Upholsterer and Soft Furnisher December 2022

Jan Turner Editor

The AMUSF 75th anniversary event in London in September proved a great success – despite coming less than 24 hours after the news that Her Majesty the Queen had died.

With a nation still reeling in shock from the alarming speed of events the previous day, it was too late to even consider cancelling the event which went ahead, was well attended and proved that nothing beats face-to-face meet-ups, particularly after a pandemic that deprived us all of getting together for the best part of three years. See the picture spread on pages 14 and 15 for a taste of the day.

Myself and my partner were in London for the 75th event and, having chosen to make a weekend of the trip, found ourselves caught up in the aftermath of the news. It was incredible to see the floral tributes outside Buckingham Palace and to witness, first hand, the way in which businesses and corporations in the capital responded to events.

The AMUSF event itself marked the sad loss of our Queen –whose own 70th celebrations were marked with the Platinum Jubilee weekend in early June – with a one-minute silence at the start of the official AGM proceedings (see page 12 for a full report). And at the beginning of the association’s Gala Dinner (pictures on page 20), newly installed president, Paul Marsh, proposed a toast to “the new King Charles III, the royal family and the association.” Paul himself comes ‘to office’ as part of a series of changes to the AMUSF board – you can read all about the latest appointments and retirements on page 6.

Incredibly, the last official duty of The Queen was to appoint Liz Truss as Prime Minister – an appointment that proved to be the shortest in history. As the many members who came along to the anniversary event were quick to point out, we face a deeply challenging time ahead: the fuel and cost-of-living crisis; the effect of rising interest rates on the mortgage market; and ongoing shortages created by the war in Ukraine.

But we’ve tackled tough times before, most recently the catastrophic fall out of a global pandemic. If we can survive that, then those who are prepared to respond and adapt to the changing landscape, will get through it.

So much has happened since the last issue of U&SF was published in early September – and no doubt much more will before the next one lands in early March.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this issue, particularly all the pictures from the 75th event. And be sure to read our feature on page 22 by Delyth Fetherston-Dilke about a proposed exposure study which upholsterers are being invited to join, to look into the effects of flame-retardant chemicals.

It represents a real opportunity for AMUSF members to play a part in the current review of FR legislation and hopefully a move to a more sustainable future.

Until the next time…

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75 YEARS

REMEMBERED

The AMUSF’s 75th anniversary celebrations in September were a resounding success – despite taking place less than 24 hours after the shock news that the nation had lost its monarch of 70 years.

Members, students and suppliers from around the country attended the event at London’s Kensington Royal Garden Hotel. It was a day of busy networking around trade stands, displays, demonstrations and seminars and rounded off with the association’s 75th AGM. A formal gala dinner followed in the evening.

In tribute to the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, the AGM opened with a minute’s silence. Plans to distribute party balloons and whistles for some end-ofevening fun at the gala dinner were also cancelled to ensure the event was more in keeping with a nation in mourning.

But said association manager Manjeet Upple: “The whole event was a great success, if toned down a little from original plans given the sad news from the palace the previous evening.

“This did not deter from either the attendance or success of the trade event or

the enjoyment of the gala dinner. As the first real opportunity for everyone to get together since before the pandemic, people were genuinely delighted to meet up with old friends and colleagues and to make new contacts. The feedback we had was that a lot of people would like an annual event which brings people together.”

The event included a trade show featuring supplier stands, an exhibition by Second Sitters, a display by Fine Cell Work, highlights of the Frederick Parker Collection and AMUSF memorabilia.

There was also a series of talks and live demonstrations:

• Fabric walling expert Stephen Franklin gave an insight into his craft and talked about some of his incredible projects, including his work at the National Gallery.

TRAINING CENTRE OPEN DAYS

• New Chair of the AMUSF, Wendy Shorter-Blake, provided a unique look into the work of the legendary Bert Chapman MBE

• Alex Law talked about the use of new sustainable products and what they mean to the industry.

• Maureen Whitemore’s seminar showed how craftsmanship, collaboration and technology need to combine in the modern soft furnishings/design business.

