Upholsterer and Soft Furnisher

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

June/July/August 2012

Jewels In The Crown Member Benefits Stephen FranklinThe ‘sexy’side of upholstery An update At the top of his game

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Comment

I went along to one of those motivational speaker events last monthwhere a chap wearing strange, two-tone glasses (think Brains fromThunderbirds), a waxed moustache (longer and droopier thanPoirot’s) and a pony tail (a la Karl Lagerfeld) was giving the talk.

The overall effect was quite Richard Branson-esque in terms of theman quite clearly being the larger-than-life boss of his business. Or ashe would describe it – ‘memorable’.

Why am I telling you all this? Does he run some amazing softfurnishings and upholstery empire hitherto never heard of? Well no,he does not. Jonathan Straight (‘memorably’ pictured above insteadof me this time) actually runs a recycling container business and hasmade a huge success of doing so. As in establishing a £30 millionbrand from scratch and joining the stock market.

The reason I’m moved to talk about Jonathan is that his presentationincluded 10 essential tips for success in business. Big businesses, smallbusinesses, rubbish bin businesses, upholstery businesses – his ‘10Commandments’ are relevant to any kind of business.

It’s all good common sense stuff, but after more than 20 years inbusiness, these are the things he has found that are essential tosuccess. The rules are his, the interpretations mine.

• Set clear goals – what is it you want to do and where is it you wantto go? Know that and you have something to work towards that willguide and influence your decisions.

Communicate them clearly and effectively – other people (employeesprimarily but it could be friends and family too) need to know whereyou’re headed so they can buy into the dream and support you.

• Tell the truth – whether it’s dealing with customers or suppliers, itnever pays to bluff your way through things. Better to under promiseand over deliver than make promises you simply can’t keep. Or claimsthat can’t be sustained.

• Never, never, never give up – as in always have the courage of yourconvictions and carry them through with persistence and belief.However, if you’ve come up with a product or service for which thereis simply no call, know when to let go. The right judgement call iswhat separates the good from the great.

• Be memorable – in a world of conformity it can pay to stand outfrom the crowd through sheer force of personality or the way youlook.

• Think outside of the box – allow yourself to consider ideas andthoughts that fall outside of the norm. Letting your mind considerwild and adventurous new ideas can lead to exciting developments.

• Know your competition – it’s essential to keep tabs on thecompetition and find out everything about them that you can. Thatway you can keep ahead of the field and stay on your toes.

• Keep reinventing the model – it’s easy to become stuck in a rut andcarry on doing what you’ve always done. Constantly reviewing yourbusiness, what you offer and how you do it will again help to ensureyou stay ahead of the game.

• Lead by example – quite simply, don’t expect others to do whatyou don’t do yourself. Show what you want and expect from peopleby doing it yourself.

• Help others – it’s about putting something back and for manyupholsterers and soft furnishers that’s going to mean passing on theskills that will keep our craft alive for the future.

Just don’t feel you have to wear multi-coloured specs, a waxedtache and pony tail to do so!

Until the next time...

Jan Turner Editor

Upholsterer&Soft Furnisher

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

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

Sales: Joanne MillerT: 01732 783561 E: [email protected]

Tim BodenT: 01732 783561 E: [email protected]

Jarrod BirdT: 01565 659414 E: [email protected]

Published by Interiors Media LimitedUnit 11, Riverside Business Centre, Riverside House, Riverlawn Road, Tonbrigde, Kent TN9 1EP T: 01732 783561 F: 01732 783562E: [email protected]

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Printed by Stephens & George

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




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Contents

6 & 7 AMUSF News Update andBranch Briefings

8 Industry News

10 Ask FIRA

12 Fabrics and Trimmings

14 & 15 Future Perfect: profile ofStephen Franklin

16 Heritage Crafts Award

17 175 Years of John Boyd Textiles

18 Member Profile: True-LineUpholstery

20 Advertising Feature: On TheCrest of a Wave

22 Member Benefits Update

24 Memory Lane: HistoryHotchpotch

26 In the Hotseat: Alex Law

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AMUSF ContactsHead Office

Association Manager: Richard Ranklin ([email protected])Administrative Assistant: Susan Tyler

( [email protected])Wycombe House, 9 Amersham Hill, High Wycombe,

Bucks, HP13 6NRTel: 01494 452965; Fax: 01494 769369

Website: www.upholsterers.co.uk

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

Tel: 01727 824358Email: [email protected]

Hants & Dorset – Kevin Lee – Tel: 01489 572108Kent – Davin White – Tel: 0208 854 4402

London – Wynne Gilham – Tel: 01708 752333Surrey – Ron Mercure – Tel: 0208 941 4521

Scotland – Sandy Stewart – Tel: 01555 772052

Regional ContactsYorkshire – Mavis Baddeley – Tel: 0113 2633031

West Midlands – Bob Bishton – Tel: 01543 257002 (daytime)Email: [email protected]

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6 Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher June/July/August 2012

AMUSF news roundup

SUSAN HAS JOB ALL SEWN UP!

VAN STICKERS AVAILABLE For those members withliveried delivery vans,don’t forget that usingthe AMUSF logoalongside your owndetails helps to add realcredibility and authorityto your business.

Now that the longerdays and lighter nights

are here, be sure to display thisprestigious logo on anycompany transport – justcontact the AMUSF office on01494 452965 and ask RichardRanklin or Susan Tyler toorganise sending one throughto you. Van stickers cost £4.50and window stickers £3.25,including VAT.

KENT GETS WEBWISE The Kent branch of AMUSF now has its veryown website!

www.kentupholsterers.co.uk is the brainchildand creation of branch chairman FrancoMarinelli for whom buildingwebsites has become a bit ofa hobby.

Designed to serve as acontact point for members aswell as other interestedupholsterers, the site offersall the usual pages includinga welcome page whichexplains the site is “whereKent upholsterers, practising and retired, cometogether to discuss topics and issues regardingthe upholstery industry”.

