Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December 2018-Feb2019

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December/January/February 2018-19

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

Upholstery Supplies | Sofa Legs and Sofa Feet | Upholstery Nails | Brass Castors

Launching at January Furniture Show New Upholstery Threads Range – Stand 1-A30 www.heico-direct.co.uk

Ironic Twist

Farewell Doris

Onwards and Upwards

Restoration story ends in glory

The loss of a legend

AGM special report

Official journal of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers

www.upholsterers.co.uk

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Comment

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

Jan Turner Editor

Heico will be launching their new Upholstery Thread Range at the January Furniture Show at the NEC. The company will also be launching their new Metal Leg designs, Chair Swivel Bases and Plastic Furniture Leg ranges on their stand A30 in Hall 1.

All their new products will be available via www.heico-direct.co.uk in January.

December/January /February 2018-19

Upholsterer & Soft Furnis her

Restoration story ends

in glory

Farewell Doris The loss of a legend

Onwards and Upw ards

Official journal of the Association of Mast er Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers

AGM special report

www.upholsterers.c o.uk

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher Editor: Jan Turner, AKA PR T: 01756 795374 F: 01756 798789 E: editorial@upholsterers.co.uk Advertising Sales: 01732 441133 Published and Printed by Knockout Print Unit 2 The Coppice, Petteridge Lane, Matfield TN12 7LP Registered in England no. 07263132

Cyril, a past president and director of the association and member of FAMU, has been a particularly active member of the association in the past, as an extract he forwarded from the AMUSF annual report for 1988/89 makes mention. Along with other illustrious figures of the day – Dorothy Gates, Bert Chapman, Robert Henderson and Clifford Lomas – Cyril was on a committee dedicated to developing qualification guidelines for the old NCVQs. As the annual report from the time points out “training in the craft has always received high priority by the AMU as it is today’s apprentices who are tomorrow’s craftsmen”.

The committee apparently discussed the matter with the City and Guilds Institute and even the DTI with whom it was necessary “to point out the differences between manufacturing and the traditional craft…to try to persuade the powers that be, that the AMU should be the lead body for this section”.

Today the AMUSF continues to bang the drum for training, and in particular the need for a rigorous apprenticeship programme. As the current AMUSF director of training Wendy Shorter knows only too well, this has been a long, arduous and frequently frustrating process but she is now working on a pilot scheme with an apprentice at William Hands in High Wycombe, delivering some of the traditional skills for her Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship (see page 8).

Interestingly another snippet from Cyril is an article from the association journal about the then Guildhall University’s annual prize giving ceremony. Printed in August 1997, one of the pictures features a very youthful looking upholstery lecturer – Malcolm Hopkins – who is also pictured in this issue (see page 20) in his capacity as outgoing president of the AMUSF. The university is now known as the CASS and its 2018 prize giving events are also featured in this issue (see page 7).

!

Ironic Twist

It’s always a pleasure to hear from members, so I was delighted to receive a package of ‘snippets’ from someone who will be known to many of you – Cyril Knight.

Also found in the bundle of goodies from Cyril is a copy of the association’s April 1980 monthly bulletin. It carried a fullpage report about associate member R. Mould who had, rather excitingly, enjoyed a spot of celebrity mingling when the then ‘well known television and radio personality’ Ted Moult officially opened the company’s new warehouse, office and showroom facility in Nottingham.

Among AMUSF representatives attending the day was the then association manager Doris Fisher. Again, how things come full circle – Doris is also featured in this issue, sadly to mark her passing in September this year. The face of the AMUSF between 1950 and 1990, Doris will be remembered by many – see page 12 for more information about her.

Finally, just as the 1988/89 annual report sent in by Cyril paints a picture of an association fuelled by purpose and full of plans, so does our own report from this year’s AGM (see pages 20 and 22) at which outgoing chairman Martin Pickard wished everyone “continued success in the year ahead as this wonderful organisation goes into its 72nd year”.

Until the next time….

Jan Turner www.upholsterers.co.uk

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04_USF_1218.qxp:000_IM_0017 27/11/2018 16:34 Page 1

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Contents News

AMUSF Contacts

6&7

AMUSF News Update and Branch Briefings

8

Industry News

10

Ask FIRA

Features

Head Office Association General Manager: Richard Ranklin E: richard.ranklin@upholsterers.co.uk Office Manager: Susan Tyler E: admin@upholsterers.co.uk

12

Tribute to Doris Fisher

14 & 15 Case Study: An Ironic Twist 16 & 17 MyDecozo

The Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers Ltd, (AMUSF Ltd), Chancery Court, Lincoln’s Inn, Lincoln Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 3RE Tel: 01494 429340 E: enquiries@upholsterers.co.uk Website: www.upholsterers.co.uk

18

Member Profile: Richard O’Hanlon-Smith of Passmore

20 & 22 Special Report: AGM 24

Expert Advice: Stitching a Blind Row

26

In the Hotseat: Maggi Loughran

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Contact: Livedale Foam & Sundries, Unit D Enterprise Court, Seaman Way, Wigan, Lancs WN2 2AG T: 01942 825144 E: info@livedale.co.uk www.livedale.co.uk 2. Peter Cook International has increased their range of Queen Anne style legs. Martin Cave, General Manager, explains more; “The Queen Anne range is produced here in the UK and has proven popular for us since we launched two years ago. We still felt there was room for improvement and took the decision to stock more sizes and fixing methods. We can now stain in a wider range of colours which customers are being very receptive to”.

