Upholsterer December/January/February 2017-18 · 1. Livedale. Now Available – 20mm upholstery nail strip in 8 colours High quality European manufactured upholstery nail strips now

Upholsterer&

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

December/January/February 2017-18

Welcome Momentum Training update

All Booked UpThe best of the latest titles

AMUSF 70th BirthdayCelebrationsA picture special

See them first at JFS - A30, Hall 1

New for 2018 - Queen Ann Legs

OFC_V1_USF_1217.qxp:USF Cover 21/11/2017 15:34 Page 1

02_USF_1217:000_USF_1217 17/11/2017 11:06 Page 1

www.upholsterers.co.uk 3

Comment

Jan TurnerEditor

Celebrations were in full swing at Beales hotel in Hatfield at theend of September as the AMUSF marked its 70th anniversarywith a grand birthday bash. To mark this very special occasion,we’ve devoted the centre spread in this issue to photos fromthe event (see pages 14 and 15).

It’s a credit to the association, and the many people whohave been involved in running it over the years, that it hasendured and survived for so long. There have undoubtedlybeen rocky moments along the way and – like many other UKtrade associations – lean times as well as more heady days.

But it is particularly admirable that an associationrepresenting one of our more vulnerable crafts is still around –and that interest in it remains high, based on continued highstudent numbers.

As those who attended the AGM heard (see page 13 for afull report), the past 12 months have seen the AMUSFcontinue to build and strengthen its position. Peter Hubbard,finance director, presented a pleasingly healthy set of accounts.

Of more concern is the uncertainty surrounding Brexit andthe future of the migrant workforce which so many businesseshave come to rely upon to supplement home grown talent. AsAMUSF chairman Martin Pickard pointed out, along withnearly every other craft in the UK, there is concern in the longterm about the availability of skilled people.

The future of the traditional upholstery sector, in particular,has long been a worry for many. Despite increasing numbers ofpeople signing up for AMUSF accredited training courses andmore centres opening (see page 22), we still desperately need agovernment backed upholstery apprenticeship scheme.

And although the AMUSF is working closely with TheEmployer Trailblazer Group, led by Senator International, on aLevel 3 qualification, which includes traditional upholstery,getting government approval is a long and lengthy process.

Despite it all, the industry does have its ‘rising stars’ andexciting new initiatives – as a quick look at our news pages (6and 7) shows: from Hannah Stanton and Jude Dennis whogave a post-AGM presentation on their collective, SecondSitters which aims to champion and promote the craft ofupholstery; to ‘Take A Seat’, a new, online market place,created by London Met student Elena Ferreras, where studentsand career changers can sell their reupholstered pieces; toCharlotte Lloyd of the Upholstery Skills Centre who tookdouble honours at the Young Furniture Makers 2017 Awards.

It’s stories like these which inspire and give us hope for thefuture – as the legendary Doris Fisher (association secretary fornearly 40 years and guest of honour at the 70th celebrations)and 10 past and present AMUSF presidents who were amongthe guests attending would have noted with pride.

May you all enjoy your own celebrations over the comingfestive season – and a prosperous New Year to you all!

Jan Turner

Upholsterer&Soft Furnisher

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

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

Advertising Sales: 01732 441133

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Upholsterer&

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

December/January/February 2017-18

Welcome Momentum Training update All Booked UpThe best of the latest titles

AMUSF 70th BirthdayCelebrationsA picture special

��

��

Heico Direct is the online shop from Heico Fasteners UK. Heicohave over 60 years of experience working with the upholsteryindustry and their extensive range of products includesdecorative nails, webbing, wooden legs and brass castors. Heicowill be exhibiting their new Queen Ann and Metal leg ranges atthis year’s January Furniture Show.

Heico Fasteners UK Ltd.web: www.heico-direct.co.uke-mail: [email protected]

03_USF_1217.qxp:00_USF_0017 21/11/2017 15:35 Page 3

4 Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2017-18

Showcase

1. Livedale. Now Available – 20mm upholstery nail strip in 8 colours

High quality European manufactured upholstery nail strips now with larger size 20mm studs.

Available in a wide range of colours to purchase as single strips, individual studs or in kit format for

complete flexibility. In stock now and fully featured in our new Spring catalogue.Contact: Livedale Foam & Sundries, Unit D Enterprise Court, Seaman Way, Wigan, Lancs WN2 2AG

T: 01942 825144 E: [email protected] 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: [email protected]

Peter Cook International (Trentside), Unit 2 Acton Avenue, Off Fields Farm Road, Long Eaton NG10 1GA.

Tel: 0115 946 0006 Email: [email protected]

3. Panaz. Panaz Fabrics Selected for Exclusive Lake Garda Location

The Parc Hotel Germano, situated on the banks of Italy’s Lake Garda, has unveiled the recent addition of

15, brand-new Royal Spa Suites to its complex. Panaz are proud to announce that our fabrics have

played an integral part of this new development.Head Office: Bentley Wood Way, Hapton, Burnley, Lancashire BB11 5ST Telephone: +44 (0)1282 696969

Facsimile: +44 (0)1282 611519 Email: [email protected] Web: www.panaz.com

4. Kobe UK. Boutique’s curtain and upholstery fabrics are suitable for both domestic and

contract use. This lavish mix of innovative textiles features sumptuous velvet, woven jacquard, cool

cotton and a soft satin appearance. A palette of rich deep and softly nostalgic tones complements the

geometric, floral, paisley and botanical patterns. The collection includes Clemence and Adore, the former

featuring a beautiful floral pattern on a subtle satin base and is available in three colours. Adore is woven

with a range of vibrant coloured matt and shiny yarns, in a stunning paisley design to create a multi-

dimensional effect on the damask pattern. It is available in eight colours.18 Wellington Business Park, Dukes Ride, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6LS

Tel: 01344 771653 Fax: 01344 771663 Email: [email protected] www.en.kobe.eu

5. Merrick & Day. Curtain-making products as used by professionals. In fact, everything, except thefabric, 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 flatbottom 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

4 5

2

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1

New catalogue and price list out this Spring

If you have a new product that you would like to be included in the next edition, just send in a highresolution image, 50 words of text and contact details to [email protected] – cost £99