• Roger Wates talked about William Morris designs and the history of the company. Said Manjeet: “The event represented months and months of planning and hard work and while it was tinged by the sadness of losing our Queen, both her 70 years’ of service to the nation and the association’s 75 years were remembered.”

PEAK OF SUCCESS

Students from the Upholstery Skills Centre seen celebrating their results at which the then chairman of AMUSF, Mark Enright, presented the awards and congratulated students on the high quality of their work. Students also won prizes from Sunbury Design, Harlequin and Martins Upholstery Supplies.

Friends and family joined students at St Albans Upholstery School (formerly Wendy Shorter Interiors) for a celebratory afternoon of sunshine and Pimms when Past Master Tony Smart presented their AMUSF certificates. Said owners Liz Alsop and Sari Margossian: “We are proud that 80% of our students achieved a Distinction for their traditional work.”

AMUSF member Ali Wright from Needle Rock Upholstery, (based in Llanrhystud Ceredigion) raised around £5000 for Cancer Research Wales over the Summer when she joined 14 other fundraisers aiming to climb the world’s highest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Said Ali: “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done! I managed to reach Lava Tower at 4600m, before having to make the difficult decision to descend after losing my struggle with altitude sickness. Eleven of the group were able to summit and in total the group raised £130,000 for this worthy cause.”

Newly installed President Paul March welcomes everyone to the Gala Dinner

Busy day on the trade stands

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Sell out success for Wendy

The AMUSF’s new chair and long-time training director, Wendy Shorter, has retired from her training school business after 16 years of running Wendy Shorter Interiors.

The centre is being taken over by Liz Alsop and her business partner Sari Margossian and has been renamed St Albans Upholstery School. Liz has been teaching AMUSF upholstery courses for Wendy since 2010 – she and Sari founded the St Albans Upholstery Studio in 2021, a collective of past students and other upholsterers taking on commercial work.

Said Wendy: “I have had an amazing time and met and taught some wonderful people who have produced some fabulous work.”

Wendy will continue to be heavily involved with the AMU in her new role as chairman.

Wendy is also chair of the Frederick Parker Collection (owned by the Worshipful Company

FAREWELL

FACES

Two of the AMUSF’s longest serving and most distinguished figures have stepped down from the board. Steve Chapman, whose family has been involved with the association for three generations, stepped down at this year’s AGM, along with Michael Gilham who has served on the board for some 40 years.

Steve retires after 17 years on the board, having followed in the footstep of his grandfather, Albert Chapman who joined the council, as it was then known, in 1955. His father Bertram later became involved, putting the family’s total length of service with the association at some 67 years.

Steve closed the prestigious family business, Albert E. Chapman, in July 2021, 90 years after it was believed to have been started in 1931.

Chapmans was renowned for undertaking some of the most prestigious work in the

of Furniture Makers) and, as a past Master, will retain her involvement with the Upholders as well as the Furniture Makers. She will also remain on the Fire Regs review panel.

Also keeping her busy is her involvement with collating the history of the Bert Chapman Fabric Archive.

Wendy officially retired from her business on September 1. She said: “I am sure that with Liz and Sari at the helm, the high standards we have achieved at the training centre over the years will continue.”

Heico Design Competition

The annual Heico Upholstery Design Competition is underway, with students across the country working all hours to complete their final designs.

Earlier this year AMUSF accredited training centres were given the opportunity to submit designs from which 10 were chosen to go through from initial concept stage to finished miniature chairs. Final judging takes place in early January.

land – at Windsor Castle, Hampton Court and Buckingham Palace. The business also did a lot of upholstery work at the Royal Mews, restoring the royal carriages, notably for the wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981. Chapmans held the Royal Warrant until 2021 when it closed.

Michael Gilham has seen many changes within both the association and the wider industry since he first joined the association in 1977. He held the position of chair of the then London branch, was elected to the old council and served as chairman of the board for many years. He held the office of president from 1994 to1996 and in more recent years has acted as vice-chair of the association.

Michael ran Gilains Interiors for more than 50 years although was himself in the industry for some 67 years having joined straight from school at the age of 15.