Peter Cook International, Aneal Business Centre, Cross Green Approach, Leeds LS9 0SG. Tel: 0113 235 1111 Email: sales@petercookint.com Peter Cook International (Trentside), Unit 2 Acton Avenue, Off Fields Farm Road, Long Eaton NG10 1GA. Tel: 0115 946 0006 Email: trentside@petercookint.com 3. Merrick & Day. Curtain-making products as used by professionals. In fact, everything, except the fabric, to make professional looking curtains and Roman blinds. Order online or phone for next day delivery. Free next day cutting service on all Merrick & Day Roman blind headrails. Fibreglass rods and flat bottom bars included when ordered with a headrail. Large or small orders. Trade and retail welcome.

Merrick & Day Ltd Tel:01652 648814 www.merrick-day.com

If you have a new product that you would like to be included in the next edition, just send in a high resolution image, 50 words of text and contact details to advert@upholsterers.co.uk – cost £99

www.upholsterers.co.uk

5

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AMUSF news roundup

CASS AWARDS

FESTIVE COMEBACK The legendary Frederick Palmer book, Practical Upholstering – extracts of which are regularly featured in this magazine – is due to go to print this Christmas.

The book, originally printed back in 1921, and still regarded by craft upholsterers as the ‘bible’ of the trade, was reprinted a number of times in the last century. But when low stocks at the AMUSF office prompted the need for a further reprint some two or three years ago, it was discovered the original artwork had been lost: and the cost or producing it all over again would be prohibitive.

Now, thanks to a legacy from the estate of upholsterer Ralph Martin, who passed away last year, work continues with the preparation of the book. Said association manager Richard Ranklin: “We hope to be able to go to print before Christmas. The board and all members of the AMUSF are extremely grateful for this legacy and look forward to many more practitioners benefiting from this publication once more becoming available.

“Frederick Palmer himself died many years ago and it’s amazing to think that despite all the advances and technology that have come along to change peoples’ lives in the last century, nearly 100 years on from when it was first published, demand for his book is now as great – if not greater – than when it was first printed all those years ago!”

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The 2018 CASS Design Industry Upholstery and Furniture Awards and the AMUSF accredited certification awards took place at London Metropolitan University at two separate presentation ceremonies.

Presenting the Livery Awards on behalf of the Worshipful Company of Upholders were the master upholder, Tim Solway; warden to the trade, Steven Chapman; and company clerk, Susan Nevard: • Intermediate Upholstery Skills: 1st, Barbara Paleka; 2nd, Karine Verquin; joint highly commended, Nicola Villars and Sian Cashman.

• Advanced Upholstery Skills: 1st, Melissa Appel; 2nd, Kathryn Whiting; highly commended, Victoria Turner.

• Derek Austin Award: 1st, Barnaby Lewis; 2nd, Moe Redish; joint highly commended, Krishma Sokhal and Jinwoo Sea. Malcolm Hopkins, AMUSF president, presented the newly named Margaret Johnson Memorial Award for first year

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2018-19

students for stuff and stitch work: 1st, Barbara Paleka; 2nd, Sophie Timson.

Stuart Elmy, marketing manager for Heico Fasteners presented awards to students for the Heico Design Competition: Emily Bouzane des Mazery won the Joan Milton award given by the BFM and six students were highly commended.

The AMUSF accredited certifications awards took place in July when nearly 100 upholstery short course students were presented with their Stage 1 (Craft), Stage 2 (Intermediate Craft) and Stage 3 (Diploma) certificates at The Cass. AMUSF president, Malcolm Hopkins, presented the certificates alongside tutors Franco Marinelli (course organiser), Matthew Gates, Rachael South, Alex Law and Vanessa Butt.

Said Franco Marinelli: “The award winners are not only representing themselves but also their peers. All students should remember there are only winners and no losers. Awards are a way to inculcate competitive spirit”.

Above: AMUSF awards at The CASS. Below: Livery Award winners at The CASS

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AMUSF news roundup

TREK TO HONOUR JOAN David Hayes has paid tribute to his late wife Joan Milton, one of the AMUSF’s greatest champions, by placing a new brick in her honour in the Great Wall of China.

Exactly one year on from her death on October 27, 2017, David was able to lay the stone at the World Heritage Site on the last day of the October 19 27 trek in aid of Nightingale Hospice in Wrexham where Joan spent her last few weeks.

Said David: “As one of a group of 25 on the trip, we have raised over £70,000 to date – enough to pay the wages of three full time palliative nurses for 12 months.

“After the bricks were laid and we had a

group photo, I cracked open a special 10-year-old malt whisky that Joan and I bought on a holiday together on the Isle of Jura and shared it with the group in a toast to Joan.

“My Just Giving page currently stands at around £2,300 and will remain open until around December to sweep up any late donations.

The hospice has 12 beds and needs to raise over £3 million each year to keep going. It only receives 20% of its funding from the NHS, so the money we have raised will make a real difference”.

Anyone who would like to contribute and help the group fund a fourth nurse can visit justgiving.com/joangreatwalktribute

BSUF graduation The students from the British School of Upholstered Furniture on graduation day. Certificates were given out by Philip Wellesley-Davis, chair of the Guild of Upholsterers, who was impressed by the high standard of work produced by the students.

ALL A BOARD The AMUSF has a new look board.

At the 2018 AGM in October (see pages 20 and 22 for a full report), Paul Marsh from the Upholstery Skills Centre in Essex and Carol Arnell from Carol Arnell Design Studio in Suffolk were welcomed on to the board. Richard Ranklin (association manager) and Penny Bruce (Denton Drapes) were elected president and vice president for the forthcoming term. Standing down on the day were chairman Martin Pickard and retiring president Malcom Hopkins.

Said Richard Ranklin: “During the year, Ron Mercure resigned from the board and we thank him for his many years’ service.

We also had to say thank you and goodbye to Martin Pickard who has led the board with vigour and enthusiasm over the past two years. We shall miss his vision and leadership.”

Big 10 for Heico awards Heico Fasteners will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its upholstery design competition at the January Furniture Show (Birmingham NEC January 20 – 23).