News and forthcoming events are covered ina ‘News’ section while the ‘About Us’ page listsall current members. A roll call of past chairmenis listed elsewhere on the site and an article from

this magazine is featured on the ‘Our Very OwnCelebrity’ tab to tell the tale of branch memberRoy Theobald’s encounters with famouspersonalities.

A ‘Welcome to OurBlog’ facility showspictures of branch outingsand visitors to the site canget relevant contactdetails from the finalpage.

Said Franco: “The site isprimarily for Kent branchmembers so if they miss a

meeting they can see what happened – or lookup any forthcoming events and so on.

“It’s still early days for the site and it’s a bit ofa work in progress but it hopefully providesmembers with a regularly updated contact pointand the more information people can give meto put on it the better.”

Meet Susan Tyler – the AMUSF’snew administrative assistant!

Susan, who works withgeneral manager RichardRanklin at High Wycombe headoffice, lives in nearby Marlowand knows a thing or two aboutsoft furnishings herself – with aCity and Guilds in the subject toprove it!

Said Susan, who is also aFriend of the Royal School ofNeedlework: “Ever since I was asmall child I’ve loved needlework, knitting,patchwork, quilting and sewing, gold work and

crewel work. In fact whenI came along for theinterview for this job, Ibrought one of mycushions with me!”

That, along with manyyears’ experience as a toplevel PA with a number ofLondon-basedcompanies, made Susanthe perfect candidate forthe job. When notworking or doing

needlework, Susan enjoys step aerobics andgoing to the cinema.

IN MEMORIAMAMUSF members andFellows will be saddened tolearn of the death ofMidlands member MelvinRussell who died on FridayMay 4 after a long illness.Melvin had worked as anupholsterer in the Telfordand Shrewsbury area formore than 30 years. Hejoined the West Midlandsbranch of the AMUSF in1995 and became a Fellowtwo years ago.

Said AMUSF chairman DesFanning: “I had the pleasureof meeting Melvin when wewere inaugurated as Fellowstogether. He was anextremely well liked andrespected upholsterer.

“Melvin was alsopassionate about his craftand, keen to pass on hisskills, he worked as a teacherat Telford College where heran six classes for manyyears.”

Said AMUSF pastpresident, Bob Bishton: “Ihave known Melvin and hiswife Joyce for many years.After joining our WestMidlands branch he and Iquickly became friends dueto the fact that he was aspassionate as I was withregards to the trade.

“He worked extremelyhard to push our craft toeveryone connected withour trade and this led him into teaching at Telford wherehe worked up until andbeyond his illness beingdiagnosed. His students areas devastated as we all areby his death.”

As well as his wife Joyce,Melvin leaves a son,Christopher. His funeral tookplace at TelfordCrematorium on May 28. Kevin Easter and family of Summerlock Upholstery

with van proudly displaying the AMUSF logo

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Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher 7

AMUSF news roundup

Branch briefingsn A meeting of the Kent Branch was held at Cuxton Social

Club in March where the following matters were discussed:A letter had been drafted by Peter Finch re the location ofthe AMUSF AGM for 2013 for members and Fellows; FrancoMarinelli had designed a website for the Kent Branch,http://www.franelli.co.uk/kentbranch/Welcome.html;Fellows AGM weekend to be on June 15 - 17 at Holiday InnWormsworth near Doncaster; Trade described as fair togood; next meeting June 11.

The Kent Branch Christmas dinner and dance at theThistle Hotel, Brands Hatch, Kent is to be held on November24, ticket price, £39 per person. Overnight accommodationavailable at the Thistle Hotel. For more information contactDerek Oviatt at 85a Blackheath Road, Greenwich, London,SE10 8PD. Tel: 020 86921046, email:[email protected]. Kent branch contact isDavin White on 020 8854 4402.

n The last regional networking meeting of the Beds, Bucks,

Herts and London Branch was held on Wednesday March21 at Jones & Jones Furniture in Cambridge. Mike and DavidJones are brothers who were born into the furnitureindustry. Great grandfather Julius Jones was a cabinet makerand started a chain of Joneses involved in the making andselling of fine furniture. Both brothers have been involved inthe furniture industry in Cambridge for over 30 years. They design and hand-make their own finestquality furniture, which is displayed at their fabulousshowrooms in Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire - visitwww.jandjfurniture.co.uk. The next meeting is scheduled totake place on Wednesday September 26 2012 at 7.30 p.m.Bert and Steve Chapman have kindly offered to host theevening at their new premises in Barnet, Hertfordshire,where Bert will give a talk about some of the wonderfulprojects they have worked on over the years. Anyone interested in attending the meeting should contact Wendy Shorter on (01727) 824358 or [email protected].

COMPLAINTS UPDATEThe AMUSF has beefed up its assessor team to include a greaternumber of trained assessors, all of whom have many yearsexperience in the industry.

As well as assessing potential new members, AMUSF assessorsplay a vital role in complaints procedures against members. Ascomplaint investigations grow and become increasingly complex,members asked to make an independent assessment of goods orservices need to be aware they could be asked to justify theirconclusions in court and under cross examination.

Said Bert Chapman, senior assessor of AMUSF: ”While membersare perfectly free to give independent reports, we would stronglyadvise them to refer complainants to the AMUSF office forinformation on the association’s complaints procedure and costs.”

Members of the association’s approved assessment teamprovide reports written to a formula that will satisfy a court oflaw and include photographic evidence, explanatory diagrams

and sketches, plus full details of their qualifications and expertise.An estimated cost of repair or replacement is also given. Thismay involve many hours of site visits, report writing and courtappearances, which could leave the member out of pocket.Frequently, at the request of a court, joint reports on behalf ofowner and supplier are required.

Assessors are always needed and need to be familiar with theskills and techniques of both modern and traditional upholsteryas well as an understanding of upholstery profiles through theages. They should also be conversant with current FireRegulations and the Sale of Goods Act. In addition assessors arerequired for all types of soft furnishing: window treatments, bedtreatments, loose covers, curtain suspension systems etc.

Anyone interested should contact association manager RichardRanklin for more information on 01494 452965. The work isespecially suitable for retired members.