MADE IN THE UK

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www.upholsterers.co.uk 5

Contents

6 & 7 AMUSF News Update andBranch Briefings

8 Industry News

News

Features

AMUSF ContactsHead OfficeAssociation General Manager: Richard Ranklin

E: [email protected]

Administrative Assistant: Susan Tyler

E: [email protected]

The Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers

Ltd, (AMUSF Ltd), The Clare Charity Centre, Wycombe Road,

Saunderton, Bucks HP14 4BF

T: 01494 569120 E: [email protected]

Website: www.upholsterers.co.uk

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

T: 01727 824358 E: [email protected]

Hants & Dorset – Kevin Lee

T: 01489 572108

Kent – Davin White

T: 020 8854 4402

London – Wynne Gilham

T: 01708 752333

Surrey – Ron Mercure

T: 020 8941 4521

12 Ask FIRA

13 AGM Special Report

14 & 15 Picture Special: The 70th Anniversary Celebrations

16 & 17 MyDecozo

18 Member Profile: Martin’s Upholstery Supplies

20 Feature: All Booked Up

21 Advice: Protection against litigation

22 Feature: Welcome Momentum

24 Expert Advice: Tacking Down

26 In the Hotseat: Franco Marinelli

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

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

01306 740 433 - [email protected]

Supplying the trade since 1902

� ��

05_USF_1217.qxp:00_USF_0017 22/11/2017 10:37 Page 5


AMUSF news roundup

Joan MiltonThe funeral of one of theAMUSF’s greatest champions –Joan Milton – took place onNovember 17 at WrexhamCrematorium.Joan, who passed away on

Friday October 27, spent manyyears as an AMUSF board director.Her involvement as financedirector was particularly critical tothe association’s survival after adifficult financial period duringwhich the AMUSF vacated itsoffices in Cardiff and moved to aone-roomed office in HighWycombe. Along with thenpresident Des Fanning, Joan spentconsiderable amounts of her owntime ensuring the organisationremained financially viable.In addition to this Joan ran her

own business, J A MiltonUpholstery Supplies and AMUSFaccredited training courses inupholstery. Said association manager

Richard Ranklin: “As well as beinga huge loss to the association, Iwill miss Joan personally as sheprovided enormous friendshipand guidance when I first joinedthe AMUSF as manager. Hercontribution to the AMUSFcannot be overestimated.”Despite battling the last stages

of a long fight against cancer,Joan attended the AMUSF’srecent 70th birthdaycelebrations. She leaves ahusband, David, and daughter Jo.A full tribute piece will be

carried in the next issue of U&SF.

PAST, PRESIDENT AND FUTURE:70 YEARS OF THE AMUSFBeales Hotel in Hatfield became the ‘Who’s Who’ of craft upholstery and soft furnishingson September 29 when more than 80 industry stalwarts attended the association’scombined AGM and 70th birthday celebrations.Doris Fisher, who started with AMUSF founder Francis Vaughan in the late 1940’s and

worked as association secretary for nearly 40 years, took the starring, celebratory cake-cutting role at the official evening dinner. And 10 AMUSF presidents, along with Masterof the Upholders, Judy Tayler-Smith, md of British Furniture Makers Jackie Bazeley, pastand present board directors, members, students and other association friends wereamong the many distinguished guests attending.Guests were formally welcomed by AMUSF chairman, Martin Pickard with a response

from the Master of the Upholders who proposed the future health of the association. Inhis reply, president Malcolm Hopkins thanked all past presidents, council, directors andstaff for the roles they had played in supporting, developing and bringing the AMUSF toits present position. He looked forward to it continuing as a force within the sector andthe ongoing prosperity of all its members.Kevin Lee from the Hampshire and Dorset Branch presented the AMUSF with a picture

and history of HMS Upholder and reminded guests of the links the trade had with thetwo submarines that bore that name. Victoria Rutter presented the association with aspecially embroidered velvet cushion.Upholder of the Fellows, Michael Gilham, then awarded the Fellowship of the AMUSF

to Richard Ranklin in recognition of both his work with the AMUSF and a lifetime in thefurniture industry.Said Richard: “It was great to see so many people at both the AGM and celebratory

dinner. There was a widely held view that we should look to have other functions in asimilar vein in the future to encourage continuing fellowship and support going forward.Our thanks go to everyone who attended, travelling from all parts of the UK to be withus. Here’s to the next 70 years!”

The official AGM proceedings were followed by two presentations – from Rebecca Day (ofMerrick and Day) who gave an illustrated talk on the history of curtain making and the use ofsoft furnishings in interior design from earliest times through to modern day; and HannahStanton and Jude Dennis who run a collective called Second Sitters. Following a highlyacclaimed exhibition at the Geffrye Museum earlier in the year, they talked about the work theyhave been doing to champion and promote the craft of upholstery at museums and exhibitionsshowing that, far from being a dying trade, it is a vibrant art form with an exciting future.• For full details of the AGM see page 13. And turn to pages 14 and 15 for a birthdaycelebrations picture special.

70th Birthday - 10 presidents and Doris Fisher, front row left and the late Joan Milton, front centre

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Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher 7

AMUSF news roundup

Charlotte Lloyd of the Upholstery SkillsCentre took double honours at the YoungFurniture Makers 2017 Awards, scoopingthe Best in Show title and first place in theDesign Award category.

Judges of the prestigious awards, run byThe Furniture Makers’ Company andattracting entries from universities and

educational institutions across the UK,chose her ‘Giddy Up’ chair as the overallwinner. Prizes were presented by Britishdesigner, Sebastian Conran.

Charlotte, who has just completed herAMUSF Stage 3 Diploma qualification, forwhich she was awarded a Distinction,designed and upholstered the chair andalso the covering fabric. She said: “Thisdesign re-imagines the traditional rockinghorse and rocking chair, integrating themboth into one piece and adding acontemporary twist.

“It is design led rather than true to formand done in a way that allows a child to siteither way round.”