The competition, held in partnership with the AMUSF and BFM, challenges design inspired upholstery students to create a scaled down chair design that incorporates products from the company’s extensive range of decorative furniture nails, brass castors, crystal buttons and wooden legs.

Said Stuart Elmy, Heico marketing manager: “We have selected those designs now through to the final round and, I have to say, our judges will yet again have quite a task on their hands selecting the winning designs”.

A recent addition to the competition has been the BFM sponsored prize, awarded to the design with the most potential to go into serial production. Last year the award was renamed the ‘BFM Joan Milton Award’ in dedication to the popular former director of the AMUSF who played an integral and much respected role in the competition over the years as chair of the judging panel.

As well as hosting the competition awards ceremony at the show (Sunday January 20, 2pm), Heico will launch its new ranges of upholstery threads, chair swivel bases, metal legs and staples.

These will be available online at heico-direct.co.uk.

Tilly Stokes with her winning chair in the 2018 Heico Awards

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

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Industry roundup

UPHOLSTERY FIRM TAKES ON SEVEN APPRENTICES

EXHIBITION ROUNDUP Reviews

Northumberland College apprentices, including Callum McPhail, have reaped huge benefits from standardsbased learning at luxury upholstered furniture manufacturer, George Smith.

As a pilot scheme gets underway to deliver traditional upholstery skills in the workplace with a company in High Wycombe, another Cramlington-based company has taken on seven apprentices to help meet demand for its luxury upholstered furniture.

George Smith Upholstery is working closely with Northumberland College to train the apprentices who join the company’s 95-strong workforce. The college has also gone one step further to support George Smith by enabling one of its upholsterers to be a technical tutor on the apprenticeship programme in order to deliver a highly structured and robust, commerciallydriven course.

Jim Athey, operations director at George Smith explained: “The nature of our products demand the very highest levels of skill and craftmanship, and individuals of this calibre simply cannot be hired in a traditional recruitment sense. Therefore, the training and development of apprentices is absolutely critical to our success and more importantly, the continued growth of our business.

“We have established a very strong working partnership with Northumberland College and it has supported us greatly in terms of creating, developing and delivering a

8

tailored upholstery apprenticeship programme that meets our exact business requirements. The relationship is essential in supporting our apprentices’ success as we have been able to teach the correct knowledge, craft and theory on the shop floor and also on campus”.

Said AMUSF director of training Wendy Shorter: “AMUSF qualifications do not attract funding for government approved apprenticeships. Employers wanting to take on apprentices on a full time basis can access the funding, but this has to be accessed and delivered through one of the Skills Funding Agency’s approved training providers.

“The apprenticeship then has to be delivered in-house with the company buying in any part of the apprenticeship standard that they do not have access to, or are not qualified to deliver. I am working with an apprentice at William Hands in High Wycombe, delivering some of the traditional skills for her Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship. This is a pilot scheme for us to see how it works in practice. The apprenticeships currently available are designed to deliver the individual company’s requirements in-house and are not necessarily as comprehensive as our own qualifications”.

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2018-19

G Decorex International (Syon Park, London, September 16–19): Decorex International celebrated another year as the capital’s leading design destination as it returned to the prestigious grounds of Syon Park for its 41st edition. The four-day showcase drew 14,903 highprofile interior designers and trade visitors from a whole range of sectors, including furniture, lighting, textiles and interiors.

G NBF Bed Show (Telford International Centre, September 18–19): Once again, the annual two-day showcase for the bed industry celebrated the very best in beds. Exhibitors pulled out all the stops to deliver some quality, eye-catching stands and some exciting new products. Winners of the 2018 Bed Industry Awards included Harrison Spinks, Millbrook UK and Maes Mattress Ticking. Dates for the 10th anniversary Bed Show are 17th and 18th September 2019.

Previews G Heimtextil (Frankfurt am Main, January 8–11): The biggest international trade fair for home and contract textiles, Heimtex is a wellestablished climate and trend barometer for the new business year.

G The Interior Business Event (imm, Cologne, January 14–20): The first interiors show of the year offers a global scale insight into the trends that will be shaping the furniture and interiors sector – from the basics all the way to designer items and luxury furnishings.

G January Furniture Show (Birmingham NEC, January 20–23 2019): The ‘Big One’ for furniture and interiors buyers, the JFS is the UK’s largest furniture event and perfectly timed to reveal the newest launches, the biggest names and the freshest trends. New for 2019 are the bed zone and lighting section. www.januaryfurnitureshow.com

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Ask FIRA

HORSES FOR COURSES Steve Cotton, FIRA International’s technical specialist for flammability and physical upholstery, answers more questions from members.

I’m told horse hair and some other natural fibres burn readily as a loose filling but only smoulder when tightly stuffed in a chair thereby making it a compliant filling. Is this correct?

Q

This is dependent on the type of filling in question, as fillings react differently when flammability

A

tested.

However, most fillings will burn more when loosely packed compared to when tightly packed. This is mainly related to the increased airflow in loosely packed fillings. It is still possible for some filling materials to burn, even when tightly packed as they burn across the surface of the fillings. The smouldering will also vary with each type of filling, with natural ones having a higher propensity to smoulder, especially if manufactured from plant materials. Smouldering is affected less by how tightly packed a filling is compared to the effect it has on the flaming.

When tested, fillings should be packed into the test rig at the density they would be packed to for use in the final product, giving a greater indication of the risk of flaming and/or smouldering. To be compliant the filling is required to pass the relevant schedule from the domestic

flammability regulations. As such, the filling must be flaming and smouldering within a specified time limit, alongside meeting any damage criteria specified within the schedule.

Do the FR regulations state any size or dimensions below which a piece of upholstery would be exempt from compliance?

