Upholsterer · of life for all of us and the most effective shop window we can use. So keeping it up to date and relevant is essential – which is exactly what the AMUSF’s own

Upholsterer&

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

December/January/February 2017

An Unlikely Best Seller Web Wonders Special reportThe fight to save it The new AMUSF website The 69th AGM

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IFC_USF_1216.qxp:IFC_USF_1216 30/11/2016 15:29 Page 1

www.upholsterers.co.uk 3

Comment

Jan TurnerEditor

I still have at home a copy of a very old and tattered Be-Ro cookbook dating back to the 1970s. The first ever was produced in1923 and 40 editions later it is arguably one of the best-sellingcook books ever with 38 million copies sold.

Along with a similarly battered copy of The Dairy Book ofHome Cookery which I bought from the milkman in the 1980sand which has proved another multi-million best seller, the twohave proved my kitchen ‘bibles’ since I was first married.

Both provide great, everyday information and great recipesand despite the many ‘much posher and trendier’ cook bookswhich have come my way over the years, it is still these two pillarsof everyday common sense cooking that I always fall back on.

So I understand why a group of AMUSF members feel so verypassionately about the need to reprint what many in the tradeconsider to be their bible - Frederick Palmer’s book, PracticalUpholstering.

First printed in 1921, the seemingly simple guide to PracticalUpholstering and the Cutting of Loose Covers held within it anabundance of sound, common sense advice as well as answers tothe most puzzling technical dilemmas.

The book remains the benchmark for traditional upholsterytechniques according to Frank Geoghegan who is leading thecharge to get the book back into circulation and you can readmore about how he is doing this on the centre pages (14 and 15)of this issue. Suffice it to say that the task is far fromstraightforward and is going to need determination, focus andfinancial input to succeed.

Mr Palmer himself would surely have been touched by theefforts to reproduce his book. And were he to see how the worldhas progressed since his heyday, he would barely believe his eyes.

Who, back then, would have believed their eyes for example,if they had seen a military greatcoat used as the basis to re-upholster a chair? Take a look on page 17 to see for yourself howthat one works out!

And a website? Who, 100 years ago could even have begunto comprehend the concept of that? Today it’s an everyday partof life for all of us and the most effective shop window we canuse. So keeping it up to date and relevant is essential – which isexactly what the AMUSF’s own new site sets out to achieve. Readabout this and how you can make the most of it for your ownbusiness on page 20.

Mr Palmer would have had less trouble understanding theneed for an association to have an AGM. It’s an event that hasbeen happening the world over for associations andorganisations of every size and scale for centuries.

It remains an important event for our own association andyou can read what happened at this year’s AGM on page 12.

Finally, Frederick might have been both amused and flatteredto know that there have been many more books printed on thesubject of upholstery and soft furnishings - with some admirablecontributions from within our own ranks among them - since hisown came out nearly 100 years ago.

But rather as with the 1923 BeRo cook book, nothing elsequite cuts it.

Until the next time….

Jan Turner

Upholsterer&Soft Furnisher

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

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

Sales: Joanne PaullT: 01732 441130 E: [email protected]

Tim BodenT: 01732 441130 E: [email protected]

Jarrod BirdT: 01565 631397 E: [email protected]

Published by Interiors Media LimitedMinerva House, Kinnings Row, Bordyke, Tonbridge,Kent TN9 1NP T: 01732 441130 F: 01732 362919E: [email protected]

Registered in England no. 6397722

Printed by Stephens & George

Upholsterer&

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

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

December/January/February 2017

An Unlikely Best Seller Web Wonders Special reportThe fight to save it

The new AMUSF website The 69th AGM

Your home for upholstery supplies


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03_USF_dec-jan-feb17.qxp:03_USF_1216 05/12/2016 11:00 Page 3

04_USF_1216:000_IM_1116 05/12/2016 16:02 Page 1

www.upholsterers.co.uk 5

Contents

6 & 7 AMUSF News Update andBranch Briefings

8 Industry News

News

Features

AMUSF ContactsHead OfficeAssociation General Manager: Richard Ranklin E: [email protected] Assistant: Susan Tyler E: [email protected] Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft FurnishersLtd, (AMUSF Ltd), The Clare Charity Centre, Wycombe Road,Saunderton, Bucks HP14 4BFT: 01494 569120 E: [email protected] Website: www.upholsterers.co.uk

Branch ContactsBeds, Bucks, Herts and North London – Wendy ShorterT: 01727 824358 E: [email protected] & Dorset – Kevin LeeT: 01489 572108Kent – Davin WhiteT: 020 8854 4402London – Wynne GilhamT: 01708 752333Surrey – Ron MercureT: 020 8941 4521

Regional ContactsWest Midlands – Joan MiltonT: 0870 777 8934 E: [email protected]

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10 Ask FIRA

12 AGM Special

14 + 15 Gospel Truth - An Unlikely Best Seller

16 MyDecozo

17 Flying High

18 Member Profile: Whitemore & Thwaytes

20 The New AMUSF Website

22 Feature: Home Grown Talent

23 Feature: Versatile Velvet

24 Top Tips: In The Frame

25 Feature: Bed Peace of Mind

26 In the Hotseat: Susan Tyler


6 Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2016

AMUSF news roundup

AMUSF JOINS THE FURNITURE OMBUDSMAN

Penny Bruce of Denton Drapes has been demonstrating herwindow dressing skills to members of the Window CoveringAssociation of America (WCAA).

Penny first showed members of the WCAA North VirginiaChapter her pleating to pattern technique along with howwe make Roman blinds in this country. She then did a sessionon interlined curtains, speciality pleats and UK Roman blindsfor the New Jersey Chapter. Final stop on the two week tourwas a three-day event at the Custom Workroom Weekend inNorth Carolina where Penny demonstrated how to make UK-style Roman blinds and the different forms of hand stitchesregularly used in her workrooms.

Said Penny: “In the US there is a different mindset toeducation and training and well established businesses thereregularly attend training courses to keep up to date with newtrends in fabrication.”

Penny has been invited to return and give more seminarsin May.

WINDOW ON THE WORLD

The AMUSF has joined The Furniture Ombudsman (TFO)as an affiliate member.