AMUSF Fellows visited historic Chatham Dockyard for their annual lunch thisyear which was held at the Commissioner’s House.

Said to be the fifth most haunted house in Britain, the imposing Georgiandwelling proved poltergeist-free during the Fellows guided tour of the building.It was followed by an entertaining visit to the nearby ropery where there was atalk and tour by Brenda O'Donavan, plus a chance to have a go at ropemaking.

AMUSF general manager Richard Ranklin later gave a talk on progress andchanges at the association. The Fellows next social event is the annual dinnerand AGM which will be held on June 15 and 16 at the Holiday Inn,Warmsworth, near Doncaster.

FELLOWS LEARN THE ROPES

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Industry roundup


EXHIBITION NEWS

OLD BED WARES IT WELLThanks to a helping hand from the National Bed Federation(NBF), one of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s (V&A) ‘greatesttreasures’ – the Great Bed of Ware – has returned to its home of Hertfordshire. The renowned Great Bed of Ware has been at the V&A since

1931 but is now on display at the Ware Museum where it is onloan for 12 months. The solid oak bed is thought to have been created in 1590 as a

tourist attraction for travellers on the pilgrim route from Londonto Walsingham. More than three metres wide and said to be ableto sleep 12, travellers were reputed to break their journey at Warejust to spend a night in the bed.“The Great Bed of Ware is one of the most famous historical

beds, mainly because of the sheer size of it,” said Jessica

Alexander, executive directorof the NBF. “We were happy tosupport the loan to the WareMuseum as the bed evenfeatures on the NBFPresident’s Badge of Office,made in 1947.”The NBF also celebrates its

own historical landmark this year with the launch of an exclusivecentenary history book that tells the inside story of the tradeassociation. Written by Bill Laws, a social historian, ‘Bed Times’ isa 118-page publication. All members of the NBF, past andpresent, will receive a free copy but they are available to purchaseat £20 plus P&P.

l 20 YEARS OF PROPOSTEProposte celebrated 20 years as a world-wide preview of all that’s new in fabricsand curtains when it opened it doors atVilla Erba di Cernobbio (Como) Italy fromMay 8 – 10 for the 2012 exhibition. Theevent regularly attracts visitors from allover the world and features around 100exhibitors. This year there were 6,363visitors with 4,102 of those coming fromoutside Italy (representing a 5.61%increase). In terms of companies, 3,483visited - 2,178 from outside Italy. Formore details visit www.propostefair.it

l MOVERS AND SHAKERS ATMANCHESTER

The Manchester Furniture Show, thefurniture industry’s longest runningexhibition, is getting ready to open itsdoors once again at Manchester Central Exhibition Centre fromJuly 15 – 18. More than 120 exhibitorsare booked in for this year’s event withover 25 newcomers, some making their UK debut.For more information contact Theresa

Raymond or Laraine Janes on 020 83871270 or [email protected] visit the websitewww.manchesterfurnitureshow.comThis year’s show will showcase the

work of a group of Manchester Universitystudents taking part in a brand new

course - ‘Remade in Manchester’- lookingat restoring and re-using materials andproviding students with the skills andknowledge to start their own businessrecycling and upcycling every day items.

l IN THE MoODMoOD, the international trade fair forupholstery, window and wall coveringswill be held from September 11 – 13 at the Brussels Expo showcasing thenewest creations, bestsellers, scoops and innovations of the internationalfurnishings business. For more details and registration visitwww.moodbrussels.com.

l 100% PLUS100% Design, held at Earls Court fromSeptember 19 – 22, is now in its 18thyear. The contemporary design event isone of the most visited in the furniturecalendar with last year’s event attractingover 18,000 visitors. This year the event isbeing split into four different exhibitionsections - 100% Interiors, 100% Office,100% Kitchens & Bathrooms and 100%Eco Design and Build to show the keytrends in each furniture sector. Visitwww.100percentdesign.co.uk for moredetails.

l THE BEST OF BESPOKETo be held at the Royal Hospital, Chelseafrom September 23 – 26, Decorex – the

inspirational design hub -is celebrating its 35th year of exhibitingthe best of bespoke interiors.Registration for the event is now open at www.decorex.co.uk.

l BEDTIMESThe NBF Bed Show, the only bed-specificexhibition in the UK, will be held atTelford International Centre onSeptember 25 and 26. Now in its thirdyear, online registration for the event isnow open at www.bedshow.co.uk. The search is on for this year’s most

successful bed industry businesses as the2012 National Bed Federation (NBF)awards officially open. Businesses of allshapes and sizes are invited to enter orput forward nominees for one of the fivecategories - Bed Manufacturer of theYear; Bed Supplier of the Year; MultipleBed Retailer of the Year; Independent BedRetailer of the Year and this year’s newaward – Bed E-tailer of the Year. This year businesses are being asked to

either nominate themselves or nominatesomeone who they think deserves anaward, by completing an online entryform on www.bedshow.co.uk. (deadlineFriday June 29) Entries submitted will then be put up

on the site to be voted for by fellow bedprofessionals. Winners will be announcedat the Bed Show gala dinner onSeptember 25.

Great Bed of Ware - reproduced courtesy of the Victoria and

Albert Museum, London

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QI am dealing with a complaintof fabric discoloration in onearea of a sofa I recovered last

year. I think a cleaning fluid has beenused which has caused the problem. Isthere any way I can test for this whilstthe sofa is still in the customer’s home?

ATesting for the use of a cleaningfluid on a fabric is not easywithout laboratory testing.

However, one suggestion from FIRAService Technicians is to shine a UV lighton the affected area in a darkened room. Ifthe product has been washed, the fabricwill fluoresce, showing white particles inthe weave from the optical brightenerspresent in the washing powder used.

It is possible that the discolouration ofthe fabric was caused due to the customertrying to remove a stain. The upholsterercould remove the sofa covering and checkthe fillings directly underneath the areafor signs of stain removal. Any attempt atcleaning a stain would saturate the fabricand this would spread to the fillings. Thisin turn could possibly show colouredparticles transferred from the originalstain, radiating out from the area ofspillage and contaminating theimmediate area underneath the fabricdiscolouration. Even if these are notapparent, the fillings could possibly showsigns of a liquid stain remover being used.

