OFC USF j-jl-ag17.:USF Ce 24/05/2017 11:22 Page 1 Upholsterer...2018/01/02 · Jan Turner, AKA PR...

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

June/July/August 2017

The irreplaceable Plumb Jobs Thumbs Up?Bert Chapman helping to keep upholstery Why the way you work tributes pour in skills alive could be a big thumbs down

0113 235 1111www.petercookint.com [email protected]

Call us now for a copy of our latest catalogue

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Comment

Jan TurnerEditor

Over the course of the past few weeks, I’ve had time and causeto consider the lot of the self-employed trader.

Laid low by a still inexplicable back problem, I’m fortunateto live in an age where the nature of the work I do, means I’vebeen able to keep things ticking along – with the combinedhelp of heat pad and iPad! – from home.

But not everyone is that fortunate – most members of theAMUSF included. Whether an upholsterer or soft furnisher, theworking day largely revolves around physical activity, and forthe sole trader, when ill health strikes, loss of earnings tends tofollow.

It’s one of the less savoury aspects of being self-employed– as are the longer term implications of ‘industrial injury’,though many of you reading this may gasp in surprise thatsuch a relatively ‘pedestrian’ pursuit could possibly result insuch an outcome. So turn, if you will, to page 12 where youcan read about how one specialist doctor is currently trying toresearch that very problem. Dr Jon Poole believes that the wayin which some upholsterers work with their thumbs maybestoring up very real, long term problems which, if proven, couldultimately qualify as an officially recognised condition with theindustrial injuries board.

If what Dr Poole has to say resonates with you in any way,then we would urge you to take part in his clinical trials. Theoutcome of this research could ultimately be of huge benefitto a lot of working upholsterers.

Hopefully all self-employed members make some sort of‘rainy day’ provision for those times when they’re simply not fitto work – along with putting some money aside to allow fortime off and holidays, to buy stocks and supplies and so on. Onpages 14 and 15 however, we look at a slightly different way ofworking – albeit one which finds limited favour with manymembers.

I refer to the opportunities presented by becoming aPlumbs Technical Designer (TD). The long established, familyrun firm and AMUSF member has, since 2003, been offering afull re-upholstery service direct to consumers and now employs– on an ‘outworker’ basis – some 135 upholsterers across theUK. The company readily admits anyone with an AMUSF badgeis pretty much welcomed with open arms. And while it’s not anarrangement that is going to suit everyone, 40% of Plumbsupholsterers only work for them, so it’s an option that clearlyhas its place.

The world of work and what suits each of us best is one ofgreat variation and it’s important to understand and respectthat what suits one is anathema to another.

We’re all different and there’s room for us all. So from mybeautifully upholstered sofa – complete with heat pad andiPad – I rest my case!

Until the next time.

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

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

June/July/August 2017

The irreplaceable Plumb Jobs Thumbs Up?Bert Chapman helping to keep upholstery Why the way you work tributes pour in

skills alivecould be a big thumbs down

0113 235 1111www.petercookint.com [email protected]

Call us now for a copy of our latest catalogue

� ��

Peter Cook International, (PCI), is a leading stockist of furniturecomponents and sundries. We have healthy stocks of over 1000different lines across our two distribution sites.

Our company mission is to be the UK’s most trusted stockistof furniture components. We pride ourselves on beingapproachable, helpful and friendly, always saying “yes”whenever we can.

Peter Cook International Peter Cook International (Trentside)Aneal Business Centre Unit 2 Acton AvenueCross Green Approach Off Fields Farm RoadLeeds Long EatonLS9 0SG NG10 1GA0113 235 1111 0115 946 [email protected] [email protected]

03_USF_jun-jul-aug17.qxp:03_USF_0617 24/05/2017 11:24 Page 3

4 Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher June/July/August 2017

Showcase

1. Livedale. Now Available – 20mm upholstery nail strip in 8 coloursHigh 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 forcomplete 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 introduces Oak options to their leg range. Peter Cook International,(PCI), has always been renowned for their extensive choice of wooden legs for use on sofas, chairs andbeds. Until recently their range was produced entirely in Beech however this has now changed with theintroduction of Oak timber in varying finishes. Martin Cave, General Manager, explains more; “We havealways been really proud of the wide choice of styles and colours we can offer our customers when itcomes to supplying their wooden feet requirements. The addition of the oak timber was a naturalprogression after the successful launch of the FSC certification two years ago. We are really pleased inparticular with the weathered and aged effects we now have in stock”. For more info please contact PCIat the details below;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. ALHAMBRA. Atlantida Collection – The legend in between seas and oceans. INSPIRATION. Acontemporary collection of harmonious organic lines, inspired by elements of the nature under the sea.Elegance, harmony and movement are some of the attributes that define this original collection. It takesits name from the Atlantis legend.ALHAMBRA Pol. Las Atalayas, C/ del Marco, 61· 03114, Alicante SPAIN

