Upholsterer & 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

March/April/May 2013

New Year’s HonourWhy 2013 started so well for one AMUSF member

The Best of BritishSpecial report on the Kent Branch dinner dance

Changes In The ChairFarewell to one chairman, hello to another

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Comment

Jan TurnerEditor

Hooray! Great news for members – a little bird tells me thatplans are afoot this year to hold a “membership get-together”.A sort of conference-cum-social-cum-gathering that’s likely totake place in September.

The redoubtable Kent Branch, with its usual aplomb, isprime mover behind the push to re-instate the sorely missedget-togethers of old with members currently exploringpossible venues in either Surrey, Kent or The Midlands.

I’m told (by my chatty little bird) that it’s likely to be asecond-weekend-in-September-affair with the associationAGM on the Saturday along with a guest speaker to give a talkon an ‘unrelated subject’.

Marvellous. Can’t wait. Love a good get-together.

A good get-together allows folk to seriously network(gossip), re-acqaint ourselves with old colleagues (drink) andchew the professional cud (eat). It allows us to swap ideas,keep up to speed with new thinking and most importantly,find out how colleagues are faring in an uncertain climate.

A good get-together not only allows us to catch-up andbond, but to leave it feeling re-invigorated and enthused oncemore. We go back to our place of work with renewed energy,optimism and determination.

No wonder that ever since I’ve been editing this journal,the one consistent thing I’ve heard from members is howmuch they’ve missed the once regular round of conferencesthat were a hallmark of AMUSF life. The cry can be heard onpage 18 of this issue where Barry Townsend, our featuredMember Profile guest, says how much he misses the annualconference and exhibitions when, without exception, healways met someone new.

Not that what’s being planned will be as high blown as a‘conference’. The idea is to stage something much more lowkey which will be a welcome development for those who shyaway from thoughts of a more formal meet up.

What really matters is that a large group of people with avery specialist craft in common have the chance to gather inone place, meet new colleagues and exchange news, viewsand ideas.

It’s what keeps the trade ticking. And, if we’re honest, it’s afundamental part of association life.

So I’m personally delighted with the news and suspect thevery idea of it will be a real tonic for members old and new. Ialso think – and sincerely hope – it will be incredibly wellsupported.

My little bird is sure to keep me posted.

Jan Turner

Upholsterer&Soft Furnisher

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

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

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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

March/April/May 2013

New Year’s HonourWhy 2013 started so well for one AMUSF member

The Best of BritishSpecial report on the Kent Branch dinner dance

Changes In The ChairFarewell to one chairman, hello to another

Henry Newbery presents new collections of bespoke tassels,stock trimmings & fabrics. On the cover is Antoinette, a stunninglarge scale tassel with solid crystal decoration, inspired by theglamorous fashions of the 1920s and 30s. Recently created for anew stage production of Cole Porter’s ‘High Society’, this is madeby hand in our north London atelier in any size and colour and iscomplimented by a wide range of trimmings from stock andcouture trimmings ranges. The Newbery collections of naturalfabrics from Justine Paige feature silks, cottons, linens &embroideries in wide range of styles and subtle colourways.

HENRY NEWBERY & CO LTD. Tel. 020 7281 5088 Fax. 020 7281 3811email. [email protected] www.henrynewbery.com

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www.upholsterers.co.uk 5

Contents

6 & 7 AMUSF News Update andBranch Briefings

8 Industry News

10 Ask FIRA

12 & 13 Feature: MakeIT! Has It Made

14 & 15 Feature: Changes In The Chair

16 & 17 Kent Branch Dinner Dance

18 Member Profile: BarryTownsend Systems

20 Feature: Tools Update

22 & 23 Feature: New Year’s Honour for Richard

24 Memory Lane: Palatial Project

26 In the Hotseat: Kevin Lee

News

Features

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

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: 020 8854 4402

London – Wynne Gilham – Tel: 01708 752333Surrey – Ron Mercure – Tel: 020 8941 4521

Scotland – Sandy Stewart – Tel: 01555 772052

Regional ContactsYorkshire – Mavis Baddeley – Tel: 0113 2633031

West Midlands – Bob Bishton – Tel: 01543 418127(daytime)Email: [email protected]

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6 Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher March/April/May 2013

AMUSF news roundup

The Worshipful Company of Upholders hascreated two new classes of membership tomake it easier for people without anyprevious connection to join.Friendship status is intended for peoplewith no previous connection to get toknow the Livery and progress to becomingLiverymen. As a Friend you can:• Enjoy the wide variety of Company events

and attend one event at no charge• Make new connections in the city

through the Livery movement• Establish new friendships with Liverymen

of the Upholders Company• Gain assistance in becoming a Freeman of

the City of London• Friend leaflets are available at all Livery

events, or by contacting the Clerk.Yeoman of the Livery is open to anyonewho is, or has, studied a level three courseapproved by the AMUSF, or the Livery, andto practising upholsterers, soft furnishersand undertakers for up to five years. Thelivery will:• Provide opportunities to promote their

work, for example by participating inFlocke & Feather

• Publish contact information and CVs onthe website if requested

• Support Yeomen in developing theircareer

• Encourage Yeomen to become Freemenand Liverymen as their careers develop

• Invite Yeomen to apply for tickets to twoselected events. Anyone interested in applying to

become a Yeoman should do so via theircourse tutor or directly to the Clerk bywriting to: Mrs S Nevard, Clerk to TheWorshipful Company of Upholders,Pembroke Lodge, 162 Tonbridge Road,Hildenborough, Kent TN11 9HP oremailing [email protected]. There is asmall annual ‘fine’ to cover costs.

The AMUSF is saddened toreport the death of formerAMUSF president (1985 –1987) and Fellow, Robert –known as Jock – Hendersonwho passed away at home,with his family, on SundayJanuary 13 aged 91.