The upholsterer should also consider

the local conditions to assess how thefabric discoloration may have occurred.For example, where was the itempositioned in the customer’s home? Hasthe affected area been exposed to directsunlight? Perhaps the sofa has beendamaged by a family pet? Is thereevidence of pet hair between the seat andarm? Sometimes the more informationgleaned, the easier it is to find out whatmay have happened.

Q I have been asked to producesome fabric covered wall panelsfor an office environment – are

these covered by the FR Regulations?

AAccording to FIRA TestingServices, fabric covered wallpanels would be covered by the

UK Building Regulations and would needto be fire tested to either:• BS 476: Part 6: 1989 + A1: 2009(Method of test for fire propagation forproducts) and BS 476-7: 1997 (Methodof test to determine the classification ofthe surface spread of flame of products) • BS EN 13501-1: 2007 + A1: 2009 (Fireclassification of construction products andbuilding elements. Classification usingtest data from reaction to fire tests) whichuses the test methods from BS EN13823: 2010 (Reaction to fire tests for

building products. Building productsexcluding floorings exposed to thethermal attack by a single burning item)and BS EN ISO 11925-2: 2010 (Reactionto fire tests. Ignitability of productssubjected to direct impingement of flame.Single-flame source test).

Currently the European system operatesalongside the existing British system inthe UK, but eventually the EuropeanStandard procedure will supersede theBritish Standard test methods, which willthen not be available for BuildingRegulatory purposes.

The British system measures flamespread and heat release, with productsbeing classified as Class 0, 1, 2, or 3 (with 0being the most stringent). The Europeansystem is similar, but also measures smokeproduction and flaming droplets. Productsare classified as A1, A2, B, C, D, E or F,(with A1 being the most stringent).Smoke production and flaming dropletsare shown as s1, s2, s3 and d0, d1, d2(with s1 being minimal smoke productionand d0 being zero flaming droplets). In theUK wall coverings for reception areas, liftlobbies, stairwells, open-plan offices,restaurants within buildings (includinghospitals), anywhere designated as a fireescape route or public areas must achieveeither the British Class 0 fire rating or theEuropean Class B-s3, d2.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED In this issue, FIRA answers more commonly asked questions from AMUSF members.

Ask FIRA


Above and below: FIRA service technician at work

10_USF_06-0812_10 21/05/2012 13:37 Page 10

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Established since 1984, Furnital Ltd have been supplyingthe trade with predominantlyraw-unfinished chair frames rangingfrom the small independent localupholsterer, interior designers, architects and contract furnishers.

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It’s one of the most fashionable elementsof upholstery and soft furnishings, sokeeping a finger on the pulse of new

trends in fabrics and trimmings is vital tothose practising the craft.

According to Clem Malone, md of HenryNewbury, the trimmings specialists,decorative accessories are once againbeing used as ‘interior jewellery’. He said:“There’s been a real resurgence intrimmings after a long period of verymonochrome or architectural interiors.

“Trimmings are now being used as afinishing touch in the same way that awoman wears jewellery and accessories tocomplement her clothes.”

On the fabric front, the Jub’Olympicsmean there’s fun to be had this summerwith some patriotic prints – such as thenew range of fabrics by PrestigiousTextiles. It aims to help the nationcelebrate by decorating homes, streetparties and even sporting venues with adistinctly patriotic theme.

‘Capital’, ‘Jack’ and ‘First Class’ arecolourful prints on 100% cotton - with apvc-coated option - suitable for curtainsand cushions, table linen and kitchenaccessories, bags and flags.

At Impala Fabrics, the company’s 21-colour range of high-tech upholsteryfabrics is proving a popular choice asupholsterers increasingly look to findmaterials that offer real value. Saiddirector David Japheth: “The difficulteconomic climate makes it even moreimportant for those working in theupholstery and soft furnishings sector tochoose the fabrics that really deliver interms of cleanability and durability. TheImpala collection features a leather-likegrain and feels really good too.Colourwise, naturals continue to be thesteady sellers but the more contemporary

orange and blue options go down wellwith designers looking to createsomething more up-to-the-minute.”

At Glover Brothers, Helen Petriconfirmed that customers continue toprefer plain fabrics in neutral tones. Shesaid: “Their popularity seems constantand this is also true of trimmings. We haveseen little sign of change towards strongercolours and/or more flamboyant designs."

In the commercial and hospitality sector,fibres and fabrics offering high flameretardancy properties remain of paramountimportance: from those that are inherentlyfire retardant, such as the horsehair fabricsproduced by John Boyd Textiles to hightech products such as the performancefibre Kanecaron from Waxman Fibres. SaidGreg Cluskey, managing director atWaxman Fibres: “Kanecaron is particularlypopular with the commercial andhospitality sector because it combinessafety features with an incredibly softtouch and excellent dyeing capabilities. But

one of the main reasons why this fabric isso incredibly popular within the hospitalitysector is that it doesn’t lose any of its flameretardant properties after dyeing orcontinuous washing.”

At Kent-based Martins UpholsterySupplies, the popularity of co-ordinatingflower, stripe and plain ranges has ledfamily owners – Diane, Nigel and DarrenFillingham – to launch their own three-piece range, the Wrotham Collection.

Said Diane: “The collection has quicklytaken off and trade in general has beenvery, very busy for us this year. We workwith a lot of small, independentupholsterers and the fact we are so busy isbecause they are getting work too –particularly on the re-up and curtainingside. With fewer people moving house,many are renewing and repairing whatthey already have which is good news all round.”


Fabrics and trimmings

JEWELS INTHE CROWNWith fabrics and trimmings forming the ‘sexy’ side of upholstery and softfurnishings, U&SF talks to some key players about trends and changes at the‘glamorous’ end of the trade.

Henry Newbery contemporary tassels

Prestigious Textiles bring out the bunting!