Mark Marsh, director at Upholstery SkillsCentre said: “Charlie is a very talentedupholsterer and designer. We are absolutelydelighted that her skill and hard work havebeen recognised through these awards andare very proud of her achievements.”

Charlotte has now set up her ownworkshop and upholstery business and also

works at the Upholstery Skills Centre forone day a week as an assistant tutor. Herprize for Best in Show is an all-expensespaid trip to Austria to visit the BlumFactory; and for the Design Award, a twoweek placement with Crofts & Assinder.

Awards triumph for Charlotte

Charlotte Lloyd’s awarding winning design

Charlotte Lloyd with Sebastian Conran

GETTING SOCIALTHE AMUSF is taking its social media activity up a gear!

The association has taken on Bedfordshire-based agency,Emma Garrett Social Media Services, to develop a social mediastrategy across the three existing platforms – Facebook, Twitterand Instagram – to further raise its profile and communicateeffectively with stakeholders.

Previously managed in-house, the AMUSF’s new social mediateam has also launched a brand new group on Facebook,specifically aimed at students on AMUSF courses and trainingcentres. A closed group, it acts as a forum for members to shareideas, advice, inspiration and for training centres to interact withstudents. It has 100 members already and can be found byvisiting the main AMUSF Facebook page and clicking on‘groups’.

Said Emma Garrett, who heads up the agency: “Our keyobjectives include increasing traffic to the AMUSF website,increasing followers, as well as attracting new members andproviding an added value service to existing members. We arealso looking for social media activity to increase uptake onAMUSF accredited training courses.

“This is an ongoing project with AMUSF and we are lookingforward to being a part of the continued growth of new featuressuch as the student Facebook group, as well as contributing tothe overall growth of the organisation.” Follow us on Instagram: @the_amusf ; Twitter: @THE_AMUSF;Facebook: facebook.com/the.amusf/

Take A Seat is a new, onlinemarket place where studentsand career changers can selltheir reupholstered pieces.

It has been created by LondonMet student Elena Ferreraswhose original intention was toprovide a platform for studentswondering what to do withchairs they had reupholstered atcollege as well as their firstdesigns.

Said Elena: “The idea was toprovide students with an onlineplatform through which to selltheir pieces, using a fair pricestructure and to also boost theirprofile as fledgling upholsterers.

“It’s a not-for-profit initiativeand everyone involved is avolunteer with the exceptionof the website administrator.Benefits from sales of thefurniture will be reinvested backin to Take A Seat and helpfinance social projects,

advertising and publicity.”Also aimed at promoting

independent furniture designand caning products,takeaseathome.com is free tosellers for the first year, with justa fee paid on sales. The plan isto charge a small fee formembership after the first year.

Said Elena: “The main focusis traditional and modernupholstery, reupholstery,furniture design, caning andsoft furnishing items – all post1950s pieces will need to carry alabel certifying FR compliance.

“We’re not an e-commercesite so trading is based on trustand we expect sellers to notifyus once a sale has been made.We’re always looking for moresellers to join – they can befrom any school of upholsteryin the country.”For more information [email protected]

Chair Fair

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Reviews� Decorex International (Syon Park, London, September17-20): Celebrating 40 years as the design insiders go-todestination for inspiration, this year’s luxury interiorsshowcase featured over 400 exhibitors. The four-day showfeatured high profile exhibitors across all sectors includingfurniture, interiors and lighting and attracted over 14,000trade and consumer visitors. Decorex will be back at SyonPark from September 16-19 2018.� NBF Bed Show (Telford International Centre,September 19-20): Winners of the 2017 Bed IndustryAwards, made during the show’s gala dinner, were: Hypnos(Bed Manufacturer of the Year:over £10m turnover);Duvalay (Bed Manufacturer of the Year:under £10mturnover); John Cotton Group (Bed Component Supplier ofthe Year); Bensons for Beds (Bed Retailer of the Year:over£5m turnover); Prestige Beds (Bed Retailer of the Year:under£5m beds turnover). The Judges’ Choice award went toBekaertDeslee.

Previews� Heimtextil ( Messe Frankfurt, January 9-12, 2018):With a line-up of top players set to take part in “the worldleading trade fair for home and contract textiles” and 98%of space already booked, word is that organisers are set to

expand the contract textile offer while high qualityfurnishing and upholstery fabrics are being given anotherpresentation space in hall 4.2 for the first time in 2018.� The International Interiors Show (imm cologne,koelnmesse, January 15-21 2018): Billed as ‘the mostimportant furnishing show in the world’s most importantfurnishing market’, imm Cologne presents new internationalfurniture and interiors trends across a huge depth andbreadth of product, making it ‘the epicentre of theinternational furnishing and design world.’� January Furniture Show (Birmingham NEC, January 21-24): The largest furniture and interiors trade show in theUK, the JFS is held across the five main halls of the NEC,featuring 500 UK and international manufacturers andsuppliers of furniture, soft furnishings and decorativeaccessories. For more information and to see who’sexhibiting, visit www.januaryfurnitureshow.com� The London Fabric Show (Chelsea FC, Stamford Bridge,Feb 26-27 2018): Hosted by the BFM, the show will featuremore than 35 high-end companies from Belgium, Turkey,Italy, Spain, Portugal and the UK. On show will be the latestdesigns and collections offering a wide selection of fabricsincluding jacquards, wools, tweeds, silks, velvets, cottons,linens and chenilles, together with the most up to datebacking fabrics and FR coatings.

Industry roundup

EXHIBITION ROUNDUP

Gold forHEICOHeico Fasteners has received another FIRAGold Award at a reception held at theHouse of Lords.Receiving the award from Baroness

Warsi, who hosted the reception on behalfof FIRA, were Dave Read, general managerof HEICO, and national sales manager,Roger Freeman. The award was made forthe company’s ‘Blaquer’ furniture springs.Said Dave Read: “We were really proud

to be the first distributor in the UK toachieve the FIRA Gold award with our‘Blaquer’ Zig-Zag springs and to achievethe same award for our Super Loopsprings. It makes us the only supplier inthe UK to have both certified to FIRA Goldstandards”The ‘Blacquer’ range of Zig-Zag and

Super Loop springs have been developedto meet the exacting demands of the UK

furniture industry and the unique anti-rust coating provides unrivalled corrosionresistance. The unique coating of the‘Blacquer’ springs is fully elastic, meaningno cracking with movement or reduction

in corrosion protection, even under thestrain of continuous use. The lack of rust,coupled with no oily residue, makes thesprings far cleaner to use in productionthan existing alternatives.