Said Stuart Elmy, Heico’s competition co-ordinator: “The competition had to go on hold during COVID, so we are delighted to have it up and running again. It gives students the opportunity to design a piece from scratch and use components they may not have much experience of using, such as crystal buttons and decorative nails. Winning designs take pride of place on our stand at the January Furniture Show at the NEC (January 22 – 25) which is a must visit for the great and good of furniture and design.

“Going forward we are really keen to get more students involved in the competition which is supported by both Heico and the BFM. We appreciate that it involves extra work but the potential rewards are well worth the time and effort. We would ask students on AMUSF courses to get involved and discuss with their training centres how they can enter next year.”

Work has already started on the design brief for the 2024 awards. It will be sent to all AMUSF training centres in early February.

Wendy Shorter heads towards retirement

Steve Chapman - left - and Michael Gilham

TO TWO OF THE AMUSF’S MOST FAMILIAR

Industry roundup

UPHOLSTERY STUDENTS AMONG WINNERS AT YOUNG FURNITURE MAKERS’ EXHIBITION

Upholstery students from some of the best training institutions in the UK were among the winners that exhibited at the Young Furniture Makers exhibition in the City of London on Wednesday 12 October.

Katie FitzJohn, a student of Wendy Shorter Interiors, and Victoria Morris, who studies at the Upholstery Skills Centre, both received awards during the exhibition’s evening ceremony, which is organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry.

Katie’s salvaged vintage embroidery chair was one of eight pieces selected to be part of a special feature at the 2023 edition of the January Furniture Show. Meanwhile, Victoria’s sculptural Dartmoor chair was awarded third place in the Textiles Award, sponsored by Sanderson Design Group.

The pair were among 100 emerging designer-makers invited to exhibit at the event, which was set up nearly 15 years ago for school children, students and graduates to showcase their work to the design community and connect with potential employers.

NBF latest mattress end of life report

The National Bed Federation’s (NBF’s) fourth report on the rate of mattress recycling in the UK has revealed a 5% increase in the number of mattresses being sent for recycling between 2017 and 2021. However, the ‘real’ rate of recycling - the fate of the mattresses or their components and materials after sorting and processing - is thought to be just14%.

Said Simon Spinks, chairman of the NBF’s Circular Economy Committee: “The positive take from this new report is that, in the eight years since

we have been looking at the data, the proportion of End of Life (EoL) mattresses sent for recycling has more than doubled – from just 10% to around 24% of the estimated 6.4 million mattresses reaching EoL.

“Less good news is that the real rate of recycling is significantly lower and we are still a long way short of our target of 75% diversion from landfill in the next six years. It is clear to us that intervention in the form of an Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme is required.”

BFM WARNS OF FOAM SHORTAGES

National trade body the British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM) has warned of shortages of foam used in upholstered furniture and mattresses across Europe throughout autumn.

As a result of TDI chemical shortages, it says that retailers and customers should be prepared for unexpected delays as manufacturers face sporadic supplies.

Sean Holt, MD of the BFM, said: “Manufacturers are battling extremely challenging circumstances, with national and international economic factors that are beyond their control.We are closely monitoring the situation.”

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

● Heimtextil (January 10 - 13, Messe, Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany): The international platform for home and contract textiles, the next Heimtextil will present a global range of product innovations as well as map market changes in products for interior designers and hospitality experts.

● January Furniture Show (January 22 – 25, NEC Birmingham): The annual showcase of classic and contemporary furniture, flooring, lighting and accessories returns to its regular Winter spot with some 50,000 plus new products and collections set to go on display.

● London Fabric Show (February 28 – March 1, ILEC Conference Centre, Earls Court): The BFM’s flagship event for fabric will include private showrooms on the exhibition floor and feature world renowned manufacturers and suppliers from across Europe including Italy, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Germany and the UK.

● Proposte (April 18 – 20, Villa Erba, Cernobbio, Como, Italy): The 30th edition, this free admission fair is reserved for sector operators belonging to textile publishers, upholstered furniture manufacturers, wholesalers, converters, large distribution chains and contract operators.

● Imm cologne (June 4 – 7 Koelnmesse, Germany): The international furnishing fair – back after two years – has moved from its usual January spot to June for 2023, on a one-off basis. The four-day event is said “to be adapting its concept to the challenges of a transformed market and repositioning itself.”