High tech upholstery fabric from Impala

12_USF_06-0812_12 21/05/2012 13:42 Page 12

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13_USF_06-0812_19 30/05/2012 11:46 Page 1


Feature

FUTURE PERFECT! As a traditional upholsterer with nearly four decades experience under his belt, StephenFranklin has been skilled and fortunate enough to work at the very highest levels.

From stately homes to millionairemansions, Stephen has pretty muchseen it all since he first set out as an

apprentice with Percy Bass in SouthKensington in 1974.And as well as knowing his trade, Steve

understands that integrity is key whenworking in more ‘rarefied’ circles. So inchatting about his work, we steer strictlyclear of any name dropping. “Many clientswish to keep a low profile for obviousreasons so I am careful to respect theirprivacy,” he says. “That said, I do what I doand I’m as happy to work for the pubdown the road that wants some bar stoolsrecovering as I am for a stately home witha priceless piece of antique upholstery inneed of restoration.”What is clear is that Stephen has worked

on a large number of prestige projectsboth home and abroad during his 38 yearsin the trade. “I’m lucky enough to havetravelled around the world with my work”he says. “From the Middle East and Europeto America and many other countries.”Now based in the Herefordshire

countryside with his wifeAndrea and two daughtersEmilia and Josephine,Stephen undertakes a lot offreelance projects for fabrichouses who contact himdirect when a customerasks if they can recommendan upholsterer or whenseeking someone toundertake specialist fabric-walling.It is the work he most

enjoys and something forwhich he has become known as a specialist.Commissions can vary from a feature wall inone room to numerous rooms in a mansionor galleries and private apartments instately homes.“I’ve worked on everything from fabric

walling to upholstery, draperies, tentedceilings and fabric restoration” he says. “Thevery nature of the company I trained withand the fact it was based in SouthKensington meant I was working with aclientele that commissioned very exclusive,often elaborate pieces of work.“I quickly learned that all measurements

had to be precise when you are faced withwalling out a room with fabric that, insome cases, costs the same as the averageUK annual salary! My hands don’t shakenow when I cut such fabric but I still needto check and double-check my calculationsare correct.”A long term apprenticeship ensured a

broad range of skills which Stephen hashoned over the years. He is now an AMUSFrecognised trainer, working closely with theassociation’s finance director Joan Milton inEllesmere, teaching courses there and alsorunning courses in Herefordshire.“I was lucky enough to get an incredible

grounding in my trade through anapprenticeship and was trained bytraditional upholsterers from firms and

companies such asMaples, Howard &Sons, Chapmans andCharles Hammondsetc,. Sadly that sort ofopportunity isvirtually non-existentthese days,” he said.“However, students

can still acquire anddevelop upholsteryskills at recognisedestablishments but itdoes take time. As

well as my apprenticeship, I studied forthree years at the London College ofFurniture but students today have to tryand pack it all in, in a very short space oftime which means that sometimes peopletry to cut corners.“I do feel it is important to learn the

correct techniques from the outset in orderto have a firm foundation on which to buildskills with practice and experience. It doestake time to get to grips with it all but it isdefinitely worth it in the end as studentsare so pleased and proud of their finishedproducts.”Together with passing on his knowledge

and expertise to future craftspeople,Stephen is putting his skills to further goodused as an AMUSF assessor, working withone of the most revered figures in theindustry, Bert Chapman.Through Bert, Stephen was encouraged

to join the Worshipful Company ofUpholders. He said: “I’ve been incrediblylucky. I’ve enjoyed my work and it hasalways given me a great deal of satisfaction.“Our trade has changed enormously over

the years and many of us have had to adaptand change with it. But I feel it is extremelyimportant that skills and experience arepassed on to young craftspeople so thattraditional techniques and practices are notlost and forgotten.”

Green silk damask gilded chair. Rebuilt from the frame,traditionally stuffed and stitched, this was one of a pair

undertaken for a private client.

Stephen Franklin

14-15_USF_06-0812_14-15 21/05/2012 13:43 Page 14


IF YOU HAVE UNDERTAKEN AN INTERESTING PROJECT RECENTLY AND HAVE PICTURES TO ILLUSTRATE IT, PLEASE CONTACT EDITOR JAN TURNER ON [email protected]

Biedermeier sofa. Rebuilt from the frame, traditionallystuffed and stitched and covered in a striped silk velvet.It was important to ensure the drum arms were hand-

stitched to be exactly the same size and shape.

Deep, double-button back antique sofa built from theframe and stuffed with traditional and natural fibre

fillings. Covered in a cream silk damask.

Gilt throne with gold leaf detailing. Hand built from theframe, traditionally stuffed and stitched and covered

with an off-white silk moiré fabric.

Bed with decorative Corona drapes. The butterfly silkfabric used behind the bed has also been used to wall

out the whole room.

This unusual piece of work actually shows a bedheadboard covered in leather and wrapped around an

ensuite shower room pod.

Fan back chair featuring nine fanned panels, eachindividually sewn to display the floral pattern on a

linen fabric.

Antique lion head sofa and chair. Undertaken for aprivate client, these grand pieces were covered in acrimson silk moiré fabric. The squabs are filled with

horse hair.Fender club seat, built from scratch and covered in a

horsehair fabric which is inherently fire retardant.

This room has been completely walled in a black andwhite patterned cotton Toile de Jouy. Undertaken at a

private home, this project took two-and-a-half weeks tocomplete and involved pattern matching the inset

wardrobe doors and working round a number of beams.

14-15_USF_06-0812_14-15 21/05/2012 13:43 Page 15


Award

HERITAGECRAFTS AWARDAMUSF president Wendy Shorter has received a finalist’s certificate in the MarshChristian Trust Awards for Heritage Crafts Trainer of the Year.

It was presented at the Heritage CraftsAssociation’s (HCA) annual conferencein March.Formed three years ago to support and

promote traditional crafts (includingupholstery), the HCA is a charity whichaims to represent the UK’s many differentheritage crafts with one voice. Currentlydifferent crafts come under differentgovernment agencies, and consequentlyhave very little or no impact ongovernment policy.