The HEICO delegation receives its FIRA Gold award from Baroness Warsi. Seen L – R: Phil Reynolds, general manager FIRA; DaveRead, general manager HEICO; Baroness Warsi; Charles Vernon, Chairman of FIRA; Roger Freeman, national sales manager HEICO.

08_USF_1217.qxp:00_USF_0017 17/11/2017 10:44 Page 8

T: 01942 825144 E: [email protected] www.livedale.co.uk

The upholstery supplies specialistsF O A M & S U N D R I E S

For the widest range ofUpholstery Foam and Sundries,

contact the UK specialists

Call us nowfor your

Free Edition 20catalogue

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Our Mission – To become the UK’s most trusted stockist of furniture components

• Over 1,500 different products in stock

• Next Day delivery available

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• Aim to say “Yes” whenever we can

PCI – LeedsAneal Business CentreCross Green Approach

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Acton AvenueLong Eaton NG10 1GATel: 0115 946 0006

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www.petercookint.com [email protected]

Call us now for a copy of our latest catalogue

10-11_Peter Cook_USF_1217.qxp:USF Cover 17/11/2017 11:12 Page 11

QI am making, rather thanpurchasing, a replacement

mattress for a sofa bed. Whichregulation does this need to conformto and do I have to put a label on?

AAs a domestic mattress, the productshould meet the requirements of BS

7177 (specification for resistance toignition of mattresses, mattress pads,divans and bed bases) low hazard. Themattress would be tested to BS EN 597-1(Furniture. Assessment of the ignitabilityof mattresses and upholstered bed bases.Ignition source smouldering cigarette)and BS EN 597-2 (ignition source matchflame equivalent). Fillings would betested to the relevant schedules from theFurniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety)Regulations 1988 (as amended) (FFFSR). The mattress cover does not require

testing on its own. As such it may bedifficult to source just a fabric that’scompliant with BS 7177, BS EN 597-1 orBS EN 597-2. It may also be difficult toprove the mattress is fully compliant withBS 7177, so you need to test a sample ofthe finished product once made.The mattress would require labelling if

it’s made for resale, and labelled inaccordance with BS 7177 low hazard. Itwould need to be tested and pass all therelevant parts of the standard.

QI have been asked to make somewaterproof covers for a seat that

will only be fitted on the chairoccasionally. I have not sourced anymaterials yet as I don’t know what, ifany, regulations this cover will need tomeet.

AIf the covers are made to fit just onespecific product they will be deemed

to be replacement covers, and underFFFSR would be treated as a permanentcover. They must meet Schedule 4 part Iand Schedule 5 part I. However if thefabric is 75% or more natural fibre, thereis the option of meeting just Schedule 4part I and being used over a Schedule 3interliner.If the covers will be more universal,

fitting a range of similar products bybeing adjustable then they will be classedas loose covers, so under FFFSR wouldneed to meet Schedule 5 part I.

QAre retro-fit arm caps andantimacassars subject to the

domestic regulations?

AIf the products are just fabric theydon’t need to comply with the

FFFSR. As they aren’t upholstered andonly cover a minimal part of the furniturethey are not deemed to be loose covers orthrows. Although they fall outside theFFFSR they must be safe and fit forpurpose in accordance with the GeneralProduct Safety Regulations 2005.

• Steve Cotton has been with FIRAInternational for 14 years and is an expert inflammability. He also has a great workingknowledge of foams, mattresses and fabricsand currently represents FIRA on BSIcommittees dealing with foam performance.As part of FIRA’s team of upholstery experts,Steve has been involved in a number ofprojects to diagnose issues and assist clientsto develop their products to meet therequired industry standards.

Ask FIRA


RULES ANDREGULATIONSSteve Cotton, FIRAInternational’s technicalspecialist for flammability andphysical upholstery, answersanother round of flammabilityquestions from members.

FIRA announces2018 open daysFIRA and its commercial partner, FIRAInternational, has announced its 2018‘Open Day’ schedule. They are plannedfor Thursday 22 February, Thursday17 May and Thursday 11 October2018.Designed to provide an overview of

the work of both organisations, theformat for the day includes:• Furniture testing, including a tour ofFIRA’s UKAS accredited testingfacilities

• FIRA Gold certification schemes • Work of the ergonomics team, and theFIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award

• Consultancy and research serviceswithin FIRA

• Sustainability and the work of theFurniture Industry SustainabilityProject (FISP)

• Furniture aftercare with FIRA’s ServiceTechnicians department, including afurniture repair demonstration

Anyone from across the furnituresupply chain, and related industries, is welcome to attend. For furtherdetails, and to book, [email protected] or call +44 (0)1438 777 700.For more information on FIRA

International visit www.fira.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 01438777 700.

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Special AGM report

Held at Beales Hotel in Hatfield, the AGMsaw Franco Marinelli from LondonMetropolitan University, elected to theboard. Malcolm Hopkins was confirmed inthe role of president for a second year andRichard Ranklin was elected vice president.In his chairman’s report Martin Pickard

said the past 12 months had seen theAMUSF continue to build and strengthenits position, with notable first steps takenin marketing with a new website and anew initiative in social media.Enquiries for new membership had

slowed down recently, possibly reflectingongoing concerns about the economygenerally. Said Martin: “It is difficult toassess exactly how Brexit has and willaffect our sector. We know that some rawmaterials have seen price increases but themajority of members continue to reportfull order books. “Along with nearly every other craft in

the UK there is concern in the long termabout the availability of skilled people tosupplement home grown talent. We can

only wait and see how exit negotiationsinfluence this going forward but we knowa lot of you do currently employ non-UKlabour and have concerns for this in thefuture.“Many members are finding it difficult to

recruit, a limiting factor on their company’sgrowth. Despite the record numbers ofstudents gaining qualifications at ourapproved training centres, we continue tosuffer from the lack of investment intraining from 20-30 years ago.”Other notable projects reported on

included:• The second year of the diploma course inupholstery saw 309 certificates awardedincluding 55 diplomas. Two new trainingcentres had been approved with thepossibility of others in the pipeline; andthe association was also looking at how itmight work with charities which deliverupholstery training to see if the AMUSF‘Introduction to Upholstery’ syllabusmight be of benefit when working withdisadvantaged adults.