Jock, whose home was inPreston, Lancashire, ran thecurtain manufacturingcompany Ryley and Hampsonin Blackburn and was stillgoing in to work up until fourweeks before he died.

Jock was a long timemember of the AMUSF andinstrumental in starting theLancashire branch in the early1970s. He also started theScottish branch of the AMUSFwhile president. He was

married to wife Jean for 65years and had two sons, Ianand Graham.

A funeral was held onMonday January 21 atPleasington Crematorium,Blackburn, with donations tothe British Heart Foundation.

HELP!

ROBERT HENDERSON In the last issue ofU&SF we carried astory aboutAmerican AMUSFmember PatGilkey beingpresented with acertificate ofFellowship whenshe and herbusiness partnerDonna Crawfordvisited the UK lastsummer.

Our sincere apologies to Donna who also received acertificate of Fellowship during the visit – as our picturehere proves. We didn’t mean to leave you out Donna – justa slight misunderstanding! Congratulations to you too onbeing accepted into this prestigious organisation. We hopewe’ve set the record straight. (Donna and Pat establishedSecond Chance Upholstery in the Hidden Valley, California in1990 and became members of the AMUSF in 2001).

OOPS! SORRY DONNA

Donna Crawford (right) receives her certificate ofFellowship from then AMUSF president WendyShorter and board member Bert Chapman - as

does Pat Gilkey (left)Robert (Jock) Henderson

Can anyone supply or point Derek Bishop in the right direction ofsome flexibead? Commonly used about 60 years ago, it is a halfmoon shape and was made out of brass. It was used on chairs thatwere lead moulded in leather to disguise the tacking. Derek islooking for enough for 30 chairs. If you are able to help, call himon 020 8989 8063.

AMUSF NATIONAL GET TOGETHERThe Kent Branch is exploring the possibility of organising anAMUSF national meeting later this year and is looking at potentialvenues in Surrey, Kent and the Midlands. The event is likely to beheld over a weekend in September with the association AGMtaking place on the Saturday. For more information contact PeterFinch on 01622 863069. (See editor’s comment on page 3).

NEWS FROM THE UPHOLDERS

06-07_USF_March-May13_06-07 06/03/2013 09:27 Page 6

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher 7

AMUSF news roundup

Branch briefingsn The Hants & Dorset Branch of

the AMUSF held its Christmasdinner on December 1 with newpresident Ron Mercure and hiswife Linda as special guests,along with outgoing president,Wendy Shorter and also Carolineand Andy Crawford. The eventwas preceded by an early evening drama, as branch contact MaryCrack explains: “I had dressed up in my party clothes (a sight youwon't see very often) when I decided that I needed an evening

bag to complete the outfit. Afterclimbing on the dressing table toreach one down from the topcupboard, I missed the stoolwhen stepping back down andlanded with a loud thump on thefloor, fracturing my right wrist inthe process. I got Kevin to bind itup tightly and went along to thedinner, where we all had a good

laugh about it. Next morning we went to A&E where it wasencased in a pretty pink plaster.”

The evening was judged a great success with the food‘gorgeous’, the venue ‘homely’ and the company ‘delightful’.Said Mary: “We all exchanged gifts and cards and brought eachother up to date on our adventures.

“Unfortunately Graham and Margaret Carpenter couldn't comeas Graham had pneumonia and has been very ill but we are gladto report that he is now well on the road to recovery.” The branchalso held a cheese and wine evening on February 15. Branchcontact, Kevin Lee/Mary Crack 01489 572108.

n The next Surry Branch meeting will be held on April 29 whenany members are invited along for drinks and snacks and tojoin and chat to like minded people at Hampton CourtInteriors, 366 Walton Road, West Molesey, Surrey, KT8 2JEbetween 7–9pm. RSVP to Ronnie Mercure on 020 8941 4521(or mobile 07841 131899) or email [email protected]

n The next meeting of the Beds, Bucks, Herts and Londonregional networking group will be on Wednesday April 17.There will be a presentation by Carol Circuit who came upon avery ordinary looking Victorian chaise longue which proved tobe far more interesting than its appearance suggested. Forover 100 years it harboured a secret which was only discoveredduring recent restoration work, revealing a highly unusual formof stuffing which has the potential to add to our knowledge ofVictorian life. If you would like to come along to find out thesecret and to discuss the issues of the day, please contactWendy Shorter for more details:[email protected].

n The Kent Branch met on February 4 when members stood forone minute to pay their respects to the late Robert (Jock)Henderson, twice AMUSF president.

There was a discussion about the conference and AGM.September was the suggested date, subject to the board’sapproval. The next Kent Branch Dinner Dance will be held in November.

The Sunday Lunch didn’t go ahead in January but was due to take place on February 24 at the Howfield Manor Hotel,Chartham Hatch, Canterbury, Kent.

The next meeting will take place on the first Monday in March.

From a dazzling disco chair to one inspiredby the eye of a tiger and another by hergrand-daughter’s love of fishy story-timetales, the fourth annual Heico Fasteners UKDesign Competition attracted a whole newhost of inspired upholstery designs.

Announcing this year’s winners at theNEC Interiors UK 2013 event, AMUSFboard director and competition judge JoanMilton said: “We have seen someabsolutely fantastic ideas this year. The standard of this competition goes upeach year.”

London Met student Virginia Tuck tookfirst prize with her ‘Tiger Tiger’ chair.Runner’s up were Bettina Langlois (London

Met) with her black and whitedisco chair (complete withunderseat lighting and music) andSusan Blow (Wendy ShorterInteriors) with her fish chair(complete with netting andtreasure chest).

AMUSF president Ron Mercuresaid students had ‘surpassedthemselves’ with this year’sentries.

The competition challengesstudents to create a chair incorporatingHeico’s decorative nails. Some 10 designswere selected from the initial entries to bemade up into chairs for final judging.