Katie FitzJohn chair from WCFM exhibition

Victoria Morris chair from WCFM exhibition

VINTAGE QUERY

Steve Cotton answers more member questions…and reflects on time well spent at the 75th anniversary celebrations.

QHow can I sell pre-1950’s furniture without fire labels on them? I have tried to do this and none of the second-hand shops will take my furniture?

AIn order to sell to a second-hand shop you would need to prove the item(s) are pre-1950’s and are therefore exempt from the regulations. The only other option would be to sell privately, e.g., via online selling sites.

QWhen re-upholstering seating and baize notice boards, what does the fabric need to be tested to, and is the test the same for seating and the notice boards?

AThe standards you need to consider are BS EN 1021-1:2014 Furniture. Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture - Ignition source smouldering cigarette and BS EN 1021-2:2014 Furniture. Assessment of

the ignitability of upholstered furnitureIgnition source match flame equivalent.

BS EN 13501-1 Fire classification of construction products and building elements. Classification using data from reaction to fire tests is the standard for testing spread of flame for building regulations and generally used for wall coverings. Notice boards fixed to a wall would normally fall under the scope of the building regulations, and therefore should be tested to EN 13501-1.

QDo I need to put fire labels onto everything that I upholster? What items of furniture do not require fire labels on them?

AAll domestic items which come under the UK Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (FFFSR) are required to have a permanent label.

For domestic items that are reupholstered, labelling would be

dependent on when the original furniture was produced. Any items produced pre-1950 and still upholstered in period correct materials would not need a label. For items partially upholstered, labelling would be dependent on what has been replaced and also what has been agreed with the customer.

As regards contract furniture, fire labels would be dependent on what is agreed with the customer, and the requirements of their risk assessment which would come under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO).

For further information email info@fira-international.com

FIRA JOINS AMUSF FOR 75TH EVENT

The Furniture Research Association was one of the supporters of the AMUSF 75th Anniversary event. Steve Cotton –technical specialist (physical upholstery and flammability) at FIRA International, the service provider to the Research Association – was on hand to help with flammability questions.

Said Steve: “The majority of queries concerned domestic products and the scope of the UK Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (FFFSR).

“A number of queries were also raised regarding the current review of the flammability regulations, and potential changes. There was also a strong focus from delegates concerning environmental issues caused by fire retardants, and whether there were more environmentally friendly methods to meet the current regulations.

“We enjoyed the opportunity to attend the event, meet other exhibitors and see the progress in the upholstery industry along with new innovations in materials.”

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

The AMUSF has a new chair and president.

Long-time board director and head of training, Wendy Shorter, has taken over as chair of the association while Paul Marsh takes over as president from former association manager and holder of office for the past four years, Richard Ranklin.

Other changes to the board announced at the AGM – held during the 75th anniversary celebrations in central London

– were:

• Carl Irving, Rachael South and Alex Law join the board as new members

• Frank Geoghegan becomes vice president

• Long-time board members Michael Gilham and Steve Chapman have stepped down from the board

• Maureen Whitemore and Louise Boyland were re-elected.

In his capacity as vice-chair Michael Gilham opened the meeting which began with a minute’s silence out of respect for the Queen who had died the day before, on Thursday September 8.

The historic meeting – held threequarters-of-a-century to the day since the association was formed on September 9, 1947 – heard messages of congratulations from both The Worshipful Company of Upholders and The Fellows.

Michael Gilham reported that many members were still struggling in the aftermath of COVID but others had full order books and were finding it difficult to recruit staff to tackle them.

It was also reported:

• that the association continues to enjoy an expanding number of training centres

• the sale of the former Cardiff office had

brought in some proceeds

• the upgraded new website was now running smoothly and allowing for easier processing of fees.

• changes to the FR regs and Chlld Safety regs were being carefully monitored to assess the effect on members

Finance director Peter Hubbard provided his annual summary of the association’s cash status, reporting that in the year ending March 2022, turnover was £148,113 – up £45K on the previous financial year. This figure chiefly consisted of member subs – £76K v last year’s £72K, representing an increase of £4K. Training income was £41K v last year £27K – up £14K. At the year-end there were 217 full members and 74 associate members. The association also received a significant donation from the Foulds family of £29.5K.