• Plans for a full reprint of the FrederickPalmer book, ‘Practical Upholstery’ hadbeen dropped as the capital outlay wasconsidered too risky. A digital copy isbeing considered.• The FR proposals reported on last yearwere eventually withdrawn bygovernment following widespreadconcern from all sectors of the industry.The BFC has now put forward a counterproposal, agreed by all trade associations,including the AMUSF, with governmentfeedback awaited.• The AMUSF is part of a new industryinitiative, the Furniture and InteriorsEducation Skills and Training Alliance(FIESTA). The aim is to provide a portalfor individuals and companies seeking tolocate courses and funding for thefuture.• Work has begun on a new five yearstrategic plan to guide and inform theactivities of the association. Peter Hubbard, finance director,

reported a strong financial position forboth the AMUSF and the FUSS accounts.The AMUSF maintained the same level

of turnover as the previous year – £102k– despite a small drop in membershipnumbers. Profit also remained static at£24k although cash at the bank at theyear-end increased by £10k.FUSS saw turnover increase slightly to

£49k but registered a small loss ontrading. Fabric sales slowed downtowards the end of the year but cash atthe bank remained static.Said Peter: “When the two companies’

accounts are combined, trading andprofitability remain stable but cashreserves have increased. We continue topay down the loan to the BFM but arealso confident that we continue to retainthe financial strength for the initiativesbeing worked on by the board.”

BUMPER TURNOUT,BUMPER YEARCombined with this year’s 70th birthday celebrations, theassociation’s official AGM on September 29 was attendedby over 50 people – the largest turnout for many years!Martin Pickard and Richard Ranklin at the AGM

Delegates at the AGM

13_USF_1217.qxp:00_USF_0017 17/11/2017 10:47 Page 13


PARTYTIME!

The ‘great and the good’ came together for the AMUSF’s historic70th birthday celebrations in September. The legendary DorisFisher was guest of honour and a total of 10 AMUSF presidentswere among more than 80 VIPs and guests in attendance.

Picture special

Martin Pickard welcomes the guests Richard Ranklin receives the Fellowship from Upholder to the Fellows, Michael Gil

Judy Tayler-Smith, Master WoCo Upholders, proposes atoast to the future health of the AMUSF

Doris cuts the cake

Kevin Lee,

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Picture special

he Fellows, Michael Gilham

Malcolm Hopkins, President AMUSF thanks all and sundry

Victoria Rutter presents an embroidered cushion to the AMUSF, accepted by Malcolm.

Kevin Lee, Chair Hants and Dorset Branch presents memento to President, Malcolm Hopkins

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MyDecozo


HELPFUL HINTS FROM

The UK’s largest soft furnishings forum looksat the importance of a good worktable.

Once ready to consider a dedicated workspace for soft furnishings,a worktable can really improve workflow. These are some of thetop suggestions from MyDecozo members about what they havein their workrooms:

The best height for comfortable use is to set the table top atjust above hip height. As a first project, you could raise a diningtable or some kitchen cabinets on sturdy wooden blocks to be abase, then cover a large sheet of chipboard to lay on top to be thetable surface. If necessary, this top can then be lifted off andleaned against the wall when not in use.

IKEA sell height adjustable table legs (look for OLOV orGERTON) and adjustable wooden trestles called FINNVARD whichwould all support a worktable top.

Some makers prefer working on a bare or varnished table-top(smoothed to ensure nothing snags the fabric) while others like acovering of plastic tablecloth or oilcloth stapled in place. If youchoose a wooden surface, you can draw measured guide lines or agrid on the surface with a permanent marker pen to speed upmeasuring and folding hems etc. You can also attach a measure toone edge to help with cutting lengths of fabric and lining.

If you prefer having a table you can pin into, or iron on, thenyou will want to stretch a covering over the surface. This can haveheat-resistant protective covering (like that used on dining tables)or curtain interlining stapled on first, then covered with stretchedsheeting or double-width curtain lining to make a smooth, cleansurface.

For a covered table, you can also buy sturdy canvas worktablecovers with a pre-printed metric grid which are stapled in placeand help tremendously with curtain and blind making. They allow

you to quickly and accurately measure cut drops, fold hems andensure corners are at right angles. These are available in the UKfrom AMUSF member Denton Drapes.

If you would like to extend your table, then consider usingsturdy adjustable locking brackets which allow a ‘flap’ to be foldeddown when not in use. These are available from DIY suppliers andwill bear weights of up to 200kg.

Those of you lucky enough to consider having a table built foryou might be interested in some excellent instructions availablefrom the US workroom supplier – Rowley Company. These can bedownloaded free of charge as a PDF from their website www.rowleycompany.com/content/how-to-guides.asp#workroom

AMUSF member Townsend Systems also supply heightadjustable workbenches. For more information visitwww.townsend-systems.com

Finally, if you are in a position to buy a table from a supplier tothe trade, then take a look at an electric adjustable upholsterer’stable from a specialist supplier, or a beautiful wooden bench asmade by EMIR in Kent. Suppliers:-Denton Drapes table coverswww.madetomeasurecurtains.info/interior-design-services/curtain-workroom-table-covers-buckinghamshire-milton-keynes.phpEMIR worktables www.emir.co.uk/cutting-table-for-dressmakers-and-fashion-design-courses-in-education/IKEA http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/Upholsterer’s electric tables from J A Miltonwww.jamiltonupholstery.co.uk/work-bench-adjustable-height

16_USF_1217.qxp:16-17_USF_0617 17/11/2017 10:55 Page 16

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Member profile


How long have you been in business? Over 40 years.