Tel: 965 10 74 09 www.alhambraint.com

4. Beaulieu Fabrics. Established in the 1950’s this Belgian producer specialises in weaving upholsteryfabrics in dobby and jacquard weaves. The company has built up vast archives over the years, from whicha highly skilled development team continuously create new collections.Head Office:

Groenedreef 9 – B – 9770 Kruishoutem – Belgium Tel: +32 (0)9 338 12 11 Fax: +32 (0)9 338 13 41

Email: [email protected] www.beaulieufabrics.be/

5. 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 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

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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


www.upholsterers.co.uk 5

Contents

6 & 7 AMUSF News Update andBranch Briefings

8 Industry News

News

Features

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

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

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

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10 Ask FIRA

12 Feature: Thumbs Up!

14 & 15 Feature: Plumb Jobs

16 MyDecozo

17 Fellows Steam Ahead

18 Member Profile: Liz Marks – Traditional Upholstery Workshop

20 The Irreplaceable Bert Chapman

22 Save Our Skills SOS

24 Frank Palmer Revisited

26 In the Hotseat: Kevin Baker, Furnitureworks



AMUSF news roundup

BERTRAM EDWARD CHAPMAN MBEOne of the industry’s most revered andrespected figures has passed away.Bertram Edward Chapman MBE - orsimply ‘Bert’ to all those that knew him -had more accolades and honours - andheld more positions than can berecounted in full here.

Bert Chapman was born in StokeNewington, North London on August 111926 and joined the family businessestablished by his father in 1930 - AlbertE Chapman - at the age of 21.

He completed his training in the curtainand drapery department of what was tobecome one of London’s premier softfurnishing and upholstery companies withclients including British and foreignroyalty, ambassadors and prime ministers.

Following the sudden death of hisfather in 1958, Bert took over the familybusiness, developing its reputation stillfurther and wider. Memorable projectsincluded a major refurbishment of theTehran Hilton and, in the 1970s, the silkwalling in the Queen’s private picturegallery in Buckingham Palace and alsowalling in the National Gallery.

In the 1980s he undertook his biggestproject ever for Crown Prince Fahad BinAbdul Aziz; refurbished the carriages usedfor the 1981 royal wedding betweenPrince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer;and also undertook work at HamptonCourt Palace in the King’s private bed and

privy chambers. In 1987 Bert was awardedthe MBE and 10 years later received aspecial medallion from the Queen andPrince Philip in recognition of his skill anddedication in undertaking restorationwork at Windsor Castle following thedisastrous fire there in 1992.

Bert was a member of the AMUSF forsome 40 years, served on severalcommittees and boards and held manypositions during that time - includingpresident from 1982 and 1985. He wasmade a Fellow of the Association ofMaster Upholsterers in the early 1960s.

As well as his passion for the craft, Bertwas always keen to be involved in the

training and development of futureupholsterers and soft-furnishers. He was amember of the AMUSF trainingcommittee from 1961 right through tohis time as verifier as recently as 2015.

A long time member of the WorshipfulCompany of Upholders, Bert was electedto the Court in 1991, later taking on thenew role of Warden to the Trade andgoing on to become Master in 2000.

In 1992, after nearly 50 years with thefamily firm and much of that at the helmof the business, Bert became chairman ofAlbert E Chapman, gradually passingcontrol of the business over to his sonStephen.

After his retirement, Bert continued toremain an active member of the AMUSF.He died peacefully at home, aged 90, onSunday April 23.

As well as Stephen, Bert leaves adaughter Jan and four grandchildren -Clare, Samantha, Nicola and Michael. Onthe day before he died he attended hisgrandson Michael’s wedding. A privatefamily funeral service has been held.

Anyone who wishes to make a donationin memory of Bert can do so by making acheque payable to the Neville Haymancharity and sending it to associationmanager Richard Ranklin at head office.

• See page 20 for a special tribute to BertChapman.

APPRENTICE APPRECIATIONIn an age when the revival of apprenticeship schemes is seen ascritical to the survival of upholstery skills, it’s gratifying to begiven first hand feedback from a student on the receiving end ofthe training.