Q A

The regulations themselves do not specify sizes for any products, they specify the types and components of upholstered furniture types which are covered. However, there are industry guidelines that specify sizes for some products and this helps determine whether something is a floor cushion or scatter cushion; or a seat cushion or seat pad; as this affects the routes to compliance that need to be followed.

I’m making a decorative panel to hang on a domestic wall from a non FR fabric. Is this classed as a piece of upholstery which needs to be compliant or is it treated the same as a curtain?

Q

A decorative panel to be hung on a wall in a domestic environment would not be covered by the domestic regulations as it is not deemed to be furniture. In addition, it’s not considered to be upholstered unless there is a layer of filling material under the fabric. In this instance, even if the wall hanging was deemed to be furniture, it would be considered as non-upholstered so would still not be covered by the domestic regulations.

A

For more information on FIRA International visit www.fira.co.uk, email info@fira.co.uk or call 01438 777 700.

10

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2018-19

FURNITURE INDUSTRY RESEARCH ASSOCIATION UPDATE The Furniture Industry Research Association held its annual reception at the House of Lords on September 11.

Now in its 22nd year the reception, hosted by Baroness Warsi, was attended by more than 200 guests.

The event was among the association’s highlights during a busy third quarter of 2018 which also included Lebus Upholstery attaining Certified Company status under the ‘Compliance Scheme for the Fire Performance of Upholstered Furniture’.

A mid-year performance review of the furniture industry was also published. It showed that the first quarter of 2018 had remained strong at £2.2 billion, with growth seen in mattress manufacturing and the contract furniture sector.

Towards the end of September, the Research Association published its latest standards update, which included details of nine new standards. There was also a focus on monitoring REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals) with a new update report being released, detailing the latest additions and updates to substances of very high concern (SVHCs).

For more information on FIRA International and the Furniture Industry Research Association visit www.fira.co.uk, email info@fira.co.uk or call 01438 777 700.

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Feature

FAREWELL DORIS

Doris Fisher seen front left at the AMUSF 70th Birthday in 2017 along with 10 past presidents

The funeral of Doris Fisher, the legendary face of the AMUSF between 1950 and 1990, took place at Golders Green Crematorium on Friday October 12. U&SF takes a look back at her life with the association.

Doris Fisher first stepped into the world of the AMUSF nearly 70 years ago. She was “just a young girl” when she began her career, working in a secretarial role for founder Francis Vaughan on a part-time basis. Over the next few years, she was to learn the trade and develop an understanding of the association that she took over and ran from the 1970s.

Interviewed for U&SF magazine in 2010, Doris told us: “When I started out I had no prior knowledge and certainly no practical skill in the upholstery and soft furnishings trade. As there was just Mr Vaughan and I in the North Kensington office, I quickly took a lot in. Through attending meetings, taking minutes, organising and attending conferences, I started to build an understanding and passion for the industry”.

During Doris’ time at the AMUSF, the furnishings industry changed as new rules and regulations were brought in. She said: “The industry had to learn how to adapt

12

and continue running with the new restrictions in place. I remember the foam and fire regulations coming in and having a huge impact on the way products were manufactured. Taxes were constantly changing too, up and down, we had to be flexible and able to adjust”.

The organisation changed during her years in office too, publicising the work it did and introducing conferences and branch meetings. Doris remembered the annual conferences as one of the highlights of the year with members travelling from all parts of the country to the many different locations. In the 1960s, an association members’ exhibition was introduced on the final day of conference.

Among other significant events she spoke of was that of joining up with the Worshipful Company of Upholders in 1952. She said: “By being associated with us, the company could start to rebuild and renew contacts and because of this

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2018-19

partnership we were able to offer apprenticeship schemes”.

As she grew in confidence, stature and esteem, Doris became a regular on the speakers’ circuit, invited to a variety of events such as AMUSF council meetings, lectures and conferences. And it is a mark of the esteem that she continued to be held in, that she was invited as guest-ofhonour at the AMUSF’s 70th anniversary celebrations in 2017.

For Doris, it was always about the people. As she told us in 2010: “When I look back at the time spent with the AMUSF, it is the people I remember, the friendly and warm nature of the members.

Everyone was there for each other, eager to help and happily working together”.

• Born in 1924, Doris passed away at the age of 93. Current association manager Richard Ranklin was among a good representation of AMUSF members who attended the funeral.

13_USF_1218.qxp:000_USF_1217 29/11/2018 15:14 Page 1

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14-15_USF_0918.qxp:00-00_USF_0017 15/11/2018 16:02 Page 14

Case study “I am delighted with the work that David has achieved under the excellent attention of Liz with a little guidance from me, but lots of reassurance and a ready supply of plasters for David’s sore fingers from all the handstitching involved. David certainly deserved the distinction he achieved for his Stage 3 Diploma.”

IRONIC TWIST Liz Alsop, lead tutor at Wendy Shorter Interiors, recounts how upholstery student David Groombridge tackled the challenges involved in restoring an iron back chair – with a twist. efore embarking on any upholstery project, you need a mental picture of the end result. This is usually based on the shape of the piece before you start to rip it down. But in this particular case, it was quite the reverse – we were trying to restore the chair to the style and shape it might originally have had, based on the unusual iron-back frame we found underneath the upholstery.

The only indication that we might be dealing with something a bit different was the unexpected movement in the back. Was it broken or did it have loose joints? The action felt too smooth for that to be the case. It felt sprung in some way, but how?

Stripping away the layers, we discovered that previously the back had been deepbuttoned, that the full arms were a later addition, and that the reclining action came from two large flat-coil springs at the front of the arms. If only chairs brought with them a service logbook of work done and changes made, we would be able to understand them better! But we are left to deduce and imagine how they would have looked. Essential sources of help are similar pieces upholstered and shared by others, and the invaluable historic furniture catalogues.