What made you go in to it? Hereditary. My father Phil stated with JHPorter in Shoreditch in 1949. He went onto start Warren Fabrics in 1976.

What is the greatest challenge currentlyfacing your business? Space. We are bursting at the seams.

What do you supply and to who? We supply upholsterers/companiesthroughout the UK: from adhesives tozips and everything in-between (includingfabrics, foam, hair, springs etc).

FILLINGHAMFAMILY VALUES

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

Name of business Martins Upholstery Supplies LtdWhen established 1994Owned by The Fillingham familyLocation Mereworth, near Maidstone in KentSpeciality Suppliers of upholstery and curtain sundriesNumber employed 25

What makes up the bulk of your business?Traditional upholstery.

What changes do you detect in theindustry? More upholstery classes. The trade isalways growing, which is a great thing.

What aspect of your work do you mostenjoy? Keeping everyone happy – from mycustomers to my staff.

What are the upholstery/soft furnishingsector’s greatest strengths? That competitors can work together inharmony for the good of the trade.

What keeps you motivated? My family. I work with my wife Diane andson Darren and also have a daughterSophie plus four beautiful grandchildren –which all keeps me busy.

Tell us about the funniest request youhave ever dealt with. Too many to mention, although recentlywe had a customer purchase a ‘pair ofscissors’ and on receipt of their ordercomplained they had only received one!

How long have you been a member ofthe AMUSF? Personally since 1994 but I used to attendfunctions in London with my father backin the 60’s and more recently with theKent AMUSF.

Professionally, who or where do youturn to for a second opinion?We are a strong team at Martins andalways talk things through.

When you talk to a customer, theconversation always turns to....?It used to be FR regs, now it’s more “Doyou have stock of…?” and “Are you busy?”

What is the single most important pieceof advice you would give to someonestarting out in your business? The customer is always right – even whenthey’re wrong!

What has been your proudestprofessional moment?The success of Martins – put down togreat support from my wife Diane, Darren,the rest of my family and in particular theAMUSF.

Martins Upholstery Supplies Ltd.www.martinsupholstery.co.uk [web][email protected] [email] @martinsuph [twitter]Nigel Fillingham

18_USF_1217.qxp:00_USF_0017 17/11/2017 10:56 Page 18

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Encyclopaedia of Curtains: All You’ll EverNeed to Know About Making Curtains byCatherine Merrick and Rebecca DayThis second edition, totally revised,rewritten and expanded book by sistersCatherine Merrick and Rebecca Day includes1,500 photographs and diagrams,hundreds of them new. The book examinescurrent andtraditionalcurtain-makingtechniques,explained instep-by-stepdetail withmany of thetechniquesand sewingskills reviewed and updated to keep in tunewith the changing demands of furnishingfashion. According to the authorsthemselves, this is a unique book withinthe soft furnishing industry as very littlehelp and guidance is available forprofessionals and home owners aboutcurtains. According to one AMUSFmember: “All forms of valances, pelmets,swags, bed covering and hangings, fabrictrims, cushions, box cushions and so muchmore are covered in this comprehensivebook, as well as measuring and fitting. Plusthere’s really invaluable knowledge aboutfabric construction, technical terminologyand even the latest regulations on blindfitting. A must for anyone’s collection.”

Upholstery: A Complete Course (2ndrevised edition) by David JamesIn this second updated edition, DavidJames provides an encyclopaedic guide tothe techniques and materials involved in

ALL BOOKEDUP

upholstery. Thebook coverseverything fromtraditionalhandwork to thelatest industrialtechniques,giving a completeoverview of theupholstery trade.Five step-by-stepprojects allow even unskilled first-timeusers to put a few of the techniquesexplained into practice. Almost 500detailed line drawings, created by theauthor, illustrate every aspect covered inthe text. The 320 pages cover a wealth ofinformation, including detailed advice oncosting for materials for the buddingprofessional along with historical styles andtechniques. An appendix describes valuableeducational and training opportunities inthe UK and there is an updatedbibliography and contacts section.

Soft Furnishings (Professional Results) byWendy ShorterPart of the ‘Professional’ series, WendyShorter’s book covers essential techniques,clearly explained and illustrated with step-by-step photographs. It is aimed at thosewith basic skills in soft furnishings looking

to move on toan intermediatecourse or startup their ownbusiness; oreven simplywanting to addfinishingtouches to theirown home.

Prospective decorators will findauthoritative advice on colours, fabrics,lighting, window treatments, chaircoverings, household linen, and more. Thebook also features different projects, allbroken down into easy-to-follow steps andadvice on how to specify effectively forthem: chair covers, bed treatments,cushions, curtains and blinds are allincluded.

The Upholsterer’s Step-by-StepHandbook: A Practical Reference by Alex Law

The Upholsterer’sStep-by-stepHandbookprovides a one-stop resource forthe amateurupholsterer,offeringupholstery tradetips andtechniques for

anyone looking to recover simple diningchairs to restoring a family heirloom. Fullyillustrated throughout it offers atechnique-based approach to upholstery,from assessing the work involved andestimating materials, to planning anorder of work for professional results -whatever the size or scale of the project.Further information on the design ofchairs and working with chair typesenables users to work on any model ofchair. Additional chapters includeinformation on upholstery tools andmaterials, furnishing fabrics andtrimmings plus sections on simplewoodworking techniques, repairs andsurface finishes.

Feature

We may live in an age when endless information is available on the internet – but nothingbeats having a good book by your side when it comes to the practical application ofupholstery and soft furnishings. U&SF takes a look at four of the best – all of them writtenby past and present AMUSF members.

20_USF_1217.qxp:00-00_USF_0017 17/11/2017 10:57 Page 20


Advice

It’s a worrying fact that as the rate ofcompany litigations increases, any numberof different individuals or companies couldtake action against you. These mightinclude banks, creditors, current andprevious employees.

Directors of public or private limitedcompanies could face unlimited personalliability following an allegation of awrongful act in the execution of theirduties. Ultimately, your own personalassets could be at risk.

With this in mind, more and morecompanies are taking out a Directors’ andOfficers’ Insurance policy to provide coverfor defence costs for all company directors,officers and employees in the event of anywrongful allegations. Cover will also includethe company’s costs and expenses.