It means the AMUSF is committed to raising standardsas part of an organisation whose members are committedto sharing knowledge, pooling expertise and working oninitiatives that will help businesses and consumers.

TFO has a pool of members which extends toapproximately 8,000 furniture and home improvementoutlets in the United Kingdom. All pledge to abide by aCode of Practice which bestows additional rights on theconsumers who shop with them.

Said association manager, Richard Ranklin: “We aredelighted to have formally linked up with TFO. Thispartnership not only ensures we have access to help andadvice for our members on trading and consumer issues

that arise but has the bonus of that advice coming from abody built around our industry. TFO has unrivalledexperience in the furnishings industry and to be able tocall on that will undoubtedly be beneficial to all ourmembers.”

Kevin Grix, chief ombudsman and chief executive of TFOadded: “We recognise that furniture making is not all donein warehouses with the support of technology andoptimised operations and we are keen to engage more andmore with the sole traders and craftsmen in England. Weare proud to have joined a partnership with AMUSF andhope to better understand the challenges faced by theupholsterers in the industry, and then support them inraising their standards, and therefore inspiring consumerconfidence.”

Penny Bruce on tour

The long awaited proposals for changes to the FR regulations havebeen published by the newly formed, Department for Business,Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Said association manager, Richard Ranklin: “We will be studyingthe proposals in depth and consulting with other trade bodies on itsimplications before making an official response back to thedepartment. Individual members are able to respond on their ownbehalf if they wish but we will keep them posted on our thoughts aswe work through the detail.

“While we still have to drill down into the detail, it would appearthat a number of the industry’s concerns raised during the 2014consultation and at subsequent meetings, have been addressed. Wecannot at this stage be sure of exactly how the re-upholstery sectorwill be affected but the introduction of a new match test and thesubsequent categorisation of protective or non-protective fabricslooks set to increase costs within the sector.”

For a more in depth look at how the proposed changes mayaffect AMUSF members see the FIRA report on page 10.

NEW CONSULTATION

Joan Hayes’ – of J A MiltonSupplies – retirement from theAMUSF board earlier this yearwas marked with a dinner atBeales of Hatford. Some 29people attended the eventwhere Joan was presented witha wood and silver jewel box bythen president Des Fanningand a commemorative cushionby fellow board memberVictoria Rutter.

Joan’s retirement presentation

Joan Hayes and Des Fanning

06-07_USF_dec-jan-feb17.qxp:06-07_USF_1216 23/11/2016 09:39 Page 6

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher 7

AMUSF news roundup

Heico has teamed up with The British Furniture Manufacturers(BFM) association to add a new award category to the annualHeico Fasteners UK Upholstery Design Competition.Now into its eighth successful year, the competition will

again be setting students the challenge of creating a chairdesign inspired by Heico’s range of upholstery and furnitureproducts – with the addition of a separate prize for the designjudged as the most likely to be commercially viable beingawarded by the BFM.Dave Read, general manager of Heico Fasteners UK, said:

“The competition has really grown over the years and the highstandard of entries makes the selection process for thejudging panel harder every year. We are really excited that theBFM is also getting involved in the competition this year andappreciate the participation of such an organisation in ourcompetition”.The Heico competition is an ideal opportunity for students

studying AMUSF certified courses to showcase theirworkmanship to a broader audience as the winning designsare shown at the January Furniture Show ( JFS) at theBirmingham NEC. Students also have the chance of winninga prize that is relevant to their current studies and futurecareers. It provides an opportunity for students entering the

competition to showcase their skills and workmanship to anaudience of potential clients or employers of the future, alongwith industry recognition.Final judging for the competition will take place in early

January with winners announced at a prize giving ceremonyon Heico’s stand (Hall 1, A30) at the January Furniture Show.

BFM JOINS FORCES WITH HEICOFOR DESIGN COMPETITION

GOODBYE TO GILAINSGilains Interiors closed its door for the last time onSeptember 30. After 47 years in business, owners Michaeland Wynne Gilham (pictured) decided to retire andcelebrated with a three-week holiday touring Ireland.Michael is a past president of the AMUSF and Wynneserved as Master of the Worshipful Company ofUpholders from 2015 to 2016.

New members welcomed into the AMUSF include:Inspire Upholstery of Farnborough, Hampshire: From itsworkshops in Farnborough, Inspire Upholstery produces newand bespoke upholstery for the domestic and contractmarket as well as re-upholstery.

Maison Fabrique of Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire: With aworkroom overlooking the River Stort, Sue De-Ats produces awide range of bespoke curtains and blinds for all applications.

Rexmore Textiles: With a head office in Essex, RexmoreTextiles is the parent company for a number of well-established and well-known brands, all supplying the sectorfrom warehouses across the UK.

Other new members include Porter Valmic in Long Crendon,Oxfordshire, John Singleton in Manchester, Hale and Rousein Tipton, AS Cumming in Gateshead, Linn Bowman inGlasgow and Belfast.

NEW MEMBERS

A winning design in the2015-16 Heico competition

06-07_USF_dec-jan-feb17.qxp:06-07_USF_1216 23/11/2016 09:39 Page 7


Reviews�MoOD & Indigo (Tour & Taxis, Brussels, September 6 – 8):The 2016 exhibition surprised exhibitors as well as visitorswith the new location declared a “brilliant move”. Theboutique show generated great excitement about the newconcept of the exhibition with 2017 dates already set forSeptember 6 – 8.� Decorex (Syon Park, London, September 18 – 21):Decorex International presented unrivalled collections of thenewest products from established brands to emerging talent.Renowned British furniture designer Tim Gosling curated themain entrance – The Heritage of Chair Making – while inside,special features included a four part interactive story depictingthrough craft “what makes a house a home.”� NBF Bed Show (Telford International Centre September20 – 21): Following its biggest visitor numbers to date (upnearly 10%), the seventh annual National Bed Federation BedShow was declared another roaring success by exhibitors andvisitors. Winners of the Best In Class awards, held at the GalaDinner on the Tuesday night, went to Kaymed UK (BedManufacturer of the Year), Vitafoam (Bed Component Supplierof the Year), Mattress Online (Retailer of the Year, over £5mbeds turnover) and Sussex Beds (Retailer of the Year, under£5m beds turnover). Dreams won the Judges Choice award.Plans for the Bed Show 2017 are already in place with datesconfirmed for September 19 - 20, 2017. � 100% Design (Olympia, London, September 21 – 24):The largest and longest running design trade event forindustry professionals in the UK, the show now forms thecommercial cornerstone of the London Design Festival,with more than 27,000 visitors audited in 2016 across thefour days.