Along with Joan Milton and arepresentative from Heico, also on thejudging panel was Homes and Antiquesmagazine editor, Angela Linforth.

Hants and Dorset members - in theChristmas spirit

FOURTH HEICO AWARDS

Seated, l-r: Wendy Shorter, Ron andLinda Mercure,Caroline and Andy

Crawford. Stood is Hants and Dorsetmember Iain Chisholm

l-r: Heico Awards joint runners up Susan Blow, Bettina Langlois andwinner Virginia Tuck


Industry roundup


EXHIBITION NEWSLOCAL FUND RAISERS NEEDEDThe Furniture Makers’ Company (also called theWorshipful Company of Furniture Makers) and theFurnishing Industry Trust (formerly the FurnishingTrades Benevolent Association - FTBA), haslaunched a new initiative to re-establish regionalfund-raising groups.

It is calling on volunteer supporters at a local levelto focus on local fund-raising and identify localprojects and people in need of support. The aim isto establish a network of The Furniture Makers’regional committees across the country to promotethe charity, generate funds through local activities,engage with local businesses associated with thefurnishing industry, and ensure a flow of requestsfor support from each region.

Volunteer organisers will be supported fromcentral office with marketing materials andexpertise along with an annual national conventionwhere regional organisers can review activities,share ideas and identify further opportunities.

For more information, contact the Clerk [email protected] or on 020 7256 5558.

l With 2,658 exhibitors from62 countries and growth forthe third year running,Heimtextil 2013 (January 9–12) represented not only asuccessful start to the newfurnishing season but also tothe new trade-fair year. Around66,000 visitors from 128countries attended the tradefair in Frankfurt. Said DetlefBraun, member of theexecutive board of MesseFrankfurt: “The fair succeededin maintaining the number ofvisitors at an almost constantlevel despite the difficulteconomic climate prevailing atpresent.”l Despite heavy snow, thisyear's Interiors UK event(January 20–23, NEC,Birmingham) was wellattended. As the country’slongest running interiors showand an important destinationfor commercially focusedretailers, contractors, architectsand interior designers, theshow attracted some 600exhibitors and featuredseminars, expert speakers,trend forecasts and the NewDesign Britain Awards. l The industry’s longestrunning trade exhibition, the

Manchester Furniture Showtakes place this year from July14–17 with the main hallalready well over half full.Companies confirming theirparticipation include MorrisFurniture, Corndell, BakerFurniture, Ashley Manor,Buoyant, Harrison Bros,Whitemeadow, TCH, TCS,Lebus, La-z-Boy and Furmanac.Also back are Furniture Originsand Wood Bros and twosignificant new companylaunches are expected to takeplace.l ‘Always on the move’ is theslogan for this year’s Propostegathering at Villa Erba inCernobbio, Italy, conveying itsdetermination to move withthe times. The 21st ‘edition’ ofProposte, the world preview offurnishing fabrics and curtains,runs from May 7–9.l This year’s NBF Bed Showtakes place at TelfordInternational Centre onSeptember 24-25 with new,extended opening hours (Tues8.30-6pm and Wednesday8.30-4pm). The gala dinner andawards night will be held onthe Tuesday evening. Over 70exhibitors/brands are alreadyconfirmed.

BFC SUPPORTS RIGOROUS FLAMMABILITYSTANDARDSStephen McPartland MP, the Member of Parliamentfor Stevenage and Chair of the All PartyParliamentary Furniture Industry Group, hasaffirmed his support for the British FurnitureConfederation’s (BFC) campaign to maintain Britishflammability standards. The standards havedemonstrated that they save lives and are morerigorous than other European regulations.

The government is currently reviewing theFurniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety)Regulations 1988.

Paul von der Heyde, chairman of the BFC, said:“We’re keen that any revision should not weakenthe current regulations which we believe would bedetrimental to UK consumer safety and affect the competitiveness of the UK upholstery and beds sector.”

The government’s own research estimates thatsince their introduction, the regulations have saved54 lives per year (and hundreds of injuries) as wellas saving the economy £140 million a year.

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QI have been asked to recover a 1970's polystyreneshell chair. What are the FR implications as I presumethe shell itself will be highly flammable?

A If the item was manufactured before the introduction ofthe regulations and consists solely of rigid polystyrene asthe structure, then the item is exempt from the

regulations as it is not considered to be upholstered furniture.If this item has polystyrene which is not rigid and not the sole

structure/contains fillings then: A 1970's upholstered item offurniture pre-dates the introduction of the Furniture &Furnishings (FIRE) (SAFETY) Regulations 1988 (as amended).Neither the current cover fabric, nor fillings, would comply withthe requirements. The regulations, however, do apply to thereupholstery of furniture that was made after January 1 1950.All filling materials and cover fabrics used in reupholstering mustmeet the levels of fire resistance as required in the regulations.This means any upholstery materials that the upholsterer addsto the furniture in the course of refurbishing it must pass theappropriate tests. If only recovering is requested by thecustomer, the upholsterer is not obliged to replace any non-conforming material that the furniture may contain. If theupholsterer is asked to change or add to the existing fillings thenany additional materials must meet the requirements of theregulations. It would be good practice for the upholsterer to

draw the fire risk to the customer’s attention when carrying outany recovering work.

QWhat is the situation with the FR Regs when a clientasks us to use a football shirt to cover a chair orheadboard. These are mainly made of an acrylic

fabric. Is a Schedule 5 interliner enough to make it comply?

A In case there are any misconceptions here, it’simportant to clarify that Schedule 5 covers the matchtest for cover fabrics. Interliners are covered under

Schedule 3 of the regulations.Unfortunately, a football shirt made from purely synthetic

fibres cannot be used to reupholster an item of furniture. Anycover fabric made purely of synthetic fibres must meet theSchedule 4 part 1 cigarette test and the Schedule 5 part 1 matchtest. A Schedule 3 interliner can only be used where the coverfabric is +75% natural/cellulosic fibres (e.g. cotton, wool, viscose,modal, flax, etc) and the cover fabric must not be coated withany polyurethane preparations. A common misconception isthat the use of an interliner means that the cover fabric isexempt from all testing. This is not the case as the product must still be proven to meet the requirements of the regulations in relation to the Schedule 4 part 1 cigarette test.