This letter from Georgie Elliott who describes herself as an‘Upholstery Helpline Regular’ was sent in to the AMUSF offices:

“I’ve just stopped working for Hampton Court Interiors – I wasthere for about three-and-a-half-years. During my penultimateweek, as I was on my way home, I realised how great andrewarding my time has been there, all thanks to Ron, my teacherand boss! His patience, his raised eyebrows when I was clearlydoing something odd, his belief in me, his attitude andenthusiasm for wanting to pass his knowledge onto anothergeneration has been refreshing.

“I used to get very conscious with other upholsterers if I was

doing something wrong, but Ron taught me upholstery is allabout problem solving, and each problem you encounter can havemultiple solutions. This was a key learning for me at HamptonCourt Interiors – in other words, there are several ways to skin acat! This has given me confidence in learning to use a skill in a waythat best suits me and the piece of furniture I’m working on.

“I never once heard him get cross, raise his voice or getannoyed (he must be a saint I hear you mutter). I’m sure all theabove happened, but not in my earshot. Instead, he let me learnby my mistakes, not be reprimanded for them, and all of this hasallowed my confidence to grow. I’m still only at the beginning,still on the outer edges of what it takes to master upholstery butI felt it right to highlight the importance of great ambassadorsfor the upholstery trade, and Ron is a great ambassador, knownnow as the upholstery helpline’”.

06-07_USF_jun-jul-aug17.qxp:06-07_USF_1216 24/05/2017 11:25 Page 6

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher 7

AMUSF news roundup

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

SJH in workshop

Joan’s star scholars with Joan Milton and AMUSF president Malcolm Hopkins seen on the back row

Last orders have been called at one of the best known names inchair frames – H Vaughan Limited.

The London-based frame making company, which dates backto 1902 and remains family owned, looks set to close over thesummer. Hales and James Vaughan who run the business withJames’ two sons Michael and Paul along with employee TonyIsmail took their last orders at the end of March. Hales and Jamesplan to retire once final orders have been completed and all stockand machinery at the business sold off.

Said Hales: “Our premises are near Canary Wharf on the edge ofthe Isle of Dogs which has become a big residentialredevelopment area. Our property is in Naval Row, a conservationarea and our office building in particular has got quite a goodfrontage which can’t be knocked down – so is likely to bepreserved as the facade for an apartment development.

“The chance to sell the property was very timely as this is notthe sort of business you can just sell on to someone and it wastime for us to retire.”

Vaughans was originally established as a timber machiningbusiness and it was only after the Second World War that HerbertVaughan started making chair frames. And it was FrancisVaughan, Herbert’s uncle, who founded the AMUSF and ChairFrame Makers’ Association.

Said Hales: “We’re all obviously very sad about the closure ofsuch a long established and well known business but there wasreally very little other option.” Tony will join another ex-Vaughanemployee now running F J Clark Chair Frames in Basildon.

JAM SESSIONStudents from Belfast, the Isle of Harris and Aberdeen were amongthose to receive certificates at the J A Milton (JAM) UpholsterySupplies annual prize giving and open day.

AMUSF president Malcolm Hopkins presented students withtheir certificates at the event which was also attended by formerpresident Bob Bishton, Wendy Shorter of Wendy Shorter Interiorsand association manager Richard Ranklin.

Said Joan Milton: “The day was a big hit with our students andcustomers and we were really touched with the turnout. Thededication of our students this year was truly phenomenal as wehave had some travelling from as far afield as Ireland and Scotlandas well as local areas.”

Students receiving Level 1 certificates were: SimonMathai, Verity Balzano, Lucy Aynsley, and Katie Halberda. Level 3certificates went to: Gerry Hellawell, Karen Wood and Gill Taylor.

AMUSF’s 70 years celebrationThe AMUSF celebrates its 70th birthday this September.To mark the occasion a special dinner is to be held onFriday September 29 with the association’s OGM andAGM held in the afternoon of the same day. Keep youreyes peeled for further details!

Vaughan family farewell

Sarah Jane Bustin of Sarah JaneHemsley Upholstery hasbecome the first AMUSFmember to have achieved allthree levels of membership!

After three years of runningher own business full time,Sarah has just been acceptedfor full membership of theassociation. During her twoyears at Tresithick UpholsteryTraining in Cornwall, Sarahenjoyed student membershiplevel - and after first startingher business, which she ranpart time for the first 18months, she became anassociate member.Said Sarah, who specialises intraditional upholstery at her

workshop in St Margarets(between Richmond-upon-Thames and Twickenham):”The AMUSF has always beenvery helpful and supportiveand I find the fabric buyingservice particularly useful.”