Previews� The International Interiors Show (IMM Cologne, January16 – 22, 2017): The first interiors show of the year presentsthe trends that will be shaping the furniture and interiorssector – and the products that are good for business. Visitorsto the show can find a unique variety of interior design ideasfor every room, every style and every requirement – from thebasics all the way to designer items and luxury furnishings.� Heimtextil (Messe Frankfurt, January 10 – 13, 2017): Thebiggest and most important international trade fair for homeand contract textiles, Heimtextil is the first trade fair of theyear for its sector offering a climate and trend barometer forthe whole business year. At this leading event for interiortextiles, design and trends, international manufacturers,dealers and designers present their products and innovationsto a large audience of trade visitors.� January Furniture Show (NEC Birmingham,January 22 - 25, 2017): Heading into its third year, the UK’sbiggest furniture trade show is set to be bigger and better. Hall5 will be the major destination hall offering its strongest lineup of commercial big hitters for years. Hall 4 boasts leading UKand international cabinet brands while Hall 3 will be the placeto visit for furnishing accessories. Hall 2 will be the centre fortop end international contemporary furniture, while Hall 1remains a destination hall for high-end exclusive ranges.Visitor registration is open at www.januaryfurnitureshow.com � London Fabric Show (Chelsea FC, Stamford Bridge,February 27 – 28, 2017): The third show to be hosted by theBFM returns to the executive boxes and suites of ChelseaFootball Club where extra space has been taken to allow formore exhibitors. For more information or to register, visitwww.londonfabricshow.uk

Industry roundup

EXHIBITION ROUNDUP

DOUBLE GOLDFOR HEICO

CHARITY CYCLISTS SMASH £50K TARGETTwenty two members and supporters ofThe Furniture Makers’ Company raised astaggering £58,000 for the industry’scharity after completing an arduous450-plus mile cycle ride from Londonto Bordeaux.

They spent six days pedalling anaverage of 80 miles a day, passingthrough Nantes, La Rochelle and Royanbefore receiving a hero’s welcome inBordeaux by friends, family and fellowFurniture Makers.

Master Ben Burbidge, who organisedthe trip said: “I would like to thank

everyone who has sponsored us,including the companies that funded ourteam cycling jersey. The money raisedwill go a long way to helping TheFurniture Makers’ Company achieve itsaims of educating young talent for thefuture, driving excellence and helpingpeople who have fallen on tough times.”

Two BFM father and son teams wereamong the cycling squad – BFM vicechair Brian Ahern and his son Michael,along with fellow association memberEdward Tadros and his son Henry – tocomplete the gruelling ride.

Heico Fasteners UK has been awarded asecond Furniture Industry ResearchAssociation (FIRA) Gold Award for itsnew ‘Blaquer’ rust resistant Super Loopsprings.It comes hot on the heels of its first

Gold Award – for both its Zig-Zag andSuper Loop furniture springs – in June.Dave Read, general manager at Heico,said: “Our ‘Blaquer’ range of furnituresprings offer superior corrosionresistance that cannot be matched byany other springs available in the UKfurniture industry and we believe it is areal game changer in the market.”

BFM father and son teams from L to R, Brian Ahern, Michael Ahern, Edward Tadros and Henry Tadros


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In a surprise move, the UK governmentannounced in September that a newconsultation into proposed changes to

the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety)Regulations would take place.The consultation was a surprise, not

because we didn’t know the revision wasbeing developed, but because the timingcame so soon after the appointment of anew minister in a renamed department –the Department for Business, Energy andIndustrial Strategy (BEIS). Theconsultation ended on November 11,which indicates that the government islooking to introduce the revisedregulations in April 2017.The revised regulations have the

potential to significantly affect AMUSFmembers. The key highlights are:• A definition of scatter cushions and seatpads – a positive and long overdue move;

• Requirements for natural fabrics usedwith an interliner remain the same;

• The removal of the cigarette test for allother fabrics and a new match test(tested over a CM foam and fibre wrap);

• The option for a protective cover (whichdoesn’t split when tested);

• The option to use a non-protective cover(which does split, but not burn whentested) with an interliner;

• The final fabric option is to use a non-protective cover, but to ensure all othercomponents that are beneath andwithin 40 mm of the cover arecompliant with a modified match test;

• The requirement to hold a technical filefor every product;

• The removal of the swing tag and theintroduction of a single permanent label.

What does this mean? Well for smallermanufacturers it will drive up cost. Toachieve compliance the only route thatwill really be possible is to use naturalfibres, a protective cover or a non-

protective coverwith an interliner.This will meanusing moreexpensivematerials, having alimited choice ofcover fabrics and,with interliners,extra time inmanufacturing. Alsothe requirement tohold a technical filewill add extra cost, asthe manual needs tocontain not only theinformation normallycontained on thepermanent label, butalso details of all thematerials used in theitem’s constructionand the details of anyfire retardants used onthe cover fabrics.Where re-upholstery

is concerned, it is notspecifically mentionedin the draft regulations, which isinteresting as it is not clear that re-upholstery will be covered by theregulations. If we assume that re-upholstery is covered by the regulations,then it is clear that only the use ofprotective covers or covers with interlinerswill be possible – again potentially drivingup cost and limiting choice of cover fabric.It is not clear how a technical file could bemaintained for a re-upholstered product.We hope as many businesses as possible

have been able to comment on the draftproposals, to help shape the regulations,and to ensure that AMUSF members andthe wider furniture industry have theirviews heard.

The consultation can be found athttps://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/furniture-and-furnishing-fire-safety-regulations-proposed-changes-2016

• Phil Reynolds has been with FIRAInternational Ltd. since 2001. As well asrunning the FIRA International business, Philis also a director of the Furniture IndustryResearch Association and currently chairs twoEuropean and one British Standardscommittee for furniture products. He is alsotechnical lead for the British FurnitureConfederation.For more information on FIRA, visitwww.fira.co.uk.