The gross margin was therefore showing a good improvement, year on year. At £100K this was almost £15K up on the previous year (excluding the donation from the trading numbers).

Overheads were up £4K over the year and while savings had been made with office expenses, this had been offset by higher employment costs.

All of this translated into a £5K profit for the year which, added to the donation, provided a full year profit of £36K.

Said Peter: “I believe this is a very good result given the circumstances of the previous year – and helped considerably by the generous donation from the Foulds family. The COVID lockdowns of 2021 seriously affected all our schools and members alike. We worked hard to bounce

back so these results are great to see. AMU cash in hand at the end of the year was £105,255, up some £54K on the previous year.

“During the year our investment property in Cardiff was sold, realising cash of £27K and a small profit of £1K. We have put this £27K on deposit, along with the Foulds’ donation: this equates to £57K which remains separated from our working cash flow. The remaining working cash was £48K, down year-on-year by £3K. During the year we spent some £6K of capital expenditure on a revision to our website.”

The AGM also heard that FUSS, the fabric buying arm of the AMUSF, had enjoyed a successful year. Turnover was £48K, up some £17K on 2021. Said Peter: “Fabric sales have really bounced back, post lockdown, and were up £13K to £36K for the year. This is the best year for fabric sales in the past 10 years.”

Overheads were very similar, year-on-year, at £1,600 resulting in a profit of £3,648 compared with a £2.7K loss the previous year, representing a swing of some £6K. FUSS cash in hand was £1,714 at the year end, down £2K on 2021.

He concluded with a look ahead to 2022/23: “The five-month figures to August 2022 show us combined sales for both businesses coming in at £50,224 versus £52,242 for the same period last year. We have seen improvement in the five-month year-on-year comparison with fabric sales up by £1K and member income also up by £1K. However, this has been offset by a like-for-like drop of £3K in training income.”

Wendy ShorterPaul MarshFrank Geoghegan

Steve Chapman Richard Ranklin Michael Gilham

Louise Boyland Rachael South Carl Irving Alex Law

Maureen Whitemore

As a fourth-generation family business, at Plumbs we take a great deal of pride in where we come from. This drives the high standards we hold today in every aspect of our business, from sales and production to customer service and aftercare.

For over 60 years Plumbs have been helping people re-invent their furniture and furnishings with our vast range of fabrics and personal in-home consultancy services. Whether it’s stretch covers or full reupholstery, Plumbs have assisted consumers in renewing their upholstery rather than replacing.

Our story and future developments all stem from passion. Not only for our product and customers, but for the industry as whole when we value good quality furniture and aim to restore it.

During this 60+ years, we have expanded our production capacity significantly to satisfy the huge demand for our products. In addition to our Head Office and factory in Preston where we employ 300+ people, we opened 4 regional factories, in Dover, Redhill, Thetford and Southampton. To compliment these factories, we also

sub-contractors (Technical Designers) throughout the UK. Plumbs Technical Designers, whether they be upholsterers or loose-cover makers, are a key part of the Plumbs business and they work with the full support of our Customer Service Teams to produce high quality, beautifully

Many of our Technical Designers have worked with us for over 10 years, some even 20+ years, so we understand the key factors that make partnerships in business work. We know that working with another company is very much a two-way thing. We understand the many hours of hard work and dedication that is required to build a successful business of whatever size, we ‘get it’ because we have done it and we work hand-in-hand with others

As the demand for reupholstery and loose covers continues to grow, we are always interested in hearing from

to produce quality products on a regular basis on behalf of Plumbs. So, if you are a UK based upholsterer or loose cover maker, who is looking to increase your workflow, then we would be delighted to hear from you. We offer as much or as little work as you require in a geographical area that is set by you. If you have spare capacity, then we can fill it to ensure that you fully maximise your production capacity.

We listened to feedback recently from our Technical Designers and as such, we reviewed our pay rates. Our reupholstery rates have increased significantly, so now there’s even more of a reason to get in touch and find out how we can work together to grow your business.