SARAH’S MEMBERSHIP HAT TRICK

DON’T FORGET!A Heritage Skills Festival will be held at Lincoln Cathedralon Friday and Saturday June 24 and 25 from 10am to4.40pm. Members of The Worshipful Company ofUpholders will be exhibiting and demonstrating the craftsof traditional upholstery and soft furnishings at the twoday event alongside many other heritage skills. At 5pm onFriday 23rd there will be a procession to the Cathedral ofThe Masters from all the different Livery Companiesdressed in full robes.



Reviews� Proposte (Villa Erba, Cernobbio,Lake Como, Italy, May 3 – 5): Adedicated event showcasing thefinest in homeware products, thisyear’s exhibition featured goodsfrom some of the home furnishingsand textile industry’s topcompanies.� Interzum (Koelnmesse, CologneMay 16 – 19): Key players andtrendsetters gathered at this leadingindustry event to see some of thebest ideas and innovations for thefurniture and interiors industrymake their debut.

Previews�Manchester Furniture Show(Manchester Central, July 16 – 18):The furniture and furnishingindustry’s favourite summer show,this relaxed and easy-to-visitinteriors show is the place to be forthe newest trends in upholstery,cabinet, dining, beds and bedroomfurniture, occasional, mirrors, artand decorative accessories.� Decorex (Syon Park, London,September 17 – 20): Renowned asthe destination for some 14,000international interior designprofessionals to see the latest newand unique designs from some 400British and international exhibitors,this year’s show celebrates the 40thedition of Decorex. � The NBF Bed Show 2017(Telford International Centre,September 19 – 20,): The biggestand best bed event in the UK, isback and online visitor registrationis now open atwww.bedshow.co.uk. Confirmed toreturn are big brand names as wellas smaller niche players and a hostof component suppliers. Parkingand entry remains free for visitors,with complimentary refreshmentvouchers.

Industry roundup

EXHIBITIONROUNDUP

BFC HITS BACK AT ‘SOFA CANCER’SCARE STORIESThe British Furniture Confederation (BFC)hit back following a recent spate of newsstories reporting on claims that 'toxic'chemicals used to fireproof sofas could becausing a surge in thyroid cancers.

According to researchers from DukeUniversity in North Carolina, people whoare exposed to high levels of flameretardants are more than twice as likely todevelop the cancer. The increase has beenlinked to chemicals such as TCEP anddecaBDE, which are sprayed on to fabricand fillings in furniture.

But the BFC was quick to refute theclaims saying: “Of the chemicals listed as ofconcern, DecaBDE, which historically wasused as a back coating for upholsteryfabrics, is already listed as a Substance ofVery High Concern (SVHC) under theREACH regulations.

“This means its use is severely restricted.As far as we are aware it is no longer usedas a fire retardant for furniture fabrics inthe UK, and hasn’t been for a number ofyears. New legislation will prevent nearly alluse of this chemical. It is our belief that thecombination of the Flam Regs and REACH

ensures that the upholstered furniture onsale in the UK is the safest in the worldwith regard to fire performance; andreflects the latest knowledge.

“The BFC has long campaigned to havethe FLAM regulations revised to reflectmodern materials and manufacturingprocesses, as well as addressing a numberof areas in the regulations that neededadded clarity. While recent consultationson proposed changes had a number ofpositive features, the BFC was unable tosupport the Department for Business,Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)proposals. We do not believe the changeswill satisfy BEIS’s own targets of reducingthe use of fire retardant chemicals, whilemaintaining current levels of fire safety forconsumers and the fire service.

“As we believe the governmentsresponse to the consultation, originallyexpected this spring, has been delayed bythe General Election until the autumn, theindustry is now working on a freshapproach to testing which it hopes willboth reduce FR chemical usage and beworkable.”

Hotshots score another big hit at northern big shotsHotshots from as far afield as Belgiumgathered in the picturesque YorkshireDales for the annual Northern Big Shotsevent in aid of The Furniture Makers.

Fifteen teams took part, competing fora total of 12 different trophies. Saidorganiser, Victor Giannandrea: “It reallywas a an amazing day which saw industryleaders from around the country cometogether for a great day of shooting andnetworking.

“Our raffles alone raised more than£2,000 and thanks to a number of verygenerous sponsors we were able to boostthe amount raised to even more than lastyear, ensuring the day was both enjoyableand very worthwhile.”