Thanks to an almost identical frame upholstered by Michael Bowden and exhibited by the Guild of Traditional Upholsterers, we were pointed in the direction of a drawing by the furniture maker Lawford, dating from 1855. It shows a frame of almost exactly the same shape and proportions, with a circular feature on either arm that could certainly

Wendy Shorter

B

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Iron back chair frame before restoration

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2018-19

have enclosed a flat-coil spring. Even the shape of the legs and other show-wood was a close match. This picture became the model for what we hoped to recreate.

The three biggest problems to overcome were: how to maintain the right amount of movement in the back; how to shape the arm plates; how to enclose the flatcoil springs.

There is a great deal of power in the flat-coil springs and whatever system had originally held down the back had broken; a fraying cord now doing the job. We used three strips of black and white webbing, doubled over the frame

14-15_USF_0918.qxp:00-00_USF_0017 15/11/2018 16:02 Page 15

Case study

Finished chair side and arm detail

and tacked into the wooden base. A lumbar roll was inserted both for comfort and to limit the flex of the back.

The original arm plates had been of iron and welded on, but we decided to commission some steam-bent wooden arms from the cabinet-maker Gordon Wood. We were asking for quite a tight curve and he selected quarter-sawn oak to avoid the wood splitting. He made a plywood mould from our paper pattern and a metal former with a strap to hold the wood to this shape as it dried. The process was very successful and we drilled through the metal to bolt on the new arm plates.

The springs are enclosed by two plywood discs, connected to each other by four dowels, set around the metal of the spring.

The discs are able to shift slightly with the flexing of the arms, but otherwise have no movement. A heavy-weight buckram covers the gap between the discs to enclose the springs completely.

These three problems solved, the rest of the frame was more straightforward to reupholster, following traditional methods for an iron-back. The shape of the frame and the skills involved would be demanding for an experienced upholsterer, but for a student performing many of the techniques for the first time it was exceptionally complex. Fortunately David Groombridge’s meticulous and thoughtful approach meant that under careful guidance he was able to complete each task to a good standard, as well as contributing a great deal to the problem-solving process. An ability to push himself to the brink of exhaustion also came in handy!

David Groombridge and his finished chair

The reupholstering process began with the seat, made easier without any back to the frame getting in the way. The top roll of the seat was given a feather edge to make a clearly defined shape for the decorative cord. The ironwork was wrapped in calico and the back sprung, the outer springs whipped to a shaped piece of cane that we were able to reuse. Next a roll was stitched around the back and then on to deep-buttoning, using a plan that corresponded closely to the 1855 image but that was sensitive to the pattern repeat of our fabric. Meanwhile the arms were also being stitched to shape, and we were careful to work to a width equal to the depth of the back so that decorative cord could run in two parallel lines over the back, sweeping unbroken down the arms and around the scrolls. The outside back went on and then it was time to prepare the ruched panels and surfacebuttoned arms.

The superb finishing comes down to David’s excellent hand-stitching skills, which if he didn’t have before, he does now, with the blisters to prove it! The choices in fabric and trim, made in collaboration with the chair’s owners, were selected to fit the 1855 Lawford drawing.

The patterned fabric (Martins, Tiffany) is extremely well-suited to the buttoned back, and the velvet (Linwood, Omega) lent itself well to the numerous decorative manipulations. The various types of trim (Houle’s) colour-match perfectly to complete the effect. Though not authentic to the age of the chair, these fabric choices perfectly illustrate that exquisite results can be achieved within economic constraints.

Having been both pleased and apprehensive in equal measures when David came in with such a complex project for his AMUSF Stage 3, we are delighted that he rose to the challenge and achieved such a spectacular outcome.

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

15

16-17_USF_1218.qxp:16-17_USF_0617 29/11/2018 15:09 Page 16

MyDecozo HELPFUL HINTS FROM

The UK’s largest soft furnishings forum offers some tips on holding fabric without pins.

When working with fabrics and making soft furnishings there are various points where it’s important to hold layers still, keep trims in place or secure folds before stitching. The obvious thing would be to use pins – but sometimes this can be time consuming for large areas – or you might not want to pierce delicate or blackout fabrics. There are various options available, as shared by forum members.

Weights: For large areas of fabric, or speed when holding layers while cutting, weights can be the answer. You can buy large table weights with handles designed for the

purpose from trade suppliers or large haberdashers. These come in a choice of sizes. Alternatives used by many workrooms include vintage flat irons, dumbbells or house bricks which they have wrapped in fabric offcuts to protect their work. Another option would be to make yourself some beanbags to place at various points across the panels – these are quite popular with dressmakers and there are lots of patterns and tutorials online for various shapes and sizes.

Clips: When putting blackout linings into handmade curtains or blinds, clips can

come into their own. You can buy large and extra-large paper clips that simply slide over the side turnings to hold them in place while you are sewing. When forming pleats in a curtain heading, take a look at large clothes pegs (some are also called soft grip) or big bulldog clips. Once you’ve formed the pleats, these hold them in place while you finish the hand

Unit 1 Whitworth Road, Frome, Somerset BA11 4BY Tel: 01373 451415 cushions@finequality.co.uk

16

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2018-19

16-17_USF_1218.qxp:16-17_USF_0617 29/11/2018 15:09 Page 17

MyDecozo neatly all around the edge while the maker stitches it in place by hand or on the machine. When making soft furnishings, they can serve a very similar purpose and are quick and easy to place and remove. If you make lampshades, they are also great for holding glued braids and trims in place until secure. (Note – if your fabric is delicate, has pile like velvet, or embroidery that could be crushed make sure you place offcuts of fabric or interlining over the area before placing the clips to avoid possible crush marks).