Please contact Andy Earnshaw, National TD Manager for more information. aearnshaw@plumbs.co.uk or 01772 838361

Picture Special A DAY TO REMEMBER

The AMUSF’s 75th anniversary celebrations in London brought together members, students and suppliers from far and wide. Here’s a quick flavour of the day – pictures from the Gala dinner can be seen on page 20.

AMUSF Day to Remember

T-shirt fun

Michael Gilham visits the Martins Upholstery stand

Steve Franklin demonstrates the art of fabric walling

A warm welcome to the event for delegates

Part of the Second Sitters exhibition

New FUSS member Julia Brendel – right – gets interest on her fabric stand

A chance to

Some of the AMUSF memorabilia on show

fun Part of the Frederick Parker Collection on display Delegates from far and near attended the show to show off latest products

Roger Wates gives his talk on William Morris Designs and the history of the company

Part of the line-up of popular talks

Manjeet Upple (left) and Richard Ranklin prepare for a busy day

A chance to catch up, network and browse the stands

Seen on the Walter Reginald stand (family run leather merchants established 1948) are - left - Natalie Saxony-Farbey with Bianca Nilsson

• Use a contrast fabric to add a mitred border to the cover, add micro piping to the border seam to introduce further detail.

• Add shaping to the corners of front and back sections when cutting so that they can be tied in decorative knots. These also need to be lined (free instructions on how to do this can be found online).

• Create a gathered sunburst (round) cushions by sewing a rectangle of fabric into a loop and gathering both long

edges to a central point to enclose the pad. Stitch a large button or other medallion into the centre to cover the edges of the gathering. If you want to add piping or trim to the outside edge of the finished cushion this is easily done by setting it into the middle of the fabric rectangle before gathering.

• Create depth to a cushion by creating Turkish corners. Here you make the cover slightly larger than the finished dimensions and gather each corner on

the wrong side before turning through and putting in the pad. If you want to pipe the seam then you create gathered corners on the front and back separately, pipe the front section, then seam the two together.

• If you use a striped fabric, you can cut the front and back panels into quarters and turn them to create interesting effects before seaming back together.

• With a little extra planning and hand sewing, you can make a French mattress boxed cushion. Here the cover is slightly larger than the inner, then borders are hand stitched after putting the inner in place. These are commonly used as bench or floor cushions.

For more information on these suggestions, look online or at Pinterest where there are lots of photos and free tutorials.

OLD SCHOOL TIES

Name of business St Albans Upholstery School and Studio

When established 2022 rebrand following purchase of Wendy Shorter Interiors

Owned by Liz Alsop and Sari Margossian

Location Colney Heath, St Albans

Speciality Upholstery Training and Collective Workshop

Number employed Four

How long have you been doing your job?

Liz: Upholstery as a hobby, 30 years; as a profession, 14 years.

Sari: I started in 2015 on a leisure class with Liz, fell in love with it and qualified in 2018.

How long did it take to really learn the skill?

Sari: Every frame, every project is different. The learning is ongoing.

Do you consider yourself a craftsperson or tradesperson?

Liz: A bit of both helps, but for me the teaching is also a strong third element.

What aspect of your work do you most enjoy?

Sari: Meeting people, hearing their stories, learning about their piece of furniture, and seeing their smile when they get the reformed piece back.

Professionally, what is your greatest frustration?

Liz: Access to quality materials that are affordable.

Sari: The need to become faster and more efficient.

Tell us about the most challenging project you have ever undertaken.

Liz: Restaurant seating we had to produce overnight which was a stretch. Time pressure always feels like our greatest challenge.

And the most unusual/bizarre/funny request you have ever dealt with?

Sari: A Spanish commode (a furry toilet –the worst idea ever!).

What are the most pressing issues currently facing your business?

Liz: Health and our exposure to chemicals in the materials we use.

Sari: Also, the general economic situation of everything going up in price.

How long have you been a member of the AMUSF and how important has this been to your business?

Liz: Our training centre is a long-standing member of the AMUSF and we have inherited that association. It is the life-blood of upholstery education.

Professionally who or where do you turn to for advice / a second opinion?

Liz and Sari: Other upholsterers are the most supportive and helpful gang to belong to. Working collaboratively is so much better than working alone.