Ask FIRA


HOTNEWSWith new talks into proposed changes to the UK furniture flam regs, Phil Reynolds, generalmanager at FIRA International, explains how the changes could affect AMUSF members.


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Special report

AGMROUNDUPU&SF magazine reports on the key points raised at the AMUSF’S 2016 AGM

Malcolm Hopkins is the new president ofthe AMUSF. Malcolm takes over from DesFanning who told the AGM: “It has been apleasure and a privilege for the past twoyears to serve as president. I have spent alot of the time presenting certificates tostudents which is key to the association’srole to uphold standards – so it is veryappropriate that my successor is totallyinvolved in training.” Malcolm has workedas a tutor at London Met for the past 31years and continues to practice upholstery,which he has done for 46 years. Two newdirectors were also voted on to the AMUSFboard – they are Louise Boyland ofShoreditch Design Rooms and MaureenWhitemore of Whitemore & ThwaytesInteriors.

NEW BOARDAPPOINTMENTS

Financial director, Peter Hubbard, saidturnover for the financial year endingMarch 2016 had increased to £124,000which was £8,000 up on the previousyear – largely thanks to a small increasein membership and the contributionfrom AMUSF approved training schools.Costs had remained static producing aprofit of £24,740 which was £7,800 upon the previous year – and £38,000 upon 2012.The association, he said, now had a net

worth of about £100,000 and ended theyear with £34,000 in the bank (up by£29,000 on the previous year).FUSS (which includes the fabric buying

service) had also had a good year andmade a small profit of about £1,000pushing the association’s overall profitfor the year to over £25,000.

FINANCIAL Chairman Martin Pickard told the 69th AGM that the association was now in amore stable position than it had been for some years, giving the AMUSF anexcellent base from which to move forward with a new generation ofupholsterers with fresh ideas and thinking. He said there were now more studentmembers than full members with losses and gains to overall membershipnumbers mostly balanced. He said there had been very few business failuresduring the year and that losses from retirement had been evened out with goodgrowth, particularly among students setting up in business. Finances had beenrobust, helped by improvement in fabric buying service figures.The chairman also pointed to the “magnificent results” achieved by AMUSF

approved training centres, largely thanks to the hard work of AMUSF trainingdirector Wendy Shorter and training centre owners themselves.The new website would also help to support and promote the association with

greater focus on driving the wider consumer audience to its members, byexplaining the benefits of using AMUSF approved businesses.As the association heads towards its 70th AGM, the chairman felt it was an

anniversary that should be marked and celebrated – along with its third year atthe Clare Charity Centre in Saunderton, Buckinghamshire.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Des Fanning hands over the chain of office to new AMUSF president Malcolm Hopkins

12_USF_dec-jan-feb.qxp:12_USF_1216 23/11/2016 09:56 Page 12

13_USF_1216:000_IM_1116 05/12/2016 10:58 Page 1


Frank Geoghegan and Richard Ranklin

Feature

When Frederick Palmer’s guide totraditional upholstery was firstprinted in 1921 by Benn

Brothers, the then publishers of CabinetMaker, few would have believed theimpact it would have on the sector.But the seemingly simple guide to

Practical Upholstering and the Cutting ofLoose Covers held within it some of themost sacred secrets of the trade.It wasn’t until 1983, when Benn

Brothers sold the business that thepublishing rights of the book went to theAMUSF. The association swiftly reprintedanother 1,000 copies of the phenomenonwhich, over the years, had becomerecognised as nothing short of amasterpiece, unrivalled by anything whichhas since been produced.Two years ago it became clear that the

AMUSF stocks of the book were perilouslyclose to being depleted. It proved thetipping point which prompted a look in tothe costs of a re-print and the shockingdiscovery that the critical key for doing so– the CD with all the original artwork –had been lost.It is thought to have gone astray during

the association’s darkest years when itwas forced to radically downsize from itscomparatively palatial premises in Cardiffto a much more humble single office inHigh Wycombe. The artwork CD may havebeen a casualty of the brutal clearoutsrequired to squeeze a proverbial quart intoa pint pot.The fact that the loss of the CD was

considered nothing less than disastrous is

a reflection of the considerable esteem inwhich Frederick Palmer’s book is held. AsFrank Geoghegan, who is among theAMUSF members on a mission toensure the book is reprinted, says:“The book remains the benchmarkfor traditional upholsterytechniques. It’s gospel.“The beauty of Palmer is that he

was trained by the real Mastersof the trade which was really inits heyday between around1850 and 1910. It probablypeaked around 1870 -1880, atime when Master upholstererswore top hats and tails and

GOSPELTRUTHIt’s regarded as ‘The Bible’ ofthe upholstery world – andnearly a century on fromwhen Frederick Palmer’sbook, Practical Upholstering,was first published – theAMUSF is hoping to press thebutton on a reprint of anunlikely best seller!

14-15_USF_dec-jan-feb.qxp:14-15_USF_1216 23/11/2016 09:57 Page 14


Practical Upholstering with original adverts

Practical Upholstering – back cover

Feature

were treated with the same kindof respect accorded to doctorsand solicitors. They were veryhighly regarded and skilledpeople.“The decline in traditional

upholstery probably startedaround the time this book wasfirst produced but, withoutdoubt, Frederick Palmer hadlearned everything he knew fromthese incredibly skilled craftsmen.“What he has put in his book is

real – nothing comes close to it,even to this day. There are manygood books on upholsteryaround but when it comes totraditional upholstery, it isknown by craftsmen to be TheBible of the trade. “Around about 1980, I was a

working upholsterer and servedjourneyman time with acompany that did a considerableamount of governmentprocurement work – it involved alot of prestige projects for placessuch as the House of Lords,House of Commons and evenBuckingham Palace. It was all traditionalupholstery work, so I was lucky to havehad that sort of background and learnedan awful lot.“When I first came across Palmer’s book

I realised the guy was very, veryknowledgeable and answered a lot ofthings I still didn’t know. It certainlyhelped to increase my own knowledgeand skill levels.