In a letter to the conference, HCApresident, the Prince of Wales said: “...I amdelighted that your conference will

celebrate and promote the best of Britishcraftsmanship, while demonstrating thatmaintaining those skills and traditions isnot simply hanging on to the past, butensuring that they continue to bringgenuine economic and cultural benefits toour country today – and for generationsto come.”

The association has received a grant soit can map the crafts and number ofpractitioners in order to help identify theirfuture needs. It is also talking aboutapprenticeships with the Creative CultureSkills Council and is promoting andencouraging the world to buy British

crafts through embassies around theworld. To become a friend of theassociation costs £12 a year forindividuals and £24 for organisations.

Members currently practicing thetraditional craft of upholstery can find outmore from www.heritagecrafts.org.uk.

Said Wendy Shorter: “I was absolutelydelighted to receive a finalists certificatefrom the HCA as it not only recognises thework of my own training school but isconfirmation that the skills of traditionalupholstery are recognised as a heritagecraft. I would urge all members usingthese skills to join the association.”

16_USF_06-0812_12 30/05/2012 13:26 Page 12

6


Profile

As one of the last serving horsehairweavers in the world John BoydTextiles creates innovative fabrics

and weaves for top designers and countsa number of prestigious hotels,restaurants and private householdsamong its customers.

Now, to celebrate 175 years in business,the company has commissioned KyleScorgie, a final year student from theRoyal College of Art in London, to developa new design, which will feature acontemporary take on dobby weaves.

New colours for existing ranges havealso been developed and a series of open

days is being held over the Jubilee holidayto give local visitors a chance to lookaround the Castle Carey factory for thefirst time.

Said md Anna Smith: “We put thesuccess of the business down to thetraditional methods that we still use today.We are still based in Castle Cary where thebusiness was established and although thetraditional fabrics are still woven, we havekept our finger on the pulse,understanding that more contemporarydesigners require modern designs.”

Recognised for its unequalled lustre,horsehair was originally used by famousfurniture makers such as Chippendale andRennie Mackintosh and is ideally suited toantique, classical and contemporary stylesof furniture.

WEAVINGTHE FLAG Somerset-based John Boyd Textiles celebrates its 175th anniversary this summer –and to mark the milestone the company has commissioned a contemporary newdobby weave design.

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John Boyd Textiles - history in the making

17_USF_06-0812_17 30/05/2012 12:14 Page 17

Member profile


How long have you been doing your job? 50 years.

How long did it take to really learn the skill?To learn the craft about five years – but I don’t think you ever stoplearning and developing in this line of work.

Do you consider yourself a craftsperson or tradesperson?Craftsperson.

What makes up the bulk of your work?Re-upholstery but other aspects include replacing cushion inners,repairs, springing and recovering antique furniture. We also designand make bespoke, tailor-made pieces of furniture to customers’specifications.

What keeps you motivated?Being able to pay the bills! But also being able to providecustomers with a unique service that they wouldn’t necessarily findanywhere else.

What aspect of your work do you most enjoy?The fitting of the fabrics and being able to see the furniture takeshape and come to life.

Professionally, what is your greatest frustration?People paying on time – most are great but, with the economicclimate the way it is, we are finding that customers are taking longerto pay.

Tell us about the most challenging project you have everundertaken.Our business is such a diverse craft and the skills involved take along time to develop so training other people how to upholster canbe extremely challenging.

And the most unusual/bizarre/funny request you have everdealt with?We actually had a customer ask us to produce covers for an injuredhorse’s legs – apparently these covers speed up the healing process!

What are the most pressing issues currently facing yourbusiness?We have a lot of work on at the moment – which is fantastic!We have found that more and more people are choosing torestore furniture.

How long have you been a member of the AMUSF and howimportant has this been to your business?Over 30 years. It is a fantastic benefit – having the crest reallydoes give us credibility with our customers.

Professionally, who or where do you turn to for advice/ asecond opinion? We try and work it out amongst ourselves, or alternatively wewill turn to the AMUSF who do provide us with an excellentsupport network.

When you talk to a fellow upholsterer/ soft furnisher, thetalk always turns to?We don’t have much opportunity to talk to anyone else.

How do you keep your skills and techniques updated?Through observation and by keeping our eyes on currenttrends and taking an interest in what is being offeredelsewhere.

What is the single most important piece of advice youwould give to someone starting out in this business?Be good at what you do – work hard and really have a passionfor what you are doing. If you don’t have that passion there isno point!

Where do you see the future of the industry?At the quality end of the market. We use superior fabrics andalso customers own fabrics to ensure our work lasts a lifetime.

Contact details: Tel 01772 562130www.truelineupholstery.co.uktruelineupholstery@btconnect.com

TRUECRAFTMANSHIPName of business True-Line UpholsteryWhen established 1976Owned by Keith AstburyLocation Preston, LancashireSpeciality Re-upholstery, fabric and leatherNumber employed Family business

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

Keith Astbury (right) with wife Pat (left) and daughter Carole

18_USF_06-0812_18 21/05/2012 13:43 Page 18

CALL FOR A FREE CATALOGUE

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Tel. 01306 740433Fax. 01306 740811

www.hwebber.co.uk

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Advertising feature


With increasing affluence inemerging economies negatingthe traditional ‘cheap’ labour,

and the shrinking supply of raw materialworldwide, leather prices will neverreturn to those low prices enjoyed acouple of years ago. But with ourcontinuing technical developments weare able to support the furnitureindustry by offering a much larger rangeof leathers to suit every application.

Traditional brown and tans are stillvery much in demand and the generalpublic is becoming more informed aboutwhat real leather should looklike. Natural leathers shouldbear the hallmarks of the lifeof the animal just like apiece of fine wood. Butupholsterers are sometimesreluctant to use parts of the hide with a scar orscratch mark - yet these onlyserve to enhance the beautyof the product and shouldbe promoted.

Too often, leather madeon South American rawmaterial is regarded as aninferior product but basically for manytypes of leather there is absolutely nodifference at all, apart from the shape.There will be many more surface defectsas a result of tick bites and barbed wirescratches so it is not possible to producethe fine full grain aniline leathers that wecan from European hides but they areideal for the modern hard wearingpigmented leathers which make up themajority of leather sales.