Winners on the day (April 20) were: TopTeam, Howdens Joinery; Top Gun (Male),Steve Kelly, (Mattress Online with theBreasely team); Top Gun (Female) SarahHarris (Steinhoff team); Flurry, TheFurniture Makers team; Pool winner, Jonny

Westbrooke (The Furniture Makers team);International Team, Steinhoff; BestExperienced Shot (Male), Duncan Weister(DJ Weisters team); Best IntermediateShot (Male), Phil Mercer (Howdens team);Best Novice Shot (Male), Keith Humble(Sleepeeze team); Best Novice Shot(Female), Helen James (Breasley team); Afor Effort!, Linda Keelan (KI Europe team);Flashers!, Phil Mercer and David Imrie.

The 2018 Northern Big Shots will beheld on Thursday April 26. For moreinformation contact The Furniture Makersnorthern organiser Louise Hicks [email protected]

The Furniture Makers Team


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QI am fixing some upholsteredpanels to a wall as part of thedecoration of the room but they willalso act as backs for seating in theroom. Will these be covered by thedomestic Fire Regs as seat backs or byBuilding Regs as fabric walling?

AAs the upholstered panels will beused as the backs for seating fordomestic use they would need to meetthe full requirements of the Furniture &Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations1988 (as amended in 1989, 1993 and2010). Even though the panels will be fixed to

a wall they would not fall under thebuilding regulations as these only applyto the non-domestic sector, not thedomestic sector.

QCan I put a schedule 3 interlinerbetween an FR dacron wrap andthe foam or does it have to goimmediately underneath the top cover?

AFor domestic use the schedule 3interliner must be used between thecover fabric and any other parts of thefurniture, as stated in Section 8 (2) of theFurniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety)Regulations, ‘where furniture is suppliedwith a cover on it and there is between itand the cover an interliner which passesthe test in schedule 3 to theseregulations’.

QI have been asked to make sometraditional straw palliasses for mylocal scout troop. Won’t that filling fallfoul of the regulations?

AIf the palliasses are to be used withinthe scout hut they would fall underthe non-domestic sector. As such they

would be covered by the RegulatoryReform Fire Safety Order, meaning theresponsible person for the scouttroop/scout hut would be required tocarry out a risk assessment on thebuilding and specify what flammabilityrequirements the palliasses should meet. Normally for the contract sector

mattress type products would beexpected to meet BS 7177 (Specificationfor resistance to ignition of mattresses,mattress pads, divans and bed bases).This standard requires the filling materialsto be fire retardant in their own right andpass the relevant schedule for Furniture &Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations.However because the requirements for anon-domestic product are based on a risk

assessment on a specific building, this canvary and only the responsible person forthat building can give a definitive answer.

• 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.For more information on FIRAInternational visit www.fira.co.uk, [email protected] or call 01438 777 700.

Ask FIRA


WALL TO WALLQUESTIONSSteve Cotton, FIRA International’s technical specialist for flammability and physicalupholstery, answers more of members’ specific flammability questions.


Britain’s biggest Bed Show is back for 2017!

Register Now:

www.bedshow.co.uk @BedShow

New products | New trends | New exhibitors

A must attend event for anyone in the industry

19th and 20th September | Telford International Centre

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11_USF_0617.qxp:11_USF_0617 22/05/2017 13:17 Page 1


Feature

THUMBSUP!Sore and aching hands come with the territory for mostworking upholsterers but now a specialist doctor isinvestigating a condition which he believes could becommon to those working in the trade.

Dr Jon Poole, consultantoccupational physician at SheffieldTeaching Hospitals, is appealing forupholsterers around the UK to comeforward if they suffer from a badly arthriticthumb. It’s a condition he believes could bea long term effect of working in upholsteryand which can sometimes be severeenough to cause a noticeable deformity ofthe thumb joint. Called themetacarpophalangeal joint, it is the one atthe base of the thumb, not the middle.