“So it is very important that thisbook is not lost for the benefit ofpeople who are interested intraditional methods – it remainsinvaluable to students starting outin upholstery and those stilldeveloping their skills. Even highlyskilled, long serving upholsterersregularly refer to it.

“Over the past two years, during thecourse of looking into a reprint, I’vespoken to dozens of people who aredetermined we should save this book.Although some things have moved onsince the book was first published, muchof the information remains relevant.“The loss of the CD with all the original

artwork is undoubtedly a blow but it is

possible to have it re-set, although this isgoing to cost somewhere between£5,000 to £10,000 depending on howmuch editing is required and the amountof new information we put into it. We’rehoping to print another 1,000 copies.“Some things, which may not be

appropriate anymore, will be left in for

historical interest but will beaccompanied by an explanatoryfootnote. It’s a challenge but wecan do it, although the projecthas to be self-funding.“The original edition was

produced with 18 squares ofadvertisements at the front andthe back of the book, so we’d liketo follow that idea and see if wecan get businesses to buy spaceto help with the costs involved.

“We’re having a flyer producedabout the advertisingopportunities .There arepotentially 36 slots and we’vealready started talking topossible advertisers and aregetting good feedback. Evensome upholsterers want to takespace in it.“As soon as the book is

produced and copies start selling,the money will come in. As wellas working upholsterers andstudents, we envisage thattraining schools will want a copytoo. It’s a great resource whichwill last people all their life – so

it’s a very powerful advertising tool.“Frederick Palmer himself died many

years ago and it’s amazing to think thatdespite all the advances and technologythat have come along to change peoples’lives in the last century, nearly 100 yearson from when it was first published,demand for his book is now as great – ifnot greater – than when it was firstprinted all those years ago!”


MyDecozo


HELPFUL HINTS FROM

The UK’s largest online softfurnishings forum takes alook at how to use YouTubefor learning.

� ��

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

Perhaps you think of YouTube as full of music videos andcomedy clips – but it’s worth looking again as there are lots ofuseful soft furnishing and upholstery resources to be found too. MyDecozo has posted more than 30 videos on various topics

and its roman blind tutorial has had over 500,000 views andlots of positive feedback. It has also produced shorter clipsabout inserting zips, making curtains and working with piping.Many suppliers to the industry have posted clips about their

products too – a great way to understand the features of aparticular blind mechanism or curtain track. And there are shortproduct videos that can be useful to show customers.Forum members have found the most useful type of video is

where professionals share their best tips and tricks – perhapsworking with invisible zipping, showing how to create neatlyturned corners or different techniques to attach a trim. Somealso share virtual tours of their own workrooms.YouTube channels to check include The Workroom Channel

and Kim’s Upholstery (both from the USA) but you can alsosimply go to the YouTube homepage and search for thecompany or topic you are looking for. In the UK several AMUSFmembers have also posted videos showing tips and fulltutorials.Once you have found one video, the site will also suggest

others that might be of interest.

Nifty stitchwork – picture courtesy of Denton Drapes



Profile

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The Royal Air Force Uniform Chair by Rhubarb London – priced from £3,000

This interesting ‘Royal Air Force Overcoat Chair’ comes fromRhubarbLondon – not a member of the AMUSF, butnevertheless it’s an intriguing piece –made with what started lifeas a 1960s armchair. The beech framed chair was sympatheticallyrestored and reupholstered using an original WW2 Royal AirForce greatcoat. The authentic uniform was tailored to fit thechair’s silhouette using the rear tails for the seat, arms for thearmrests and the collar to form the centre point, fashioned witha vintage Union Jack neckroll. The look is finished with originalstamped brass buttons with a final nod to authenticity providedby the chevron and regimental badges. The original jacket label ishand-stitched onto the chair’s back. It was made byRhubarbLondon founder and committed recycler Shaun Brownellwho originally trained as an aeronautical engineer and is nowsaid to be passionate about maintaining classical upholsterytechniques. Shaun prides himself on producing entirely uniquepieces and is a great believer in repair, restore and recreate ratherthan replace. The chair is priced at £3,000.


Member profile


How long have you been doing your job?For 48 years

How long did it take to really learn theskill? I’m sure you have heard this a milliontimes but you never, ever stop. That is apart of the work that I love - the challengeof always being on top of my game andkeeping up with everything new.

Do you consider yourself a craftspersonor tradesperson?Craftsperson/designer/business person.Times have changed and you need to be acombination of all these things.

What makes up the bulk of your work? Middle to high end domestic work: from asimple blind to a whole house, includingrunning the project.

What keeps you motivated? My amazing customers, fantastic staff andthe beautiful products I work with on adaily basis. Plus I need to earn a living andI absolutely can’t think of a greater way todo that.

What aspect of your work do you mostenjoy? Without doubt, the look on clients’ faceswhen they see the transformation.

Professionally, what is your greatestfrustration? The ups and downs of our tradingpatterns. I just wish I had a glass ball sothat when we do have an odd quiet patch

I can relax and enjoy it rather than goinginto panic mode. The glass ball wouldallow me to see that there will be lotsmore lovely work coming in and that I canperhaps take a day or two off!

Tell us about the most challengingproject you have ever undertaken.My first complete project with all thefurnishings, furniture, bedding, artworkand even the cleaning materials in thecupboard. A lot of sleepless nightsensued trying to coordinate all thedeliveries. Some of the furniture camefrom France with long lead times. Oncethe decorators and carpet fitters hadmoved out we had just two days to doeverything but the result was fantastic!Phew!

And the most unusual/bizarre/funnyrequest you have ever dealt with?A gentleman and his wife came into myshowroom - his hair was a little thin ontop and he had a plaster on it. They hadcome in to ask if we could make a thickpadded, loose cover for the beam at thetop of their cottage stairs – he apparentlywalked into it on a regular basis!

What are the most pressing issuescurrently facing your business? Maintaining and hopefully increasing ourturnover. It will be interesting to see how

Brexit affects us: is the current ‘good time’because people are spending money whilethey still have it? Most businesses like mine do not make

a fortune and we play a key part inkeeping skills alive and keeping people inemployment.