MORE BURNING QUESTIONSIn this issue, FIRA’s new standards and regulatorymanager, Tristine Anderson, tackles two more questionsfrom members about fire regulations.

Ask FIRA


Tristine Andersonof FIRA

The latest edition of FIRA’s annualStatistics Digest for the furnitureindustry shows that, from 2008 to2011, the total number of furnituremanufacturers declined by 4%, with 225fewer companies in 2011 than 2010.

The industry is dominated by microand small-to-medium sized businesses,with only 255 companies operating atturnovers in excess of £5 million.

FIRA’s Phil Reynolds comments:"Operating within the currenteconomic climate poses many

challenges, with strategic planningbecoming increasingly important.FIRA’s Statistics Digest incorporatesmuch of the data needed to inform andunderpin the development of suchbusiness plans and I would recommendit to anyone working in, or with, the UKfurniture industry.”

The new report is a distillation ofinformation sourced from governmentbodies including the Office for NationalStatistics (ONS), HM Revenue andCustoms and the Communities and

Local Government plus the Bank of England.

It covers data for the period 2008 to2011 and includes national economictrends such as consumer spend, creditand housing, all of which will have aninfluence on furniture sales.

To pre-order a copy of the StatisticalDigest contact [email protected]. Apdf of the report can be purchased for£300 by those who are non-members ofFIRA and downloaded for free bymembers via the FIRA website.

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Since its launch in 2010, the MakeIT!Furniture programme has enjoyedsignificant success in encouraging

students to consider a career in thefurnishings sector. A recent survey foundthat after completing the programme,over half those who took part had aninterest in potentially doing anapprenticeship or work experience in thefurniture industry. There has also been a six-fold increase

in the number of students with a goodknowledge of processes and activities inthe industry: and a survey of teachersthemselves suggests the vast majority ofstudents enjoyed learning about thefurniture industry through theprogramme. This year, more students than ever are

taking part in MakeIT! Furniture withmore than a thousand 14 to 17-year-olds,in schools across mainland Britain, takingpart in the competition. The deadline for

entries is at the end of March.The competition is an industry-based

project, mapped to the nationalcurriculum and diplomas. It familiarisesstudents with how furniture is designedand made in the furniture, furnishingsand interiors industry throughresearching and designing products. It also involves investigating various

different aspects of the industry – fromsourcing raw materials to consideringenvironmental issues and productionimplications, so increasing the students’understanding of the range of careersavailable in modern, high-technologyfurniture industries. A key element of the programme is

“twinning” between schools and furniturecompanies, giving students theopportunity to visit local businesses and


Feature

MakeIT! HAS IT MADEWith the annual awards ceremony for the 2012/13 MakeIT! Furniture Programme dueto take place at the end of June, U&SF looks at how the competition for schools – nowin its third year – continues to increase the profile of the furnishings industry and helpyoung talent consider a future in furniture.

12-13_USF_March-May13_12 08/03/2013 09:31 Page 12


Feature

gain an insight into the practical side of the industry.

The competition culminates each yearin a prestigious awards ceremony whenfinalists, industry figures and industryprofessionals come together to celebratethe students’ achievements. This year’sceremony takes place in June.

“We are very proud of MakeIT!Furniture and the success it has each year.Raising awareness of careers in theindustry among young people is key tothe future of this vital manufacturingsector in the UK, and we encourage allfurniture companies to support their localschools,” said Ian Aspley, generalmanager of Proskills UK which organisesthe competition and acts as the bridgebetween employers and government onskills and training.

“Engagement with schools andstudents is a great way to influenceyoung people in their choice of career,giving them real insights into therewarding future that furniture offers.Twinning allows companies to have a realimpact on teaching and preparingstudents for the world of work.

“Attracting talented new entrants iscrucial to the future of the UK furnitureindustry, which relies on fresh ideas and

new thinking to maintain its status in thewider commercial marketplace.”

To date MakeIT! Furniture has reacheda total of 235 schools and over 9,500students. Sponsors include theWorshipful Company of Furniture Makers,British Furniture Manufacturers, theNational School of Furniture, Wood forGood and Timber Trade Foundation.

For further information on the MakeIT!Furniture programme contact theMakeIT! Furniture Team at Proskills on01235 833844 [email protected]



Feature

CHANGES IN THE CHAIR As one chairman steps down and another steps up, we say farewellto Des Fanning – and hello to Jim Kelly.

As he steps down from his four-yearstint as chairman of the AMUSF, U&SFpays tribute to Des Fanning’s pivotalrole in ensuring the survival of theassociation through one of the mosttumultuous periods in its history.When Des Fanning took over as

chairman in 2009 there were few, if anyother people, who would have taken onthe challenges he was faced with.It had become clear that overheads at

the former Cardiff HQ could not besustained. And for two years of hischairmanship, there was no full timemanager. There were also deep divisions atboth board and membership level.“I quickly found myself in an executive

chairman role, not just overseeing whatneeded to happen, but making it happen,”says Des. That the AMUSF has survived pretty

much intact is largely thanks to hisleadership skills and, as he himself is thefirst to point out, the efforts of a first classteam around him. “I saw myself very much as the leader of

a team – it was not a one man show,” saysDes who, with his wife Val, ran the tradesupply business, Glovers, for 21 years.He pays particular tribute to fellow

directors Joan Milton, Wendy Shorter andBert Chapman – all of whom helped to‘keep the ship afloat’ through stormy seas.Throughout it all, the number one