When you talk to a fellow upholsterer/soft furnisher, the talk always turns to …?

Liz: Fabrics - what’s hot, what’s new, what’s nice to work with. That and new scars.

How do you keep your skills and techniques updated?

Liz: An extensive library, the online community and excellent way we share images and methods.

What is the single most important piece of advice you would give to someone starting out in this business?

Sari: Believe in yourself, think big and never give up.

Where do you see the future of the industry?

Sari and Liz: The reuse of resources and sustainable materials. We are fortunate that upcycling and recycling is right on trend but there will always be a need for people who are skilled and can mend/ upgrade things.

What has been your proudest professional moment?

Liz: Being asked to work on furniture at Hatfield House.

Sari: Whenever Liz says she couldn’t have done it better herself. Then you know you’ve hit a good standard of work!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR BUSINESS TO BE FEATURED ON THE MEMBER PROFILE PAGE, CONTACT EDITOR JAN TURNER AT jan@akapr.co.uk

Liz Alsop seen left with Sari Margossian – St Albans Upholstery School

THE 75th ANNIVERSARY GALA DINNER

A

glittering evening of speeches, tributes and a chance to network and catch up with friends and colleagues old and new…

After all the hard work AMUSF manager Manjeet Upple and and office manager Susan Tyler relax and raise a glass

Past chairman Jerry Appleyard speaks at the Gala Dinner

Guests take their place for the Gala Dinner

The dancing gets underway

Derek and Karen Caplen

Hazel and Cyril Knight

All set for a great night out

The night draws to a close as Manjeet Upple and Wendy Shorter-Blake announce the raffle prize winners

FIRE ALARM

Former lawyer and upholsterer Delyth Fetherston-Dilke is appealing for upholsterers to take part in a proposed exposure study into flame retardant chemicals. Concerned about the risk upholsterers face from working with fire retardant treated furniture, Delyth – a Journeyman with the Guild of Traditional Upholsterers – has already collected more than 1,000 signatures supporting her open letter to MP Paul Scully, asking for a safer alternative to achieve fire protection.

Here, Delyth talks about the planned study and sets out her case for a move to a more sustainable future, where furniture and bedding is fire resistant by design rather than by being soaked in FR chemicals.

A UK environmental sciences team is planning a new research project measuring the exposure of upholsterers in the workshop to flame retardant chemicals. The university study is at the funding application stage but knowing there are enough upholsterers willing to take part will increase the chances of success.

The intention is to assess whether there is any risk from the exposure levels detected and so assist the government in its current review of FR legislation. Chemicals, unlike medicine, are not tested on humans prior to sale, so a trial that measures human exposure would be a positive step forward.

Flame retardant chemicals are added to foam, coir, FR calico, FR cotton felt, rubberised hair and many top fabrics in the UK.

The chemicals are added to comply with the ‘open flame’ requirements of the 1988 Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations. But there is serious doubt that the use of these chemicals achieves a meaningful fire safety benefit and in a fire situation they exacerbate the smoke toxicity. Europe, for instance, does not have a residential open flame test and does not use chemicals in its top fabrics, yet its fire death statistics remain similar to the UK.

There are a host of targeted practical measures that could be taken combined with a top fabric smoulder test to improve fire safety: improved self-extinguishing cigarettes; more mains powered smoke alarms; linking smoke alarms in homes of the frail or elderly to a centralised monitoring system or neighbourhood watch; isolating foam from ignition sources in white goods and home insurance suppliers incentivising mains powered smoke alarms.

A growing body of scientific studies link flame retardant chemicals to infertility, endocrine disruption (such as

thyroid problems), neurotoxicity (such as reducing IQ levels in children) and cancer.

This has already prompted the United States to change its law and replace the open flame test with a smoulder test. As the US Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association points out: “We believe the risk associated with the use of these chemicals is greater than the fire risk from furniture without flame retardants.”

The UK government has long been aware that many flame-retardant chemicals are problematic. In 2019 it released an environmental audit, ‘Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life’, calling attention to the flame retardants. Yet the 1988 Regulations are still ‘under review’.

AMUSF members can now play their part in influencing the way forward by taking part in the proposed study –further details of which will be available in due course.