stitching. They help ‘train’ the heading into neat folds and can also slightly ease any strain on your hands by holding things in place while you sew. When attaching a folded border or edging, especially to a shaped lower edge for a blind, pelmet or valance, take a look at clips intended for quilters. When finishing a quilt, these small clips are designed to hold the binding

Clamps: From time to time you may find there are jobs where clips are not large or strong enough to hold what you are working on. Then clamps may fit the bill – either ones sold for furnishing use, or others sold by DIY suppliers. Soft furnishing clamps are usually metal, have smooth, quite wide grip areas and are intended to hold the piece of work to the edge of the worktable. They hold fabrics or made up panels straight on the table while you work on the heading or measure off

finished drops. They can also help hold an edge or corner if you need to add slight tension while sewing or placing heading tapes across a panel. If you use a long metal ruler when making blinds or measuring short drops, they can hold it in place at one edge while you work at the opposite side of the table. Clamps intended for DIY use tend to have a narrower grip area and often have serrated ‘teeth’ which may mark soft fabrics. They are relatively inexpensive and come in a range of sizes, smaller for holding pleats and larger for clamping to your worktable or holding sections together when making pelmets or similar items. In the USA there is a company called Draw-Matic who supply specialist workroom equipment designed to fit to worktables. They have a clamp bar which operates across the whole table width to make it easy to work with fabrics single-handed when squaring, measuring and cutting.

For more information, visit http://drawmatic.com/

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18_USF_1218.qxp:00_USF_0017 15/11/2018 16:03 Page 18

Member profile

SAILING ALONG

What makes up the bulk of your work?

The clue is in the company strap line – we are ‘Specialists in Yacht Upholstery’. The bulk of that work is made up from new boat builds for which we have contracts with various UK boat builders. Most of our work relates to sofas and outdoor cushions, but we also have headboards, blinds, in fact anything that needs fabric or leather.

What keeps you motivated?

My family and team at Passmore keep me motivated – along with a good meal on the table at the end of the day!

Name

Richard O’Hanlon-Smith (owner) Name of business Passmore of Southampton When established 1960 Location Southampton, Hampshire and West Mersea, Colchester Speciality Yacht Upholstery Number employed 10 How long have you been doing your job?

The family run business was founded in 1960 by my grandmother whose maiden name, Passmore, is still used by the company today. We started out with domestic retail stores in Colchester and Ipswich, before entering the marine market in 1978. Following significant success in the yachting sector, we left the domestic market in 1988. I joined the company during my father’s time in charge, in 2001.

How long did it take to learn the skill?

While being brought up with upholstery gave me a head start, I would say it took me at least five years, fully immersed.

Do you consider yourself a craftsperson or tradesperson?

Definitely a craftsperson – or I like to think so! I suspect some might say, as I now have to manage the business and staff, that I’m an office worker.

What aspect of your work do you most enjoy?

I love the variety, particularly seeing the finished product when it is finally fitted into the joiner’s fine wood. It’s fantastic for all of us.

Professionally, what is your greatest frustration?

My greatest frustration is finding either staff with the right skills for our type of quality of work or finding young trainees who take pride in coming to work and learning a traditional skill.

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

I think we are currently working on it. It has been nearly 18 months and we have only just finishing testing around 50+ fabrics to meet the MYC (Malta Yacht Code) fire regulations.

What are the most pressing issues currently facing your business?

Skills are usually first, which is one of the reasons we have joined the AMUSF. I am also now talking to local colleges to see if we can collaborate to bring upholstery into their furniture-making course. The other is space in which to work. With both of these, we can see change is needed to enable us to grow.

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

I go to shows and also Chelsea Harbour for inspiration. I also discuss projects with my father who, while retired, is a fountain

of knowledge. In the future I hope I can turn to the AMUSF too?

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

The lack of youth wishing to join, though with the latest three wonderful staff to join Passmore, I might have to change the record.

How do you keep your skills and techniques updated?

From research online and at shows plus just being aware of my surroundings. With eight other members of staff upholstering, I consider myself very lucky to be able to tinker with ideas in the workshop. I have shelves full of new materials and sundries awaiting their future as an upholstered item!

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

Don’t try to take on too much and ensure the quality of what you make is high. That alone sells itself.

Where do you see the future of the industry?

I had at one point looked at technology but just do not see that it is anywhere near to being able to do what we do – a company with some amazing software came in to go head to head against the senior upholsterers on three styles including a gathered one for which the computer said `No’! I now believe that the artisan in us has a great future.

What has been your proudest professional moment?

Honestly, being accepted into the AMUSF has been a fantastic moment for me. The hard-working team here at Passmore has made this happen and I’m extremely proud of them all. Thank you.

Telephone: 01206 384 300 Website: www.passmore-yacht-upholstery.co.uk Email: info@passmore-yacht-upholstery.co.uk

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

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Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2018-19

19_USF_1218.qxp:000_IM_0017 29/11/2018 17:17 Page 1

35 YEARS AND COUNTING Celebrating 35 years working with the soft furnishing industry

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CCM ACE, the software solutions specialist which has worked with the furnishings sector for over 35 years, has made automated estimation accessible anywhere, anytime.

The company’s new ACE Online software package was launched this year and is one of a range of services offered by the team which also provides bespoke solutions.

Said md Mark Pearson: “The team has spent many years building its knowledge and working with clients to successfully automate their soft furnishing estimation to save time and money.

“If you are starting a new venture or have a current application you want to bring up to date we can get you where you want to be with a software application or cloud solution which meets your needs.

“Whether you are looking to improve your workflow, automate your processes or become more consistent with your documentation we can work together to achieve more.”

For more information on CCM Ace, call: 0161 766 4686

20-22_USF_1218.qxp:00-00_USF_0017 15/11/2018 16:04 Page 20

AGM Report

Down to business - Richard Ranklin and Martin Pickard

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS The 71st AGM and OGM of the AMUSF took place at the Shoreditch Design Rooms on October 18. Outgoing chairman Martin Pickard reports. ince we celebrated our 70th anniversary last year in Hatfield the association has continued the recovery that began with the move to High Wycombe back in 2011.