priority was clear: to keep the associationfinancially sound. While ever it remained inCardiff that meant cutting staffing levelsto the bone – with Des and his teampicking up the slack by doing much of thehands-on work.“Moving to affordable premises was

vital – but that in itself was a majorundertaking,” says Des who admits to

many sleepless nights during his time atthe helm. Until he could negotiate atenancy agreement for the Cardiff offices,the association was not in a position towalk away from its lease and seek moresuitable accommodation.The breakthrough came in 2011 when

the AMUSF was given the opportunity totake space in the BFM offices in WycombeHouse, High Wycombe – and also found asuitable tenant to take over the lease atCardiff. The move meant the associationcould once again take on a full timemanager – and did so in the shape ofSheila Draper.“Sheila had something of a baptism of

fire as we had to keep spending on themove from Cardiff to High Wycombe itselfas low as possible,” said Des. “Thankfully,Sheila and the board all rolled up theirsleeves and got stuck in – there was ahuge amount of sorting out to do.”

The board was also anxious to ensurethat member communication through thismagazine – the association’s officialjournal – should continue. It had becomean established and recognised benefit ofmembership but without an associationmanager, its future was seriouslythreatened. Ensuring its seamlesscontinuity was one of the first things Desand his team put in to place in thesummer of 2009.Revamping the association website was

another achievement during Des’s ‘watch’– and thanks to the dedicated efforts ofco-director Joan Milton who workedtirelessly to create a site that has sincegenerated much interest in the AMUSFfrom many non-members.Then there was the issue of training to

be dealt with: cue more hard work andactivity by immediate past presidentWendy Shorter. Her efforts wereinstrumental in ensuring direct registrationof students doing AMUSF qualificationcourses – and also drawing up newcontracts with training centres around theUK that have more closely clarified theirinvolvement with the association.Said Des: “There have been some

enormously positive developments in thepast four years but it has been incrediblyhard work. From my point of view, themost worrying aspect was being removed,geographically, from the focus of activity,first in Cardiff and then High Wycombe. AsI’m based in Taunton, there was a lot oftravelling involved.”There were ‘diplomatic’ difficulties too

with many members and board directorsdivided by events of the past. Fortunately,in Des Fanning, the AMUSF was blessedwith a natural peacemaker – though firmin his belief and always clear that he was

Des Fanning

CHAIRMAN DES STEPS DOWN



not going to spend inordinate amounts oftime raking over what had gone before.Those divisions have not entirely

disappeared but have perhaps dissipated alittle, says Des who believes theassociation is now well positioned to focuson moving forward without all thedistractions of the past four years.“There are still challenges and issues to

be dealt with, not least the need to attract

new members in economic circumstancesthat are not entirely conducive to growth.“However, in our new chairman Jim Kelly

and our association manager RichardRanklin, we have two good people tomove things on.”But what lies ahead for Des himself?

Never one to let the grass grow under hisfeet, he and wife Val are planning tripsaway to Australia and New Zealand this

year and to Italy next. The latter isintended to be something of an‘immersion course’ as one of Des’sretirement goals is to learn new languages,Italian being the current one.Des is also doing an Open University

degree in politics, philosophy andeconomics; doing the usual choresinvolved in keeping ‘the garden down andthe house up’; a bit of carpentry; andlooking forward to keeping in touch withthe friends and acquaintances madeduring his many years with the AMUSF.“I joined the association in 1991 and

since then – as both a supplier to thetrade, a board member since 2001 andparticularly in my role as chairman – havemet and made many friends,” said Des.“I’m still a retired and subscribing member

of the AMUSF and it will be important tome to keep in touch with the many socialfriendships made over the years.”He can rest assured that, as someone

the association holds in the highestesteem, his continued involvement withthe AMUSF, at whatever level, will alwaysbe welcome.

Joan Milton presents Des with a farewell gift from the board at the 2012 AGM

MEET YOUR NEW CHAIRMANThe AMUSF’s new chairman isProfessor James (Jim) Kelly, adistinguished academic andformer Master of TheWorshipful Company ofUpholders.Born in London in 1955, his

career spans science, business andmanufacturing industries. Startinghis career at EMI, he moved to PostOffice Research Laboratories inDollis Hill, working as a materialsscientist, before being lured intocomputer communications andnetwork technologies at theadvent of the office automationand information technology era. His career weaved in and out of

the IT/electronic engineering world, into graphic arts andprinting, before moving into the more solid world ofcompany direction and business. He is visiting professor at the London Metropolitan

University Business School and chairman of the BusinessSchool Advisory Council. Jim also spent seven years as

chairman of the central London branchof the Institute of Directors. Married to Maureen, a former

personnel manager turned softfurnishings project director, they live inNorth London and love country houseopera, entertaining friends, good foodand wine among many other things. A lover of cricket, Jim is a long time

member of Middlesex County CricketClub, a founder member of the BrianJohnson Memorial Trust and amember of the Lord’s Taverners.Formerly a school governor, he is nowchairman of London MetropolitanUniversity’s Business School’s AdvisoryCouncil.His memberships include the Institute

of Directors, City Livery Club, United Wards Club, Castle BaynardWard Club, English Speaking Union and the Past OverseersSociety of Saint Margaret & St John, Westminster. He is a councilmember of the City of London branch of the Royal Society ofSaint George and membership secretary of the First Eleven PastMaster’s Association.

Professor Jim Kelly



Feature

TREATED LIKE ROYALTYGuests at the annual Kent Branch dinner dance were treated like royalty withpatriotic bunting, flags and even a marching band organised to mark the 2012Royal Jubilee celebrations.

More than 120 people attendedthe British themed event at theBrands Hatch Thistle Hotel.

