Upholstery and soft furnishings
The provision of furniture, especially seats, with padding, springs, webbing and textile or leather covers (upholstery), and the making of cushions, curtains and other soft furnishings.
| Status | Currently viable |
| Craft category | Textiles |
| Historic area of significance | UK |
| Area currently practised | UK |
| Origin in the UK | |
| Current no. of professionals (main craft) | 1,000+ |
| Current no. of professionals (sideline to main craft) |
|
| Current no. of trainees | 201-500 |
| Current total no. serious amateur makers |
|
| Current total no. of leisure makers |
|
| Minimum no. of craftspeople required |
History
Techniques
Local forms
Sub-crafts
Issues affecting the viability of the craft
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Training issues: Skill shortages caused by lack of training and apprenticeships over last 25 years.
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Training issues: Apathy of the educational system to teach vocational subjects, pushing children into meaningless degrees when they should be entering a craft.
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Training issues/funding issues: Lack of funding and joined up policy on apprentice training.
Support organisations
Craftspeople currently known
- 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.
Other information
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.
References