S

• Sadly, the situation has not changed in

• Overall membership numbers have

• Finances have continued to be robust

grown in the last year, from 562 in Oct 2017 to 646 in Sept 2018. However, all this growth has come from an increase in student and associate members with full membership numbers staying roughly the same at 252 compared to 256 last year. It is pleasing to see so many new people learning our crafts but those going on to become full members with operating businesses have once again been balanced out by retirements and resignations by longer established members.

with another surplus that consolidates our financial recovery and has enabled the board to increase marketing activities to promote the association including more work on social media and search engine optimisation (SEO).

20

terms of the availability of skilled labour for our workrooms. Members are still finding it difficult to recruit and this is a limiting factor on many companies’ growth.

• Unfortunately, our new offices at The Clare Charity Centre proved to be a temporary home as the property was sold for redevelopment and we have now relocated to new premises back in High Wycombe.

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January /February 2018-19

New board members Carol Arnell and Paul Marsh

• As reported at last year’s AGM, the board has developed a new five-year strategy for the association with the overall mission of ‘representing and promoting the bespoke upholstery and soft furnishing industry’. We have defined the industry as comprising upholsterers, soft furnishers, fabric companies, fitters, suppliers and designers and will seek to represent and promote them all. We will do this by: ‘Educating the public, informing the trade, promoting the use of

21_USF_1218.qxp:000_IM_0017 29/11/2018 15:21 Page 1

8. – 11. 1. 2019

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20-22_USF_1218.qxp:00-00_USF_0017 15/11/2018 16:04 Page 22

AGM Report members, providing input to relevant issues, engaging and investing in research, acting as spokespeople for the industry, and promoting careers in the industry.’ To achieve our mission, we are developing action plans addressing short, medium and long-term goals for the management and governance of the association, for membership services, for training and qualifications, and for marketing and communication. The newly elected board will further develop these action plans and I am certain that positive change will result.

• In terms of management we have been looking for a replacement for our hardworking manager Richard Ranklin who has reduced his hours but not his impact over the last year and we hope to be able to announce something positive soon.

• The new board will also be appointing a new chairman as unfortunately, for personal reasons, I will not be available for the coming year. It has been an honour to serve the association over the past two years and I am sorry that I will not be an active participant in the implementation of the new strategy, although Denton Drapes will continue to be members.

• Training and qualifications remain a key part of the AMUSF agenda and the number of qualifications awarded in the past year was once again around 300. This

The AMU's new president and vice president Richard Ranklin and Penny Bruce

maintains the momentum gained following the introduction of the new diploma course in 2016. We have also taken on several additional training centres over the past 12 months. All our thanks go to Wendy Shorter, director of training for her continuing hard work in keeping the qualification relevant to the needs of the sector.

Outgoing president Malcom Hopkins

22

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January /February 2018-19

New president Richard Ranklin

• We are hoping to have a presence at the Scottish interiors show in 2019 to support members and students in the area and to engage with potential members. Further details will be posted in our newsletter as they are finalised.

• Finally, you are probably aware that the Frederick Palmer book is being reprinted thanks to a legacy from the estate of Ralph Martin who sadly passed away last year. Work continues with the preparation of the book and we hope to be able to go to print before Christmas. The board and all members of the AMUSF are extremely grateful for this legacy and look forward to many more practitioners benefiting from this publication once more become available.

Concluded Martin: “My thanks for the current good standing of the association are, as always, due to the board of directors, Peter and Chrissie Hubbard, Jan Turner, Richard Ranklin and Susan Tyler and all the volunteers who make this association what it is.

“I wish you all continued success in the year ahead as this wonderful organisation goes into its 72nd year.”

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24_USF_1218.qxp:00_USF_0017 15/11/2018 16:05 Page 24

Expert advice

PLAYING A BLINDER In this issue, our extract from Frederick Palmer’s famed book, Practical Upholstering, looks at the subject of stitching a blind row. he method of what we are about to tackle is shown in the four diagrams, FIGS. 175-178.

Commence at A, FIG.175, close to the rail, insert the needle to B, draw the eye through in a circular movement as indicated by the dotted line, returning as shown at C, FIG. 176.

The eye of the needle must not be drawn out at B for the blind row. A knot is tied at A, FIG. 177, and drawn tight. Insert the needle as before at B, drawing through at C, looping the twine twice, run the needle through A either to the right or left. After pulling the needle clear of the scrim, the twine is strained tight by compressing the canvas with the left hand, at the same time pulling the twine in the direction of the arrows at A, FIG. 178, with the right hand.

The result of a blind row of stitching is the formation of invisible loops of twine which automatically draw the hair to the front, so forming a firm bulge of stuffing as shown at B, FIG. 178. It is advisable to commence with small stitches about one inch in length

T

24

and about three-quarters of an inch apart.

The needle must not be sloped too much, and the point when thrust through must be on the near side of the hair twines, otherwise more stuffing than is necessary will be caught up by the loops.

The blind row is manipulated with the semi-circular needle, always working from left to right as described. A one-pointed semicircular needle is more serviceable for this work than the doublepointed variety. The method of using it differs from the doublepointed needle, and both needle and twine must be drawn completely through the scrim and the point inserted at the same hole as shown at A and C, FIG. 179.

The stitch must be kept as close to the tacks as possible, otherwise the roll will lack the

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2018-19

necessary firmness. The other method of placing the scrim to prepare for the blind row is illustrated at FIG. 181. The quantity of scrim required is gauged by means of a tape measure, allowance being made for the desired thickness of the back. The scrim is laid on the hessian and temporarily tacked to hold it in position. Then mark off a line 3in. from the moulding, see A-B. With the semicircular needle, commencing from C or D, make a series of running stitches as indicated by the arrows.