How long have you been a member ofthe AMUSF and how important has thisbeen to your business? Since about 1996. It is good to know thatthere is an association dedicated tosupporting large and small furnishing andupholstery businesses and to promoting ourtraditional skills. I always find somethinguseful in every edition of the magazine.

Professionally, who or where do youturn to for advice/ a second opinion? I have found both the AMUSF and FSBhelpful on many occasions and of courseothers in our trade.

When you talk to a fellowupholsterer/soft furnisher, the talkalways turns to....? First of all the excitingwork we have been doing – then difficultcustomers!

How do you keep your skills andtechniques updated?I attend all the trade shows, avidly readmagazines and do research on theinternet. I experiment with technology,learn from others and also value the repswho make sure we are up to date with allthe ranges.

What is the single most important pieceof advice you would give to someonestarting out in this business? It’s all about people. Get to know as manyfolk as you can, show them you aretalented and efficient and won’t let themdown. And do lots of networking.

Where do you see the future of theindustry?I think we are in an interesting, excitingand scary time. People have less time thanever before so businesses offering servicedesigned to make clients’ lives as easy aspossible, will be the ones to prosper.

DESIGNSON CUMBRIA

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

Name of business Whitemore and Thwaytes

When established 1999Owned by Maureen WhitemoreLocation Penrith, CumbriaSpeciality Domestic interiors Number employed Seven

Contact details: Tel: 01768863895 website:www.whitemoreandthwaytes.co.uk email:[email protected]

Maureen Whitemore


C. S. Osborne & CoQuality tools for Upholstery & Leatherwork

www.hwebber.co.ukH Webber & Sons Ltd, 58 Dene Street, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 2DP

01306 740 433 - [email protected]

Supplying the trade since 1902

oo

Ehrlich Leder-Handels GmbH D-88400 Biberach

Phone +49 7351 1980-0

Fax +49 7351 1980-70 [email protected] www.ehrlich-leder.de

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The completely new look site went live inearly November and has been developed bySusie Tobias at Wise Genius.

Said association manager RichardRanklin: “Our previous website had been upfor the best part of seven years. When itwas first launched it broke new ground forus in terms of giving every member theirown free page on which they couldshowcase their work and services.

“While the site was updated about threeyears ago, it was more of a ‘tidying up’exercise than complete overhaul and the

design was beginning to look a little tiredand dated. The ‘back office’ system onwhich the site was built also needed to beupdated to make it easier for us to changeand update information ourselves.

“So we needed a completely newapproach that would not only reflect theassociation as it is today but would alsooffer improved functionality andnavigation.

“We also wanted the site to be moreconsumer focused with lifestyle imageryand an explanation of why people should

use AMUSF members. The home page isnow consumer-led and we are planning toadd a gallery of members’ work to the site.”

So what does the new website offer thatthe old one didn’t? Said Susie Tobias: “Itoffers consumers an improved experiencein terms of searching for an AMUSFmember local to them. The search resultsare clearer and the information about eachmember has been consolidated into oneconcise page.

“Future improvements planned by theassociation will encourage members to takefull advantage of their listings page toshowcase their work and services togenerate new enquiries. The new site alsoincludes more images, all sourced fromAMUSF members to help break up thewritten content and further promote theirwork and skills.

“There is also a more trade-led areawhere members, potential members,students and associate members can findout more about the association by loggingon to the members’ area.

“In terms of the actual design of the site,this has been led by the association’s desireto reflect the characteristics of a typicalconsumer – conservative, elegant andaspirational – but also providing them withreassurance and security. I wanted to add aluxury feel, while keeping the designminimal to give the various elements spaceand keep the pages uncluttered.”

Said Richard Ranklin: “We’re delightedwith the finished result – it’s fresh, brightand modern while still emphasising thetraditional skills of our members andproviding each with their own profile onthe site. I would encourage everyone totake advantage of that and send in materialfor their listing – it’s a fantastic shopwindow for them to shout about and showthe consumer just what they do.”

NEW LOOKUPHOLSTERERS.CO.UKThe AMUSF’s new website has been launched, offering abetter-than-ever showcase of the association, its servicesand its members.

Susie – WiseGenius


Total Textile Treatments:Flame Retarding, Water,Soil & Stain Resistant,Antibacterial, Sample

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Before After Before After

1 1 21:06:39

Over 30 exhibitors

from Belgium, Italy,

Spain, Turkey and the

27th and 28th - February Chelsea FC, Stamford Bridge, LONDON

UK showing a wide variety of fabrics for upholstery,

beds and soft furnishings including, jacquards,

wools, tweeds, silks, velvets, chenilles, cottons and

linens, as well as backing fabrics and FR coatings.

For information and to register your attendance to: www.bfm.org.uk/londonfabricor contact Mike Dimond on 01494 569124

21:06:39

21_USF__dec-jan-feb17.qxp:21_USF_1216 02/12/2016 14:37 Page 1

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Atlas Contract Furniture wasestablished in 2009 by Peter (soon-to-be-chairman) Farnum and his

son Ross, the managing director. The company, which joined the AMUSF

over a year ago and employs around 30people, supplies contract seating to thehospitality sector across both the UK andoversees, producing all kinds of banquette,bench and booth seating. It has enjoyedexceptional recent growth: last year it sawturnover increase by some 50% to around£2 million – and it has now set its sightson hitting the £2.5 million mark.But as Tristan Hirst, operations

manager, points out: “To a degree you canonly grow as fast as your in-house skillsallow – and there’s no doubt that a lack ofskilled upholsterers able to tackle thebreadth of disciplines we need here, isholding us back to a degree.

“Whenever we have advertised forupholsterers we have got very littleresponse – and it’s even harder to getcontract upholsterers which is a wholedifferent ballgame to domestic upholstery.We do very little in the way of traditionalstitch and stuff work: it’s mostly modernfoam and tack with much more tension inthe fabric to withstand the heavy usageyou get with contract furniture.”Based in Christchurch in Dorset, the

company found it simply couldn’t accessthe wide ranging skills it needed locally. Itwas why, two years ago, it made thedecision to work with nearby BrockenhurstCollege to develop a two-year City and

Guilds course. This offers Level 1 and Level2 NVQs with a recognised Diploma inUpholstery and Soft Furnishings (ModernUpholstery) at the end of it.Said Tristan:”Finding people locally with

the right sort of skill set has provedincreasingly difficult. Our upholsterers cut,sew and pattern make but a lot of contractupholsterers just tack and finish and don’tdo the patterning or sewing.