Adding to the feel of the night was abackdrop of the Mall and BuckinghamPalace, along with a ‘tribute’ ColdstreamGuardsman selling raffle tickets.“It was a terrific night – the Kent

branch had really pulled out all thestops,” said newly installed AMUSFpresident Ron Mercure, who attended theNovember 24 dinner. “Even the tablemenus had all been hand written bymembers.”With speeches from Ron, Kent branch

chairman Franco Marinelli, and theMaster of the Worshipful Company ofUpholders, Jeremy Appleyard, theevening succeeded in mixing the rightblend of fun with formality – and alsoraising £700 for the Royal British Legionand the Help For Heroes charities.

A 'right Royal' occasion! Back row Brenda Oviatt (left) and Brenda Finch with Janet Potton and James VaughanBuckingham Palace scene



Herne Bay Sea Cadets

Seen l-r: Mandy Appleyard, Jerry Appleyard (Master of the Worshipful Company of Upholders), Carol Marinelli, FrancoMarinelli (chairman of Kent AMUSF branch), Linda Mercure, Ron Mercure (president of the AMUSF)

The branch would like to thank the following people and organisations for sponsoring the raffle: Martin Upholstery Supplies (01622 817575); Cover-Tex Fabrics (0208 558 1157/8); Louis Moreau, The Quilters (0208 808 1357); H. Webber + Sons Ltd (Tools, Textiles Leather Craft 01306 740433); H. Vaughan Ltd (Chair framemakers 0207 515 4551); Glover BrosUpholstery Supplies (01823 431910); BTS Systems (Workbenches, Electric Lift 0208 871 2569); Ross Fabrics (0113 385 2200);Porter Valmic Upholstery Supplies (0208 418 1100); Thistle Hotel Brands Hatch (01474 854900); Headcorn Photo Factory Kent(01622 730730); J.A Milton Upholstery Supplies (0870 777 8934); T+S Engineering Staplehurst (Kent 01580 895267); CoolingsGarden Centre Knockholt Kent (01959 534386); Giles Insurance Brokers (01689 877800); London Metropolitan University (0207423 0000); Aerofoam (All cushion requirements 0208 204 8411).Also friends and supporters of the Kent Branch: Jean Cody; Joyce Milne; Ron and Linda Mercure; Jane Loveridge; Alan Kinsey; John andMaureen Surtees; Steve and Terri Tanner; Richard and Susan Nevard; Ted and Iris Sanders; Jim and Maureen Kelly; Janet Potten.

Peter Finch goes Busby


Member profile


How long have you been doing yourjob?It has truly flashed by but BTS is about tocelebrate its 10th year, and previouslyTownsend Associates ran for 23, so thatmay sound as if it’s been forever!

How long did it take to really learn thebusiness?Still learning – there is always somethingnew around the corner.

Do you consider yourself a craftspersonor tradesperson?I guess I would consider myself as apractical tradesperson, always on thelookout for new ideas. But a craftsperson,well that is my son, James who joinedBTS last May from his business ofrenovating properties and interior design.

What makes up the bulk of your work?Meeting and greeting, wining anddining….. and too much paperwork.

What keeps you motivated?….. the above! Seriously, the nextchallenge.

What aspect of your work do you mostenjoy?Building new relationships and successfulconclusions.

Professionally, what is your greatestfrustration?Currently, the wish that at school I hadfocused on one particular language. Ifonly I could make a new supplierunderstand just what is needed!

Tell us about the most challengingthing you have had to do.Having retired 10 years ago, to convinceMo, my wife, that I should start a newbusiness.

And the most unusual/bizarre/funnyrequest you have ever dealt with?Before upholstery, I was in refrigeration,more precisely automatic ice makingmachines – great times. We took a callfrom Paul Raymond of Raymond’s RevueBar fame who wanted a gold plated icemachine in the bar. He got it – almost!

What are the most pressing issuescurrently facing your business?It has to be that our customers willovercome all the business pressures thatwe are all having to face, becausetogether, we will win.

How long have you been a member ofthe AMUSF and how important hasthis been to your business?Probably 15 years or more, and withoutdoubt, membership of the AMUSF hasbrought friendship and opportunities forme and my business.However, as a supplier, I really do miss

the annual conference and exhibitionswhen, without exception, I always metsomeone new who was also enthusiasticfor what BTS had to offer. I always sold atleast one workbench I was showing, andsometimes more.

Professionally, who or where do youturn to for advice/ a second opinion?First to my wife Mo, of course, and then

Peter Hakim my long standing friend andour accountant, and now my son, James.

When you talk to a fellowupholsterer/soft furnisher, the talkalways turns to....?Not the weather!

How do you keep your skills andtechniques updated?My secretary Sylvia, and now James whois working through our presentationpackages, updating and creating productinformation all in preparation of a longoverdue BTS website.

What is the most important piece ofadvice you would give to someonestarting out in this business?Product knowledge, enthusiasm,contacts and enough cash to keep theshow on the road! And self belief.

Where do you see the future of theindustry?To get through these tricky times, yourtraditional skills and craftsmanshipblended with new concepts and newideas will win you through – there willalways be a future for our industry.

What has been your proudestprofessional moment?Survival. And, over a period of time,being able to provide employment toothers.

Contact details: Tel: 020 8871 2569.Website: under construction. Email: [email protected]

OUT ON THE TOWNName of business Barry Townsend SystemsWhen established March 2003Owned by Barry TownsendLocation 9 Lydden Road, Earlsfield, London SW18 4LTSpeciality Stocking and supplying upholstery componentsNumber employed 3 full time, 2 part time.

