company of Upholders launched the Upholders’ Travel Bursary inviting applications from a wide variety of training, craft and heritage organisations relating to its traditional associated trades of upholstery, soft furnishings, funeral directing, furniture conservation and the bedding industry.

n/a