“The four upholsterers that we haveworking in-house were all trained here andin order to grow our business in line withour strategic plans, it was clear that theonly way we were going to facilitate futuregrowth was by training and developingour own people.”Atlas currently employs three

apprentices – one second year and twofirst year – who receive both on the jobtraining as well as doing coursework forone day a week at Brockenhurst sixth formcollege.In-house training manuals, developed

by Atlas, provide a start to finish guide forthe preparation department – applyingsprings, Pullmaflex, hessian and foamlayers. After that, the ‘ingredient’ productsgo through to the upholstery department– and this again is covered in a detailed,stage-by-stage training manual whichcovers the different profile seats, markingout the backs, deep buttoning etc.Said Tristan: “The prep department is

the stepping stone to our upholsterydepartment and the cream of our skilledworkers. As well as training apprentices weencourage and offer the same level oftraining to anyone working in the preproom that might want to develop theirskills and move on to the upholstery workroom.“We’re a very forward thinking company

and never sit still – we’re always pushingforward and so in training, as withanything else we do, we are always lookingto improve.”

HOME GROWNTALENTAtlas Contract Furniture is a fast growingupholstery business with ambitious plans tofurther build its sales both in the UK andoverseas. But with a lack of readily availableand sufficiently wide ranging upholstery skillsthreatening to stifle its plans for growth, thecompany introduced its own in-housetraining scheme two years ago. U&SFmagazine finds out more.

Atlas apprentices – from l-r – Kynan Forth 1st year, Edward Cahill 2nd year,and Chis Tang 1st year.

Apprentices at work



Feature

Velvet has always been a classicfabric, it's opulence making it thetextile of choice for the nobility of

days gone by. But these days you don’thave to be an aristocrat to enjoy itssumptuous look and feel as there’s avelvet for every style of interior. This regal fabric is key to Kobe's

portfolio and has been since it wasfounded in 1975 with a commitment tousing the latest innovations andtechniques to create exciting newcollections.While crushed is still cool, Kobe offers a

leading edge range of new velvet-stylefabrics. They come in many guises: asprinted, woven or in geometric velvet ona mesh background, or quilted along witha host of other textured effects.Said David: "We continue to be inspired

by the versatility of this regal fabric. Usingthe very latest innovations and trends,our velvets are developed with a unique

combination of luxurious yarns, high endweave and finishing techniques."Velvet’s luxury can be seen in both

texture and drape, hanging elegantly as acurtain and conforming excellently tocurves in upholstery. For those inspired byArt Deco, there are statement piecescombined with timeless plains and semiplains to reflect lavish glamour.Think distinct and intricate designs in

soft and sumptuous metallic tones orgentle graceful hues. Kobe’s Elegancecollection includes medallion designvelvet which combines two types of highend printing – powder and flock. Thepattern has a contemporary look becauseof the effect created by the powder printtechnique matched with the threedimensional look of the flock. The resultis a stunning curtain fabric.Said David: “The viscose pile of the

fabric gives a luxurious silky look thanksto the pile weave technique. It is then

dyed to the desired colour and printed."Kobe's City Chic is a velvet that is

colourfast and easy to maintain, as wellas ideal for contract use. A timeless,multi-purpose velvet made from highquality Dralon yarn, this is a fabric thatcreates harmony between comfort andluxury.Versatile velvet can be used to add

depth and richness to a room or, in itsmore shimmering form, to reflect backthe light. The sumptuous velvets fromAurora include a 100% Trevira CS piece-dyed multi-purpose crushed velvet whichcan be used as contract upholstery andcurtains.“Whatever the desired design or

lifestyle – be it all-out glamour or calmand tranquil – there will always be avelvet that fits the bill,” added David.All Kobe’s upholstery fabrics offer

exceptional durability, scoring highly onthe Martindale Rub Test.

VERSATILEVELVETEndlessly versatile andalways in fashion, velvet hasnever come in such a breadthof choice or variation - asDavid Harris, md of luxuryfabric specialist, Kobe UK,explains.

Brissac

Aurora from Kobe



Top Tips

• Beech is said to be the strongest woodfor chair frames – particularly where tacksand staples are to be used. The best beechwood comes from Germany and Francewhere it is grown and harvested fromforests supplying the furniture sector. Birchwas once considered to be a good secondchoice timber but may not be as readilyavailable as it once was.

• It is perfectly acceptable to have someplywood used within the frame as long asit is not used on ‘load bearing’ parts. Forexample, a chair with a particularly widearm design might incorporate an ‘infill’ ofplywood without it being of detriment tothe strength of the finished frame.Conversely, plywood should never be usedon such areas of the frame as the seat railsas they are the part of the frame which aremost under strain when a chair is used.

• When examining the timber of a frame,look out for large knots which go rightthrough the wood. Small surface knots areacceptable but anything running the fulldepth of a piece signifies a weak spotwhich could break or cause problemsin time.

• When choosing a frame, it is also reallyimportant to know what kind of springingis going to be used in the chair. If, forexample, the chair is going to be handsprung with coil springs, the webbingwould normally be fixed to the bottom ofthe frame work. Where zig zag springs orelasticated webbing is being used, thewebbing rails will need to be higher up toallow for this.

• When a frame is delivered, always checkthat is sits square on the ground. If it hasnot been correctly assembled – perhaps amass production frame that has beenhastily assembled and all the partscrammed together – it can cause the wholeframe to twist out of shape and ‘wobble’.

• Look for proper ‘corner braces’ within thejoins around the seat area. These not onlyprovide the frame with additional strengthbut also offer a good solid base from whichto mount castors or turned/square footparts and screw them into place.

• A good frame will be joined by eitherdowel or mortise and tenon joints whichhave been glued into place. Cheaper onesmay just use screws or staples. Whileneither is ideal, screws do at least give thejoint some strength while staples arehighly unlikely to provide any sort oflasting connection.