Said Dr Poole: “In my experience as adoctor, I have seen a number ofupholsterers with arthritic hands. Thiscould have been due to the effects ofageing and general wear and tear on thehands from manual work, or due to anindividual (genetic) susceptibility toarthritis.“I have noticed, however, that some

upholsterers have particularly arthriticthumbs which could be as a consequenceof the strain put on their thumbs whengripping, pulling or pushing material. Someof those I have seen in my clinics - and theyare often people who have come to meabout something else altogether - havehad really quite badly deformed joints -which is not the result of normal arthritis.“The thumb is swollen at the base in a

way that appears to be peculiar to people

who use their thumbs in unnaturalpositions and so put a lot of pressure onthe thumb. They tend to work, at times,with their thumbs sticking out and furtheraway from their fingers, or palm of thehand, than is natural. Doing this repeatedlyand over many years puts an unnaturalstrain on the thumb and is going to causeproblems in the longer term.“The joint becomes enlarged at the base

of the thumb which can cause quite anoticeable deformity. However, I estimatethat it is probably necessary for someoneto have been doing this work for at least 20years before the signs of osteoarthritis anddeformity start to appear. It doesn’thappen with everyone – it depends on theperson and how they use their thumbs.”So how and what can upholsterers do to

lessen the impact?Said Dr Poole: “Working in upholstery

inevitably puts thumbs under strain andgives rise to premature arthritis, so it’sabout learning to work in a way thatreduces the risk. The way people shoulduse their hands is to keep the thumb asclose to the fingers and palm as possible.”

It’s also a condition which Dr Poole iskeen to delve into further. He said: “Thislink between the work of an upholstererand arthritis of the thumb needs firstlysome good examples of arthritic thumbswith x-rays confirming the presence ofosteoarthritis and then evidence from anepidemiological study of upholsterers thatcompares them with manual workers whodo not do upholstery work and so do notput such strain on their thumbs. We wouldneed around 100 upholsterers in the studyto produce an authoritative report. I knowthere are cases out there as I have seensome extremely deformed thumbs duringthe course of my work in clinic and out inthe field on industrial visits. “What I am asking people to do is send

me a photograph of their hands, ideallyshowing the backs of both hands with thefingers and thumbs in a relaxed position(see photo example). A picture taken witha smart phone or digital camera at homewould suffice. If there is evidence of anunusual distribution of arthritis I couldmake arrangements with their GP to havetheir hand x-rayed to see if the damage tothe joints is in a distribution that is not likeordinary osteoarthritis.“If it could be proved that the arthritis is

as a consequence of working as anupholsterer, and if there is sufficientevidence to suggest this from the study, itmay even be that we could put a caseforward to have this condition recognisedas an industrial disease. It will certainly beinteresting to see if the deformity ofthumbs, which I have seen among someupholsterers, is more common than inother manual trades.”• If you would like to take part in thestudy, then images – as detailed above– should be emailed to Dr Poole [email protected]

!

! Anatomy of hand

Thumb joints in extension

Upholsterer at work


Tel: 01903 202008 • Email: [email protected] Close, East Worthing Trading Estate, West Sussex, BN14 8HQ

www.thefurnitureworks.co.uk www.chairmaker.co.uk

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13_USF_0617:Layout 1 24/05/2017 11:05 Page 1


It all started in 1953 on a market stall inBlackburn when Tom and Bernice Plumbstarted selling stretch covers ( just 12different styles suited all known chair andsofa shapes) and the very latest thing inbedding – continental duvets.By the 1970s the company had become

the best known name in stretch covers; andby the mid-80s it had launched its made-to-measure loose cover service with a networkof home consultants going in to measureup for covers – and often matching curtains.Then, completing the ‘good’ and ‘better’cover story came its most upmarket offer –bespoke tailored covers.In 2003 Plumbs embarked on an even

more ambitious project, offering a full re-upholstery service direct to consumers. Todo so it needed to harness the skills of anetwork of trained upholsterers to whichthe company could outsource this work –the first and only time that this has beendone on such a scale.Today, some 135 upholsterers across the

UK work as Plumbs TDs (TechnicalDesigners) on either a full or part timebasis. Anyone applying to join the team isscreened and tested for the quality of theirworkmanship and while the national TDmanager Andy Earnshaw readily admitsanyone with an AMUSF badge is prettymuch welcomed with open arms, he also

acknowledges that many members arereluctant to get involved – often citing therate of pay as the main issue.“What they often fail to take into

account is that, as a company, we spendabout £5 million a year on advertising andmarketing to generate the leads andbusiness,” says Andy. “We also supply allfabric, springs, foam and other materialsneeded to complete a job so ourupholsterers don’t need to hold stocks –everything needed is provided.”While the company doesn’t purport to

specialise in full antique restoration work, itdoes do a competent ‘building from theinside out’ repair, tackling where needed,wooden arms and inlays, springs, webbing,foam and castors. It stops short of restoringthe actual frame itself.For many upholsterers, the Plumbs work

is good ‘bread and butter’ business which isflexible enough to allow them to do aslittle or as much work with the company assuits their own workflow and privatecommissions. For others – in fact some40% – the Plumbs work is all they do.Said Andy: “Our way of working