Claims can be made under a number of

guises: The Companies Act 2006; Healthand Safety at work; Race, sexual and agediscrimination; The Insolvency Act;Disability Discrimination Act.Examples are numerous but to offer a few:• The co-directors of a company make anegligence claim against another directorfollowing a fire at the company’s premisesafter discovering that the directorresponsible for arranging insurance hadfailed to keep the policy up to date, causinga shortfall in the claim settlement. • A former employee claimed she had beenthe victim of continuous racial harassment(discrimination) by her supervisor and thatthe company had ignored her complaints.Ultimately the employee was forced toresign and brought a claim against thecompany.• After a routine visit by the Health and

Safety Executive a company is asked toproduce its accident book. The recordswere found to be incomplete and sensitivedata had not been kept confidential. Thecompany was prosecuted under the Healthand Safety at Work Act 1975 and the DataProtection Act 1998.• A company went into liquidation shortlyafter one of its directors ran up a large billwith a vehicle repairer. The cost was incurredon behalf of the company. The vehiclerepairer brought an action for payment ofthe invoice and there was a suggestion thatthe director was liable, personally, in viewof the provisions of the Insolvency Act.

Langton London offers free and impartialadvice to all AMUSF members and can becontacted on 01737 305666 or email:[email protected]

PROTECTIONAGAINST LITIGATIONIn an increasingly litigious world, each and every director, senior executive and manageris a potential target for a claim. Tony Gutteridge, director of Langton London InsuranceBrokers explains.

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21_USF_1217.qxp:00_USF_0017 22/11/2017 10:55 Page 13


The all-new British School of UpholsteredFurniture opened its charmingly rural barndoors for business on October 1, headedup by two accredited members of theGuild of Traditional Upholsterers.

Gareth Rees and Greg Cupitt-Jones felt‘the time was right’ to open up theirNettlebed near Henley-on-Thames centre,offering a range of AMUSF accredited andstandalone courses in upholstery andassociated decorative arts such gilding,caning and passementerie.

Said Gareth Rees: “We’re based in aconverted barn and have invested a lot ofour own time and money into this. Wehave almost filled spaces for the first yearand have just a couple of places left onthe Level 3 course – we offer AMUSF Level1, 2 and 3 courses and have offered acouple of small bursaries for youngerpeople as we feel it is important to getyoung people into the craft.

“We also plan to have visiting experts –for example more and more people areinterested in doing traditional Frenchupholstery, so we’ll have an expert in thatfield working with us.”

Over at Ashbourne in Derbyshire, theCommunity College has a history ofrunning leisure courses in upholstery andhas been running City & Guilds courses inupholstery for the past five years.

WELCOMEMOMENTUM

Following changes to those courses, thecollege decided to introduce AMUSF Level1 and 2 courses for the 2017/18 academicyear, with plans to introduce a Level 3course in 2018/19, numbers permitting.

The 35 week course is held in a multi-functional room at the college but meetsall AMUSF requirements and is led byupholstery tutor Julie Coxon who hasbeen working in upholstery for more than35 years. She said: “As the only AMUSFapproved training centre betweenHertfordshire and Scotland we felt that,geographically, this was a big opportunityfor us!”

At Rycotewood (City of Oxford College)£20,000 has just been invested in thecentre’s upholstery studio and the collegeis working with the AMUSF to see if it canstart a modern upholstery course in 2018.It currently offers just short and CPDcourses in upholstery.

Said director of creative arts, Chris Hyde:“A lot is changing within the UK furnitureindustry and we need to be open andreceptive to that. Upholstery is now a bigpart of home interiors styling, and so ourrecent appointment of Rachel Stevenson− who has an award winning backgroundin fashion design as well as creativeupholstery − as our lead upholstery tutorfits well with that, as does ensuring thatour students can study in an environmentwhich mirrors the way in which the UKupholstery trade operates.”

Said Wendy Shorter, director of trainingfor the AMUSF: “While we welcome thearrival of more AMUSF accredited training

centres, these are primarily supported byprivately paying students, some of whomwill go on to open upholstery businessesof their own.

“To really secure the future of the craft,the traditional upholstery sector stilldesperately needs a government backedupholstery apprenticeship scheme. Theone the Worshipful Companyof Upholders offered under the LiveryCompanies Apprenticeship Scheme wascanned by the government after a yearwith just one apprentice – DarrenBlackwell – benefiting from it.

“ The Employer Trailblazer Group, led bySenator International and the WorshipfulCompany of Furniture Makers, has set upeight furniture related qualifications atLevel 2, with one being modernupholstery. It is now, with AMUSF inputand along with Occupational Awards Ltd(AOL), working on Level 3 qualificationswhich include traditional upholstery – thishas now been submitted to thegovernment for approval.

“Under the new apprenticeship rules,companies with a payroll of at least £3million must pay a levy to accessgovernment funded training. So bigcompanies such as Silentnight, DFS andWesley Barrell have that option as they aremore likely to only want the modernupholstery apprenticeships.

“In the meantime the AMUSF’s approvedtraining centres offer our trade approvedqualifications for those wishing to domodern and traditional upholstery andwho are unable to access any funding.”

Feature

Momentum is buildingaround upholstery trainingwith the arrival of the newBritish School of UpholsteredFurniture and an AMUSFapproved course launched atAshbourne CommunityCollege in Derbyshire. Inaddition Oxford City Collegeand Rycotewood hasinvested £20K in a newupholstery workshop. U&SFmagazine reports.

Gareth Rees (right) and Greg Cupitt-Jones

22_USF_1217.qxp:00-00_USF_0017 17/11/2017 10:58 Page 22

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NEXT DAY DELIVERY NATIONWIDEHundreds of upholstery and soft furnishing lines includingfoam, leather, trimmings and vinyl

Fabrics supplied include Robert Allen, Ross, Wemyss, Jim Dickens & Rioma.