At Crest JMT leather we instructed ourtechnicians to develop a completely newrange of top quality leathers based onSouth American raw material to expel

the myth that such leathercould not be made on thisorigin. Subsequently wehave recently launched“Collection 3” which hascreated a great deal ofexcitement and will set anew standard within the

industry for quality and price. At the high-end of the market there

has been an increase in demand from themarine industry for outdoor leather thatstands up to the harsh conditionsexperienced at sea. As a result wedeveloped "Aquamarine" which hasproved to be highly successful and nowfavoured by several luxury yachtmanufacturers. However, it has provenequally popular with manufacturers ofoutdoor furniture.

Aftercare of leather is vitally importantand customers should be made awarethat there are products available which

will ensure their leather furniturecontinues to look as good as the daythey bought it. They should be givenguidance to ensure that they use the correct product as different leathers require different treatments and the wrong product can cause damage. Information onappropriate care and cleaning is widely available, including on the Crest JMT Leather website.

At Crest JMT Leather we prideourselves on supporting the smallupholsterers and re-upholsters who arethe backbone of the furniture industry.Even though we have a comprehensiverange of leathers in our brochure we also carry large stocks of manydifferent leathers and colours toonumerous to include, which areavailable as special offers. It always paysto ask what is available as the savingscan be considerable.

ON THE CRESTOF A WAVEThe past 12 months has seen an increase in demand from traditional UK furnituremanufacturers for quality leather from UK suppliers. Disillusioned with cheap,inferior, imported leather furniture, consumers are once again turning to UK manufacturerswho can offer superior quality and longevity. Tony Clayton, md of Crest JMT Leather explains...

Crest leather armchair

Tony Clayton

20_USF_06-0812_20 30/05/2012 14:55 Page 20

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The AMUSF Crest. This really is a ‘badgeof pride’ and should be used on allpublished media. It demonstrates

membership of an association that requiresits members to achieve high standards withintheir craft. It also indicates that badge holdersoperate within an established Code ofPractice. This gives members a key advantageover non-members who cannot use the crestto reinforce the quality of their workmanship.To make the most of it, members should useit on stationery, business cards, leaflets,brochures, adverts, websites - in factanything used to promote their business,including delivery vehicles. See separate boxfor guidance on what logo to use when.

Listing on the Association website. Thisis a really valuable benefit and one whichmembers should take the time and trouble tomaximise. Every member gets a dedicatedpage listing all the services they offer andtheir location. Each page can be personalisedwith text and photographs and should beupdated regularly and include all servicesoffered. From a Google search point of view,it’s better to describe a business as offering‘car and motorcycle upholstery’, for example,rather than simply ‘upholstery’. As well as amembers-only section that containsimportant association news and updates, thewebsite has a search facility which the generalpublic can use to find the nearest availableupholsterers specialising in the type of workthey need doing. So making the most of thisfacility is really important – as is a link tomembers’ own websites.

A copy of the quarterly journal,Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher. Very few tradeassociations have their very own glossymagazine with all the latest news and viewsconcerning upholsterers and soft furnishers.Again, this is something that members canmake the most of by contributing news,feature and case study ideas to editor Jan

Turner. In addition, members can alsoadvertise at preferential rates.

Access to a discounted fabric buyingservice. This offers speedy delivery of fabricsfrom most major suppliers where memberswould not otherwise be able to open anaccount.

Free access to a legal advice helpline.Another valuable resource coveringcommercial, employment and contractualqueries.

The AMUSF head office helpline. Dealswith a wide range of queries on matters suchas fire regulations, health and safety issues,sourcing supplies and many other generalenquiries concerning members.

Preferential rates across a number ofservices. From insurance brokers and privatehealth insurance to website building andmanagement and FIRA (Furniture IndustryResearch Association) services. Alsopreferential rates with Yellow Pages whenadvertising under the AMUSF Banner.

A mediation and conciliation service. Formembers and their customers.

Training. The AMUSF continues to supporta number of independent craft trainingestablishments delivering the association’swell respected and popular trainingprogrammes in all aspects of upholstery andsoft furnishings. The aim is to protect thefuture of the craft by passing on the skills to anew generation of upholsterers and softfurnishers – as well as helping members’ ownbusinesses to flourish for many years to come.

But, most importantly, membership of theAMUSF means being part of a recognisedtrade association, respected for its dedicationand expertise in the craft of upholstery, witha good standing in the industry as well aswith the public. Fellow members offer bothfriendship and support, helping to share andsolve problems and workloads. Displaying theAMUSF crest is a sign of quality, expertise andprofessionalism. In short, it is a crest to beproud of.

THE BADGE OF PRIDEMembership of the Association of Master Upholsterers and SoftFurnishers represents far more than simply belonging to a trade association – itsignifies a level of skill and recognition not accorded to everyone working in the sector.It also comes with a whole host of benefits as this up-to-date list demonstrates.

Member benefits


AMUSF HQ at High Wycombe

There are two official AMUSF logos. This is how and when they shouldbe used:

The ‘Est 1947’ version should only be by the association itself. Thisincludes those acting directly on behalf of the association, particularlybranches which are constituent parts of the association and thereforeentitled to use the logo on: headed notepaper; signage on a branchmeeting place; invitations to branch gatherings etc.

Retired or current members can also use this version of the logo where they representthe association in an official capacity, such as assessments, but should not be used by themon business cards relating to their own businesses.

The logo to be used by members in connection with their own businesses should be theone with the word ‘Member’ below the parva. This is to avoid any

suggestion that individual members provide the same services asthe association itself as well as inferring the company using it wasestablished in 1947.

Neither retired nor student members may use any AMUSF logosin relation to business that they may carry out.

LOGO RULES!