particularly suits people who are lesscomfortable with the customer facing sideof working for themselves. They love thehands on element of what they do butdon’t want to have to worry about telling

people what they charge, preparingquotes, marketing their business, holdingstocks and so on.” The company uses a matrix of costs for

each job undertaken with set fees for everyaspect of the work involved and ‘extras’ ifthere is more than anticipated. Last yearPlumbs paid out £2.5 million incommissions to its network ofupholsterers. While still sizeable, thenumber of TDs on Plumbs books hasdeclined in the past 10 years, droppingfrom around 200 upholsterers to a figurethat currently hovers between 130 and140 with some work now having beenmoved to regional factories.“Our biggest challenge is retirement,”

says Andy. “Unfortunately this is a bit of adying skill so training up new people is verymuch at the forefront of what we do.”To that end, Plumbs has long worked

with the North Lancs Training Group andamong its head office team of 22upholsterers currently employs fiveapprentices who undergo their NVQtraining in conjunction with a provider inAccrington which specialises in thefurnishings sector. It can take up to threeyears to complete the course and successfulapprentices receive a Diploma in Upholstery.The company is also keen to work with

and encourage its TDs to take on

PLUMBJOBSDespite going from market stall trader to multi-million pound soft furnishings andreupholstery business, Plumbs doesn’t always get the credit it deserves across the morecraft-based upholstery fraternity. U&SF visited the Preston-based family firm to find outmore about its network of independent upholsterers – and how the company is doingits bit to keep upholstery skills alive.

Feature

14-15_USF_mar-apr-may.qxp:14-15_USF_0317 24/05/2017 11:29 Page 14


Feature

apprentices and would also be open toexploring apprenticeship opportunitieswhen the new Trailblazer initiatives are upand running.For a company which now employs more

than 500 people both directly and acrossits network of upholsterers and homeconsultants – and which enjoyed aturnover of over £25 million in 2016 –ensuring that it has the skilled staff tomeet its needs going forward is critical –particularly considering that thereupholstery side of its business nowaccounts for nearly a third (31%) of sales.And it is clear that Plumbs, which

remains resolutely family run (some 15family members have jobs at the Prestonfactory; Geoff Plumb – son of founder Tom– is the chairman; and his daughter SarahPage is the current md) continues to moveits business forward. In addition to themassive 137,000 sq ft head office facility inPreston, the company also runs smallerfactories in Dover and Redhill to servicethose areas.Since the demise of Lynplan, Plumbs is

currently unchallenged as the largestcompany operating on a national basis inthe sector. Along with its new line ofmodern stretch covers, plus the loosecovers and bespoke tailored/fitted covers,in 2012 the company launched its‘Prestige’ service. This offers fabrics fromsuch top brand houses as Ross, Warwick,Linwood, Wilman, Sanderson, Swaffer,Clarke and Clarke and Jim Dickens. In totaland across all recovering options, there aresome 800 different fabric choices.More recently, and in a bid to ‘expand the

brand’ still further, Plumbs launched its‘Beautiful Bedrooms’ collection of made-to-measure bedspreads, bijoux top quilts,scatter cushions, throws, curtains andvalances. The company also does a range ofupholstered occasional furniture – including

a chaise and footstools – plus headboards.And it even offers customers a choice ofelectric recliner chairs which can be coveredor upholstered in a fabric to match or co-ordinate with their existing upholstery. Asmarketing manager Emma Curtis pointsout: “We need to give customers morereasons to return to us by extending ouroffer to other areas of the home.”Interestingly, Plumbs believes its average

customer profile is female and aged around72-plus. Considering the rapid growth inthe reupholstery side of the business aswell as the fact Plumbs handles around600 orders per week (and an order can beanything from covers for a single chairthrough to an entire suite plus curtains andso on), that may be an elderly client basebut it’s also an affluent one.And it’s one that often owns good quality,

branded furniture which owners wouldrather recover, or better still, reupholster,than replace with something new.Which all adds to the ongoing need for

skilled upholsterers.Said Andy: “Re-upholstery is a growing

area for us and over the the past six yearswe’ve noticed a shift in favour of re-upholstering. So we still need to recruit

more upholsterers and although staffturnover is very low, finding people withthe experience and skill sets we need is verydifficult. We regularly send out mailers toour database of upholsterers to boostnumbers out in the field and our two areamanagers visit the premises of anypromising applicants to check out theirwork and facilities.“In the past 18 months we’ve also made