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

James (left) and Barry Townsend


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Tools update


They’re a vital part of everyupholsterer and soft furnisher’sworking day and despite a feeling

that there’s a distinct lack of good, British-made hand tools, new ideas andinnovations continue to come through. Long established (1902) family company

H Webber & Sons of Dorking is justlaunching a new product onto the marketthat looks set to make life easier forupholsterers and soft furnishers. The newOsborne Pneumatic Button Pressautomates the process and has beenheavily tested ahead of its release onto themarket. This tool will set two piece coveredbuttons as well as eyelets and snapfasteners and operates with 60 – 120 lbs ofcompression. It includes a clear plasticguard that locks the machine.Webbers, which provides a wide range of

tools for the trade, originally started outsupplying tailors chalk. Despite the factthat fabric cutting has become a largelycomputerised process in recent years,Webber’s still supplies it to upholsterersand other highly skilled craftspeople whoneed chalk for handwork.Robert Theobald at Theobald Sewing

Machines - sole distributor of the Bigfootportable industrial sewing machine - is nowoffering servo motors across a range ofstatic industrial machines. The benefit ofthese is that not only are they morecompact and energy efficient thanstandard motors, but they are alsoconsiderably quieter and have a speedlimiting facility – ideal for trainees or whenundertaking intricate work.Said Robert: “These new motors only

draw current when the foot is actually onthe peddle, so use up to 30% less energythan ordinary motors. The fact they are soquiet also makes for a much nicer workingenvironment.”Trade suppliers Glover Brothers work

with a number of UK-based producers anddistributors to offer a wide range of tools,

the steadiest sellers being upholsteryhammers, foam cutters, buttoningmachines, compressors and staple guns.“It’s a remarkably steady area although

we do bring in new products where wethink they would be appropriate and usefulfor our customers,” says Charles Petri whoruns the business with wife Helen. Glover’smost recent introduction is sharpening

tools that use a diamond-based abrasivesystem from American company Electro.Meanwhile Heico has just launched its

first ever own-branded range of staplersand nail guns, including a decorative nailerwith a central chamber that takes loosenails, doing away with the need to buy theusual strip of nails.Said Heico marketing co-ordinator Stuart

Elmy: “This is the first time we havebrought out an own branded product. Wewanted to offer a great value option forcustomers that also offers new andinnovative functions.”At BeA Fastening Systems, a

spokesperson said there had been no newlaunches for the upholstery sector but asthe market leader in upholstery staplers,sales to the trade remain steady. Thecompany has 100 years experience insupplying fasteners and power tools.

TOOLS OFTHE TRADEU&SF takes a look at what’s new and what’s coming through inthe world of tools for upholsterer’s and soft furnisher’s.

SEND US YOUR PICTURES!According to Joan Milton of J. A. Milton Upholstery Supplies, some of the oldesttools are still the best – including those invented and made over the years byupholsterers themselves. They have then turned out a few for other upholsterers.If you still own such a tool, U&SF would love to see a picture of it! Or perhaps you

still have an old Pirelli pulling tool (or maybe a platform/some webbing?) Send us apicture if you have - either email a high resolution jpeg [email protected] or pop a hard copy image in the post to Jan Turner,Editor, Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher, Alexander King Associates, High Corn Mill,Chapel Hill, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1NL.Said Joan Milton: “At a time when there’s a feeling from the market that there’s a real

dearth of good quality British-made hand tools, some of the oldest are still the best.”

Heico Decorative Nailer

The new OsbornePneumatic

Button Press


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advertorial

The new range is ideal forcustomers who are looking forhigh quality, great value, hard-wearing leathers that areperfect for many types ofapplications.Created in Italy on Brazilian

hides, Milton has beendesigned with a two-tonetextured surface with theaddition of a beautiful tippingeffect that has been applied tohighlight the peaks of thegrain. Its stylishly clean andpolished appearance, make it a

perfect choice for both modern andcontemporary upholstery. Hides willaverage 5 sqm.The Milton, and the wider

Collection 3, complements CrestJMTLeather’s Collection 1 and Collection2 which offer a wide range ofupholstery leathers and acomprehensive palette of coloursacross a variety of different texturesand finishes.Further information can be found

on our website:www.crestjmtleather.co.uk or call01706 643 121 for a brochure.

MILTONCRESTJMT LEATHER COLLECTION 3Milton is part of the new Collection 3 range of upholstery leathers from CrestJMTLeather which combine careful selection of raw materials from around the world toproduce six great value ranges, each with their own unique look and characteristics,to give customers a far greater choice of quality.


After nearly 50 years in upholstery,Richard Webb has achieved theultimate accolade. His Royal

Warrant has been granted for workundertaken at The Palace ofHolyroodhouse – the official residence ofthe Queen in Scotland – during the pastsix years.“The news made for a fantastic start to

the New Year – it’s a wonderful privilege,”said Richard. “It’s a joy to work atHolyrood Palace – everyone is so friendlyand helpful and I’ve had the opportunityto do some lovely work on banquet chairs,screens and other upholstered pieces.”Richard has worked as an upholsterer

since 1965 when he began as anapprentice at Jenners in Princes Street inEdinburgh. As Royal Warrant holdersthemselves, he was taught about theimportance of accurate, quality work from

the outset, receiving a first class start to acraft about which he still remainspassionate and enthusiastic. “If my wifewould let me, I’d still be working sevendays a week,” said Richard who firststarted working for himself in 1972.He became a member of the AMUSF in

1976 when the illustrious associationmanager Doris Fisher signed the certificatewhich he keeps framed to this day.“Most of my work tends to be in

antique restoration and traditionalfurniture and I work across all areas of thecity as well as other parts of Scotland –including Skye, Argyll and The Borders.“I’m still passionate about what I do

and enjoy sharing it with other people.I’ve demonstrated upholstery at a countryfair held as part of horse trials at

NEW YEAR’S HONOURFOR RICHARDLong established, Edinburgh-based upholsterer Richard Webb had a dream startto 2013 - with the news that he has been accepted to join the elite associationof Royal Warrant Holders. U&SF spoke to him about his New Year ‘honour’.