22_USF_03-0512_22 21/05/2012 13:45 Page 22

Book your space now for theSeptember/October/Novemberedition by calling Joanne on01732 783561 or email [email protected]

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While tidying up the officerecently, general managerRichard Ranklin came across

a box of archived material relocatedfrom Cardiff. On top was the minutebook for the Chair FrameManufacturers Association (CFMA),1940 to 1948. Said Richard: “I couldn’t resist taking

a look inside and, quite by chance,came across this report (original textseen right) from a meeting held onOctober 28 1947.“I think if Mr Flashtig could look

down on us now (I presume he has leftus!) he would see that an organisedgroup of upholsterers would have, andcontinue to have, a future - despitethe ups and downs life has thrown atit. I don’t imagine either, that hewould have envisaged his associationeventually merging with the AMUSF.Or that the modern day equivalent ofthe CFMA is more likely to be based inShanghai than Shoreditch!”Also dug up from the archives was

this medley of Medieval Models takenat a costume party held after anAMUSF conference at Durham. And from September 2000 we

found this shot of current AMUSFboard director Bert Chapman receivinghis ‘This is Your Life Presentation’ fromNicholas Parsons.Happy Days!And don’t forget, if you have any

images from the past that you’d like toshare with members, get in touch witheditor Jan Turner now. Simply call heron 01756 795374 or pop them in the post to U&SF, AKA PR, High CornMill, Chapel Hill, Skipton, NorthYorkshire, BD23 1NL. We’d love tohear from you.

HISTORY HOTCHPOTCHIn this issue of U&SFwe bring you a veritable mix of long forgotten,recently dug-up delights from the AMUSF archives!

Memory Lane


IF YOU HAVE SOME INTERESTING ARCHIVE PICTURES OF YOUR BUSINESS, A PROJECT OR PERHAPS OLDMACHINERY OF INTEREST TO MEMBERS, PLEASE CONTACT EDITOR JAN TURNER AT [email protected]

l-r Wynn Gilham, Sheila Cole, Mary Crack, Janet Potten

Bert Chapman receiving his 'This your life' presentation from Nicholas Parsons, Sept 2000

CFMA Minutes 1947

Medieval costume party after conference in Durham.Seen l-r - Robin Cowlard, Caroline Cowlard, Sharon

Vipond and Andrew Vipond

24_USF_06-0812_24 21/05/2012 13:45 Page 24

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Q & A


How would you like to best beremembered?A fun Dad to my daughter, a loyal andloving husband to my wife and an honestrepresentative of the craft.

How did you get into the business?Through what was originally going to be asummer job to appease my mother whenI was 16. A local Kent upholstery companyand one time member, ‘Sitting Pretty’,were offering an apprenticeship. After aweek long trial I was offered the job andby the time the summer ended I hadfallen into my stride. I was lucky in thatthey combined restoration and high-endnew design, which ticked all the boxes forme personally.

What would you class as your greatestachievement?In my personal life it would be remainingconscious enough to be of use during thebirth of my daughter. Professionally thatfalls into two areas; being elected to theboard of the AMUSF was an incrediblevalidation of my efforts in upholstery andteaching and very humbling. As far as thebest piece I have ever upholstered, itwould be the last sofa I designed andmade - a four-seat, hand sprung, stuff andstitch deep buttoned leather Chesterfieldfor a client in Versailles. (Thanks here to allthe Kent branch members whose help andadvice was invaluable).

Is your glass half full or half empty?Now that completely depends on who’sbuying the next round!

Who has been your greatest inspirationand why?Impossible for me to define as oneperson or even a very few. For family lifeit would have to be my grandfather whoworked hard to provide for his familyinto his 70’s despite being disabled in histeens. Professionally I have worked withdozens of highly skilled upholstererswho plug away creating stunning

objects. The techniques that make upmy style represent the pieces I havecherry picked from each of them. I amwhat they made me.

Your desert Island disc?Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Lark Ascending”instantly takes me back to my middlechildhood years where I would play alongthe sea walls and in the rushes of OareMarsh and Hollow Shore. It also remindsme of the moment my beautiful bride waswalking up the aisle towards me.

If you weren’t doing what you do nowwhat would you be doing?Something creative, but probably craftyrather than arty. I love good food and itsconnection to geography so maybe thiswould have been a good path for me totread.

What’s the best thing about ourindustry?Through re-upholstery/restoration we canconnect with history, socially andgeographically. Upholsterers are morefrequently working with digital media andmixing that with traditional craft so therelationship between upholsterer andtextile designer/printer is becomingstronger. There are potentially excitingtimes for a lot of small producers at themoment.

And the worst?Legislation in its many guises definitelyleans toward volume manufacturing andretail and has been worsening for over 30years. Perhaps too long have sectors onthe margins of upholstery leeched ourdeserved acclaim and financial reward.

What would you change?Loosen the stringent regulations andcosts for small businesses. Reinstatedecent funding for apprenticeships andallow us a minimum of three years fulltime training, part bench, part study. Wealso need to invest in upholstery beyond

reliance on foam and look at where wecan go over the next 30 years by whichtime petrochemical derivatives could verywell be scarce and extremely expensive.

What winds you up?Apart from the points addressed above,the high cost of rail travel in the UK,advert breaks in TV programs and interiordesigners who cannot draw!

What gives you the greatestsatisfaction?Beyond spending time with my family andfriends, using old knowledge daily,passing it on and seeing it change withevery new hand’s interpretation.

Doer or talker?Both! My year is split 50% - 50% doingupholstery on the bench and teachingupholstery at London Met. I enjoy eachequally when politics don’t get in the way.

If you could do it all over again whatwould you do differently?On the whole, I’m happy with my lot -warts and all. However, this view can getdistorted under the stress of a deadline!

IN THE HOTSEAT....WITH ALEX LAW, AMUSF DIRECTOR

26_USF_06-0812_26 21/05/2012 13:45 Page 26

[email protected]

Phone: 01903 202008 Fax: 01903 200663

DESIGNER MANUFACTURERS TOTHE TRADE, WE SPECIALIZE IN:

� Chair Frames� Sofa Frames� Cabinets� Tables

Other in houseservices include:� CNC Machining� Polishing� Upholstery

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Upholsterer and Soft Furnisher

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