A limited space is now left all round. This is filled with hair to bring it up to the required measurement and the scrim is tacked down. It is important that the upholsterer should leave sufficient space between the polished moulding and the tacks holding the scrim, in order that the subsequent covering material and trimmings may lie perfectly flat.

25_USF_1218.qxp:000_IM_0017 29/11/2018 15:16 Page 1

C. S. Osborne & Co

Quality tools for Upholstery & Leatherwork

Supplying the trade since 1902

www.hwebber.co.uk H Webber & Sons Ltd, 58 Dene Street, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 2DP 01306 740 433 - sales@hwebber.co.uk

Management Position Available – Help shape the Future of the AMUSF The AMUSF exists to represent and promote the bespoke upholstery and soft furnishing industry representing over 700 upholsterers, soft furnishers, training centres, students and trade suppliers. Our board of volunteer Directors have created an exciting new five year plan to educate the public, support the trade and grow both our membership and our influence across and beyond the sector.

Due to the planned retirement of our current Association Manager we now need to recruit a special individual willing and capable of working with our willing band of volunteers and small administrative staff to make that vision a reality.

The role involves supporting members, consumers and the Board as well as representing the Association with external bodies, promoting AMUSF membership and qualifications and the day to-day general management of the Association’s affairs.

The key elements within the Directors strategy can be summarised as follows: • Improving membership engagement.

• Growing membership to the whole sector.

• Expanding training for all – both through our own qualifications and liaison with national training bodies.

The ideal candidate will have first class communication, marketing and management skills, experience as a senior manager in the running of a trade association or business, some background in upholstery, soft furnishings or interiors is desirable but not essential but principally a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

The AMUSF office is based in High Wycombe but the role is a national one so your base location could be flexible. We are also open to the idea of a job share so if you only have part of the skill set it would still be worth talking with us.

Salary on appointment will be up to £30k p.a. dependent upon your skills and experience plus commission and review after an initial probationary period.

For a full job description or to ask any questions please contact our current manager Richard Ranklin on 01494 569120 or richard.ranklin@upholsterers.co.uk.

Upholstery Tutor Required J A Milton Upholstery Supplies is looking for an Upholstery tutor to deliver short courses in traditional and modern upholstery to our clients at our workshop in Shropshire.

We therefore require a professional person with plenty of experience in the industry. This is a highly rewarding position and we are looking for someone who will work well with our existing clients and current team.

Looking for them to bring humour, personality and success to this popular part of our Business.

You need to thrive on the success of others, hold relevant professional qualifications, a commitment and enjoy providing an excellent learning experience for our students.

The Tutor can be a self-employed contractor or an employee of J.A.Milton which ever suits the candidate best. Normally a part time flexible working schedule (as courses are available during the day and weekends), but happy to discuss further.

For more details of this vacancy please contact David Hayes at dave@jamiltonupholstery.co.uk

26_USF_1218.qxp:00_USF_0017 15/11/2018 16:07 Page 26

Q&A

IN THE HOTSEAT... …WITH MAGGI LOUGHRAN, SCHOOL OF SOFT FURNISHING How would you most like to be remembered?

As the teacher who taught the ‘technical twang’, the ‘bump’ and said: “don’t chase mistakes, put it right”.

How would classmates at school have described you?

Kind, crazy, out there.

And the teachers?

Chatty, attention seeking, kind, easily distracted (except in needlework class).

How did you get into this business?

I was driving with a flat tyre at around the age of 26 and decided I needed to learn to change a wheel. That led to a mechanics course in Hammersmith and I got the learning bug. My next course was Upholstery C&G and I continued on to soft furnishing when I was offered my first post at London College of Furniture where I worked for 21 years.

What would you class as your greatest achievement?

My daughters Maria and Paula. They are my rocks. I am very proud of the women they have become and the fantastic mothers they make.

Your desert island disc?

Dance with My Father.

What’s the best thing about our industry?

These days it’s easy to get support and advice from others in the industry and social media has helped with that enormously. I like that we help each other out with all the things in business that can sometimes stump us – suppliers, advice and tips to mention a few.

And the worst?

When you open a roll of fabric to start work and its flawed and you are put back a week or two!

Tell me a secret.

My dad always said a secret’s not a secret if you tell someone.

Who has been your greatest inspiration and why?

My dad. He gave the wisest advice and was without doubt my best friend. He always knew the answer when things got sticky and was a great companion in the workshop.

Your perfect day?

With my family and all my seven grandchildren. For me it’s what I’m all about: family. Every year I squeeze all the grandchildren into a caravan by the sea for a week and spoil them rotten.

Heaven.

26

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2018-19

What’s in your living room?

The kitchen! It’s an open plan area so it’s all there along with a very big TV a corner suite, some sofas and coffee table. I’m very minimalistic these days (don’t go upstairs into the office though!).

What winds you up?

Unprofessional, unqualified know-it-alls.

I’m talking about the education area here.

I am a firm believer that if you are going to teach you should be qualified to do so. We wouldn’t send our children out to be educated by just anyone would we?

It’s one thing to know your subject, another to pass that across to a diverse audience.

What gives you the greatest satisfaction?

When I watch a student confidently and happily working away on a project. It is so satisfying knowing that someone who came to you with no experience or knowledge can work independently and build on new skills.

They come alive and you can see new doors opening for them.

Best piece of advice to someone starting out?

Do that business plan and talk to people who have already started their businesses. You will get great advice. And, when you get knocked down (because you will), get up. You can do this.

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28_USF_1218:Layout 1 27/11/2018 16:00 Page 1

Tel: 01691 624023 jamilton.co.uk

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