Feature


Richard Webb with THAT letter

AMUSF membership certificate signed by theredoubtable Doris Fisher



Feature

Hopetoun House in Edinburgh. And I alsotaught at night school for seven years.”His introduction to Holyrood Palace

came through a referral to the royalhousehold by a colleague who Richardregards as the finest antique restorer inScotland. “From the start they weremarvellous people to work with,” he said.“It really is like working for a family.“Once you have undertaken work for a

royal household for six years you are ableto apply to become a Royal Warrantholder and I submitted my application lastMay. I took a call from the LordChamberlain’s office on the Friday beforeNew Year and have been over the moonever since.“I have still to receive the Royal Warrant

document signed by the The LordChamberlain. That should come throughin due course but in the meantime thephone hasn’t stopped ringing.“It’s an incredible honour and made for

a New Year I’ll never forget.”

Fit for a Queen: truecraftsmanship through

and through


PALATIALPROJECTIn this issue we feature a special project from the Albert E Chapman Ltd archives –part of the magnificent restoration work at Hampton Court Palace following thedevastating fire that swept through the Kings Apartments on Easter Monday 1986.

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]

Privy Chamber curtains

The fire that ripped through HamptonCourt Palace more than 25 years agogutted an entire wing of Henry VIII's

beautiful riverside retreat near London.Extensive damage was caused as sectionsof the roof collapsed, sending timbers andmolten lead into the Kings Apartmentsbelow.Early in the restoration project it was

decided to return the apartments to theiroriginal state, not as they wereimmediately before the fire. It was thisdecision that provided the impetus toresearch the records of the LordChamberlain during the time of buildingthis suite of rooms in the late 17thcentury. A dedicated team from EnglishHeritage produced evidence from The LordChamberlain’s Bills and Warrants of 1698– 1699 that made it quite plain that most,if not every window, was furnished withpull up curtains.Warrant 10 for the Kings Drawing Roomstates as follows:-A chair of state, two high stools, a footstool, two cushions of crimson damask alltrimmed with narrow and broad lace (silkbraid), three window curtains of whitedamask trimmed with crimson silk fringestrings and tassels. Two tables and standsbetween ye windows.The bill from Thomas Roberts, Joiner tothe King states:-Kings Drawing Room for three lathes withbox holes for the strings to play in and forthree handsome large carved windowcornices (what a picturesque descriptionof lathes for pull up curtains!).The bill of Thomas Carr, fringe maker for13 windows of the Kings Apartmentdescribes:182 yards of edging crimson in grainetufted twisted and faggoted silk weight

855 ounces at 2 shillings 8 pence andounce; 650 yards of in graine silk string at8 pence a yard. For 76 dozen and 8 yardsof crimson in graine silk purle lace at 8pence a yard. For nine dozen of large oneside crimson in graine silk lace at 10

shillings a yard. For 13 large crimson ingraine pair mould tassels at 7 shilling andsix pence.Chapmans was commissioned to replace

curtains in the suite of rooms occupied byWilliam III in 1700. They were asked tomake and install hand sewn curtains,trimmed with braid and fringe for thesewindows plus other more elaboratetreatments for the Kings Little BedChamber and Closet. The commission alsoinvolved providing the silk covered corniceboxes and lathes.

Kings Apartment - silk tassel to match only survivingtassel from William III time


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Q & A


How would you most like to beremembered?As a friendly idiot who talked a lot.

How would classmates at school havedescribed you?"Who was he?” I lost several of myformative school years because of thewar.

How did you get into this business?I inherited it from my family. My fatherstarted the business in 1934 and took itthrough the war. That’s when I joinedhim and learnt a lot in a very short time.

What would you class as your greatestachievement?Taking Multibends Ltd from a familyruined business and putting it on theroad to making it the most successful,bespoke bedding maker in the country.

Your greatest regret?Not having foresight when I was youngerand trusting the wrong people.

Is your glass half empty or half full?About three quarters full. Some of themissed opportunities in my life wouldhave filled it.

Who has been your greatest inspirationand why?My father, who, having been injured andlosing his close friends in the Londonblitz, carried on rebuilding his businessand looking after his family andemployees who were made homelessthrough the bombing. He suffered a lotof abuse from some quarters because ofwhat he saw as the priorities at thattime.

Your perfect day?Warm, sunny and with family members.With my partner Mary's younggranddaughters playing kid's games,taking photographs and having a quietdoze now and then. It's the best way oflife when you're getting on a bit.

Your Desert Island discs?Max Bruch's Violin Concerto and anyGlen Miller.

What is the best thing about our industry? And the worst?I'll put the worst first. Except forelectrical goods, there are morecomplaints about furniture in thecountry than any other products. Thebest is what a great opportunity for us toremedy this through the AMUSF andFAMU (but don't hold your breath).

Tell me a secretTelling a BSI inspector where he couldput his kite after I found him cheating(don't ask).

What's in your living room?My living room is full of furniture madeas test and design pieces that I didn'thave the heart to throw away.

What winds you up?People in all walks of life who make moaningand criticising an art form. They choose everyopportunity to have a go. Nobody can do itright but them. I have found they only dothis to cover their own incompetence.

Doer or talker?Doer when I can, or at least have a go. Talkerwhen it looks like trouble.

If you could do it all over again whatwould you do differently?The gift of hindsight is wonderful. I woulduse it to follow the same path but deviatewhen things began to go wrong. I'd probablymurder a few people.

Best piece of advice to someone starting out?Remember the Ark was built and sailed byamateurs while the Titanic was built andsailed by professionals. Don't be afraid: butkeep dodging the icebergs.

IN THE HOTSEAT.... WITH KEVIN LEE, FOUNDER OF MULTIBENDS, FAMU, CHAIRMAN OF THE AMUSF HANTS AND DORSET BRANCH


ibc_USF_March-May13_Layout 1 08/03/2013 11:11 Page 1

Capri

Capri from ‘Serenade’, a collection of traditional and modern embroideries

www.crowsonfabrics.com 01825 [email protected]

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Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

Documents

good gettogether

membership gettogether

soft furnishers

redoubtable kent branch

official journal

usf cover

new thinking

place of work