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23_USF_1217.qxp:00_USF_0017 21/11/2017 15:42 Page 1


Expert advice

Stitching takes up a considerableamount of time but is absolutelyessential to the comfort and wearing

qualities of upholstery. It is therefore vital to use the proper

method of tacking down before starting. Fig. 162 illustrates a seat tacked down

with the hair filled in and the scrim tackedto a previously gauged line ready forstitching to form the exact contour. Tostart tacking down, first gauge the heightof the seat. Measurements should betaken from the top of the stuffing, eitherto the floor line or the moulding (Fig.162from A to B, A to C, or A to the floor), theusual height from the top of the stuffingto the floor line being 18 inches. First release the temporary tack in the

centre, add any hair that may benecessary for firmness and build up thecorrect contour. Fold the scrim inwardsand temporarily tack on the raspededge of the frame. Starting from thecentre, repeat the operation towardsthe left, leaving two inches at thecorner, then continue in a similarway on the right hand side. The front ofthe chair should now appear as Fig. 162,the roll moderately firm, the threads of thescrim straight, and the tacking regular. Thetacks should not be driven home finallyuntil the exact height is obtained, as it maybe necessary to release and adjust thescrim in parts of the work that appearoverstrained. The tacking down should now be

continued on the sides (Fig.163), startingat point A. First work towards the frontand then towards the back, slightlydecreasing the height towards the back.The corners must now be treated. Any

superfluous scrim must be cut off andthe fullness that remains folded inwardsto form two pleats, one on either side ofthe corner (Fig.162). A regulator will helpto obtain a clean roll formation and partsof the work that are uneven can bemoulded or shaped by inserting the pointof the regulator (Fig.164). The regulatoris used to draw the hair towards the frontto form a firm edge prior to stitching. Thedotted lines and the arrows show thedirection in which the point of theregulator is moved to bring the hair

forward to therequired position. The manipulation

of fullness of thematerial, especiallyat corners, and thekeeping of thethreads of thescrim perfectly

straight is often a stumblingblock and there are three ways inwhich it may be dealt with: byforming it into a series of regularfrills; by pleating; and by cuttingout. At the tacking down stage ofthe work, fullness is best regulatedby the first-named method. Figs. 162 and 163 show a

serpentine front with the sides andback also shaped. It is necessary,when tacking down, to allow fullnessby slackening the scrim between thetacks at the convex parts (Fig. 162 F,and Fig. 163 B). The regulation of such fullness

requires careful manipulation,especially on large pieces of work(Figs.165 and 166). At Fig.165 B, the

threads of the scrim are on the bias, and inorder to obtain the firm roll formation andto get rid of or "clean" the fullness, it isonly necessary to tack closer than on thestraight work indicated by the arrows. AtFigs.165 A and 166 C are shown front andback scrolls. The fullness in these cases cannot be

manipulated as at Fig.165 B, because thethreads are not on the bias (see outlineindicated by arrows, Fig.166) but straight.The fullness is therefore gathered in aseries of pleats or frills by closely tacking.

TACKINGDOWNMore expert advice and toptips in our latest extractfrom Frederick Palmer’sfamed book, PracticalUpholstery.

24_USF_1217.qxp:00_USF_0017 17/11/2017 10:59 Page 24

Official journal of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers

www.upholsterers.co.uk

Tel: 01702 482510Fax: 01702 826789

Email: [email protected]

Bespoke cushion manufacturers to the upholstery and allied trades

Fillings:

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We are a family run business supplying cushion inners of all descriptions to the trade nationwide

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NEXT ISSUE...March/April/May 2018

• Exhibition diary dates

• Tools feature

• Proposte preview

• BITA, January Furniture Show

review and Heimtextil review

• New products

Plus all the latest industry news

Upholsterer&

25_USF_1217.qxp:00_USF_0017 21/11/2017 15:26 Page 1


Q & A

How would you most like to beremembered?As a caring and loving husband, father andgrandfather. Someone who tried his bestand did what he could to help others. Ibelieve that kindness can change lives andheal wounds.

How would classmates at school havedescribed you?A lively, chatty lad who could never playsport.

And the teachers?A gifted person who must pay moreattention in class.

How did you get into this business?By chance: I fell in to it but re-covered!There was a job going in a localupholsterer’s workshop where I wasoffered a trainee placement. Some 40years later, here I am – still in upholstery.

What would you class as your greatestachievement?Getting married and helping to bring uptwo sons. And learning to keep up with therest.

Your greatest regret?No regrets.

Is your glass half empty or half full?Half full. But it's not about whether theglass is half empty or half full: it's whetherthere is something in the glass at all!

When it comes to sport do you fall intothe active or armchair camp? Football orrugby?I’m in the armchair-with-a-drink camp. Myonly sport is swimming.

Your perfect day?Going out for tea with my wife.

Doer or talker?Doer. After talking about it!

If you weren’t doing what you do now,what would you be doing?I teach upholstery and love it – and one ofthe great things about working withstudents and helping them meet theirgoals is that you constantly get to check inwith yourself to see how you'reprogressing towards your own goals.

What’s the best thing about ourindustry?Meeting people.

And the worst?Customers.

What would you change?Absolutely nothing. How would you knowif the change is for the better?

Tell me a secret.Ssshhhh. Nice try!

What’s in your living room?Happiness.

What winds you up?I’m quite placid and can see things willwork themselves out over time, so windingyourself up is simply a waste of time.However, when a group of people find itperfectly acceptable to stand chatting inthe middle of an entrance to a busy place…

What gives you the greatestsatisfaction?Getting work done on time, on target andon plan.

If you could do it all over again whatwould you do differently? Your past is what made you into theperson you are today, right? Without thosescars you wouldn’t be who you are.

Best piece of advice to someone startingout?Don’t wait for things to happen, makethem happen.

IN THE HOTSEAT...… WITH FRANCO MARINELLI, MODERN AND TRADITIONAL UPHOLSTERY

SHORT COURSE ORGANISER, LONDON MET

26_USF_1217.qxp:00_USF_0017 17/11/2017 11:00 Page 26

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Documents

Upholsterer December/January/February 2017-18 · 1. Livedale. Now Available – 20mm upholstery nail strip in 8 colours High quality European manufactured upholstery nail strips now