• Finally where fabric or webbing is beingused around a rail, check that all sharpedges have been removed. Raw edges canpotentially cut through the fabric.

IN THEFRAME

IF YOUR COMPANY WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR THE NEXT ‘TOP TIPS’ SLOT CONTACT JOANNE PAULL OR BILLY WHITE ATINTERIORS MEDIA ON 01732 783561

Established in 1902, H Vaughan Ltd has been making frames for the upholstery businesssince the Second World War. Here, Hales and James Vaughan, who run their East LondonDocklands business with James’ two sons Michael and Paul, offer their top tips on what tolook for when choosing a chair frame.

The Vaughans – from l-r Hales, Michael, Paul and James



Feature

First developed in 2013, the NBF’sCode of Practice aims to encouragegood practice in the industry and

reassure trade buyers and consumers theycan buy ‘NBF Approved’ beds withconfidence. Now, ‘Version Two’ of the Code of

Practice includes new audit procedures andadditional legal requirements. Following afull review, the updated Code now alsocontains legal requirements for importedand bought-in products, and a newapproach to surveillance and sanctions forany non-compliances. In addition to the current areas of

flammability, cleanliness of fillings andtrade descriptions, the audit will now alsocover compliance with textile compositionand labelling requirements, awareness ofEU timber legislation, REACH regulationsand EU Biocides legislation. Commenting on the updated Code,

Jessica Alexander, NBF executive director,explains why the changes have been made.

Said Jessica: “Since its launch, the Codeof Practice has proved a monumentalsuccess in reassuring trade customers andthe consumer that NBF members’ productsare safe, clean and honest.

“The purpose behind the Code of Practicewas – and continues to be – to give bedretailers, specifiers and the consumer thereassurance that they can buy from NBFApproved members with confidence -demonstrating an organisation has robustprocesses and procedures in place to ensuretheir products comply with regulatoryrequirements.”For upholsterers making beds, and

retailers that sell them, being an NBFApproved member and adhering to theCode has its benefits, as the NBF aims tostop unscrupulous traders undercuttinghonest ones who go to the time andexpense of doing the right thing and tradefairly. Jessica continues: “No company is too

large or too small to join the NBF, and itmeans manufacturers and retailers haveregular access to specific issues within thebed industry – such as flammabilityregulations and recycling. We’ve recentlyreached more than 100 members to theassociation – a real milestone whichcontinues to reinforce the importance ofmaintaining standards within the industry.“Since the launch of the new Code,

seminars for manufacturer members havealso been held to update them and provideadvice on how to prepare for the new auditprocedures - which have already begun.” Jessica concludes: “The Code of Practice

is a mark of approval, but it’s not to beconfused with a quality mark. We’relooking at best practice and processeswithin each company and helping themachieve acceptable standards, giving NBFmembership more credibility within theindustry.”• For more information about the changesto the Code of Practice, visitwww.bedfed.org.uk

BEDPEACE OF MINDFor upholsterers involved in making bespoke beds, orsoft furnishing shops that sell them, the National BedFederation’s (NBF) new, beefed-up Code of Practice nowoffers buyers and customers even greater reassurance.

The new NBF Code of Practice now offers buyers andcustomers even greater reassurance

'Version Two’ of the NBF Code of Practiceincludes new audit procedures and

additional legal requirements.



Q & A

How would you most like to beremembered?Hopefully as a decent member of societywho enjoyed life and was kind andcompassionate.

How would classmates at school havedescribed you?A team player.

And the teachers?Conscientious.

How did you get into this business?My sister saw the AMUSF job advert onthe internet and, knowing my love ofsewing and long standing interest in theArts and Craft movement, thought Ishould apply.

What would you class as your greatestachievement?Passing the entrance exam to secondaryschool, with 18 girls trying for six places. I tease my sister that she only got in twoyears later because I had already paved theway for her!

Your greatest regret?The day George Clooney tied the knot!

Is your glass half empty or half full?Half full.

Who has been your greatest inspirationand why?My parents for setting me on the rightpath in life. The Suffragettes for theirincredible bravery and perseverance inadvancing the cause of women’s rights.

When it comes to sport do you fall intothe active or armchair camp? Active. I take part in a variety of keep fitclasses, swimming and walking ourneighbour’s wire haired fox terrier ‘Molly’.

Your desert island disc?Elgar’s Enigma Variations.

Your perfect day?Lunch with Emmeline, Christabel,Sylvia and Adele Pankhurst.

If you weren’t doing what you do now,what would you be doing?Probably retirement.

What’s the best thing about ourindustry?All the students training in upholstery andsoft furnishings; hopefully the nextgeneration of the AMUSF.

And the worst?Understanding the fire regulations.

What would you change?Can’t think of anything in particular.

Tell me a secret.If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secretanymore.

What’s in your living room?I love it when ‘Smudge’ the cat comes tovisit. She likes the radiators hot, hot, hot!

What winds you up?Bad drivers.

What gives you the greatestsatisfaction?Eating violet creams.

Doer or talker?Doer.

If you could do it all over again whatwould you do differently?I would like to have been born in the lateVictorian period.

Best piece of advice to someone startingout?Study hard.

IN THE HOTSEAT...… WITH SUSAN TYLER, AMUSF ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT


SETTING Frankfurt am Main, Exhibition Centre. Over 2,850 exhibitors from all over the world with new ideas for textile interior design.

PLOT A unique opportunity to discover, feel and order home and contract textiles, and to find out at first hand where the industry is heading.

YOUR ROLE Writing your personal success story at Heimtextil. Discussing the latest industry themes with other experts. Going on a voyage of discovery at the Heimtextil Theme Park EXPLORATIONS and investigating fascinating textures and patterns. Be inspired by our exhibitors and the trends 2017/2018. For further details and tickets visit heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com [email protected], Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

Telling Textile Stories

10 – 13. 1. 2017Tuesday – Friday

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12:17

OBC_USF_1216:000_IM_1116 02/12/2016 14:44 Page 1

Upholsterer · of life for all of us and the most effective shop window we can use. So keeping it up to date and relevant is essential – which is exactly what the AMUSF’s own

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