To register your interest, please contact manjeet.upple@amusf.org or admin@amusf.org

SOCIAL STANDING

We take another snapshot look at the online world where proudly showcasing latest projects and commissions, promoting new ventures, asking for help, finding words of wisdom – or simply laughing at the lighter side of life, is there for all to see.

There’s always plenty going on at the Bristol Upholstery Collective. First this ‘pat on the back’ for Stage 3 student Jacqui Stephens (Jac @brookend_upholstery):

“So good it deserves a feed spot! Stunning work by Jac @brookend_upholstery

What a beauty! Those perfectly spaced domed nails are to die for

This gorgeous Stage 3 Traditional project was completed by Jac at @brookendupholstery. A truly wonderful upholsterer, and a frequent teacher at BUC.An absolutely stunning transformation. Well done Jac!

And some festive fun (right) on the cards too:

Meanwhile over on the Professional Upholsterers’ Forum UK group page, Christine Howard clearly made an unusual find when she stripped down this chair:

Every picture tells a story – and Instagram is full of them, with the Upholstery Skills Centre seizing the opportunity to promote its two-day leather restoration course.

Meanwhile, in deepest Wales, The Traditional Upholstery Workshop showcased this finished piece from student Joy Lewis:

And finally…wise words from ‘Restoration Man’ himself, spotted on the Jay Blades Twitter feed – his Thought for The Day

Get your business seen by over 15,000 people on our AMUSF social channels. Promote your business for free to thousands of potential customers through AMUSF’s Instagram, Facebook and Twitter channels.

Follow the links below to find AMUSF on social media and make sure you like our pages to stay up to date with all our latest news and events. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.amusf/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/THE_AMUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_amusf/

A regular schedule of content is published on the AMUSF’s social media platforms (Facebook: @the.amusf; Instagram: @the_amusf; Twitter:@THE_AMUSF) and members are encouraged to share their own posts and also include the hashtag #AMUSF so content can be repurposed for the association’s social media pages.

IN THE HOTSEAT...

…With Stephen Franklin, Director, FaMU

How would you most like to be remembered?

As someone who always did their best, who was a good husband and father, was loved, helped everyone who needed help, and will be missed.

How would classmates at school have described you?

My nickname was ‘Billy Whizz’ as I was very slight and ran everywhere. I had long hair in school so my Dad took me to the barbers and gave me a crewcut which stuck up at the front.

How did you get into this business?

My brother Peter was working at Harrods Depository in Hammersmith and saw their upholsterers making beautiful furniture and mentioned this to me. It sounded like the sort of job I wanted to do. A position came up in 1974 for an apprentice upholsterer – the rest is history.

What would you class as your greatest achievement?

My two daughters Emilia and Josephine –both incredible, amazing individuals.

Is your glass half empty or half full?

Half full. We aren’t here very long and life is so fleeting, so I try to look on the bright side and enjoy every day.

Who has been your greatest inspiration and why?

My Father, Robert. He was a hardworking, honest man but suffered from Dyslexia, which I have inherited. This was not understood at the time, so he struggled through life – but this didn’t stop him achieving his aims which inspired me to persevere.

Your perfect day?

Because my job takes me away from home, just to spend a little time at home with my family and Pippin the whippetand a pub lunch.

Doer or talker?

Definitely a doer, although I also talk a lot! However, I don’t talk if I can’t also do. Having taught traditional and modern upholstery since 1980 and been in the business for nearly 49 years, there’s not much in the trade I haven’t done!

Your desert island disc? Boston, More Than a Feeling.

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

Something arty or crafty – possibly a silversmith or jeweller. I love cooking too, so maybe a chef?

What’s in your living room? What’s not in my living room! I love art and antiques and my wife and daughters

are all incredibly talented artists. Suffice it to say, it’s not minimalist.

What winds you up? Inequality, unfairness and nepotism.

If you could do it all over again what would you do differently?

I would try to achieve a better work/ life balance. Very difficult at times with the variety and distance of the work I undertake.

Best piece of advice to someone starting out?

Do something you love, something that you look forward to doing every day. And don’t be intimidated or undermined, by anyone.