considerable progress in terms ofintroducing new production technologiesand have successfully digitised ourtemplate planning and cutting processwhich has brought significant savings intime and efficiency improvements. “However, you can’t mechanise the

reupholstery process which is why we arecommitted to an ongoing programme oftraining apprentices within our in-houseteam in Preston. We have some reallyskilled people working here, capablebetween them of doing antiquerestorations, deep buttoning work, QueenAnne chairs, Iron Spoonbacks and so on –although we wouldn’t pretend that thismakes up the bulk of our work.“But our determination to help keep

these skills alive has been recognised with aregional award (large employer category)for our work with apprentices and we arecertainly keen to do more with the AMUSF– and perhaps, going forward – to set upsome sort of working partnership.”So while it may not be involved in the

deeply specialist work which so many ofour members take such pride in, Plumbsdoes have its place in the industry and it isdoing its bit to secure some of those skillsgoing forward.There is, as they say, room for us all.

Plumb apprentices receive training certificates

14-15_USF_mar-apr-may.qxp:14-15_USF_0317 24/05/2017 11:30 Page 15

MyDecozo


HELPFUL HINTS FROMThe UK’s largest online soft furnishingsforum turns its attention to trouble-shooting eyelet curtains.

��

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

A forum member was helping a customer with new curtains aftermoving house. While there, she was asked for suggestions onhow to help darken a bedroom which already had eyelet headedblackout curtains.The customer had already added blackout blinds but was still

concerned about light bleed around the sides and particularly inthe middle where the pole had a central bracket.The solution was two-fold: 1– one inch vertical battens werefixed to the wall outside the window reveal. The return edges ofthe curtains were then held in place on them with Velcro all downthe side; 2 - After trying a clothes peg to test the effect a morediscreet solution was needed to hold the leading edges togetherunder the central bracket.The answer was to use sew-in magnets which were sourced

online. These were put inside little bags made from lining, thenstitched up inside the leading edges of the panels. When thecurtains were closed, they clicked together to close the gap. Thelittle fabric bags reduced the magnetic ‘pull’ slightly so that theypulled apart easily when the curtains were opened.

Before After

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FELLOWSSTEAM AHEADIt was full steam ahead for the Fellowslunch this year when members took asteam train from Toddington toCheltenham Racecourse.

The April 5 event kicked off at Toddington Station whereearly arrivals had a chance to look around the stationand museum. Then it was all aboard with a carriage tothemselves with lunch itself held at The Pheasant Inn.Said Mary Crack, clerk to the Fellows of the Associationof Master Upholsterers (FAMU): “The food was good andthe service excellent and after the obligatory groupphoto everyone parted for home, quite happy andcontent with the day.”

The Fellows AGM and annual weekend will be held onJune 16 - 18 at the Holiday Inn Fareham, including a visitto the Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth.


Member profile


How long have you been doing your job? I have been teaching upholstery as thebusiness owner for 11 years. Before that Ihad a small business taking on upholsterycommissions and also taught alongside thefounder of my current business.

How long did it take to really learn theskill? Hopefully I haven’t stopped learning yet. Ithink with a craft like upholstery there isalways something new and unusualcropping up.

Do you consider yourself a craftspersonor tradesperson?A craftsperson.

What makes up the bulk of your work? I spend the majority of my time teaching. Istill complete some projects for myself andobviously there is the administration sideof running the business, which I also domyself.

What keeps you motivated? Seeing the increase in skills and confidenceas students learn new skills.

What aspect of your work do you mostenjoy?I love passing on age-old skills toenthusiastic learners, and being in theworkshop with a different crowd eachweek. Every week is a different dynamic,but always fun and interesting.

Professionally, what is your greatestfrustration? Seeing badly upholstered furniture.

Tell us about the most challengingproject you have ever undertaken.Not long after my initial training, I took onan enormous Chesterfield sofa with deepbuttoned seat and back which at the timewas a huge learning curve. I managed tocomplete it and the customer wasdelighted with it, but in hindsight, it wassomewhat ambitious.

And the most unusual/bizarre/funnyrequest you have ever dealt with? My dairy farming neighbour asked me tomake a new seat for his quad bike out ofan old tractor tyre.

What are the most pressing issuescurrently facing your business? The financial climate and an increasingnumber of courses starting up havecertainly affected business in recentyears.

How long have you been a member ofthe AMUSF and how important has thisbeen to your business?The business has been a member for 25years. I became a member when I tookover the business 11 years ago.

Professionally, who or where do youturn to for advice/ a second opinion?It depends on the sort of advice I amlooking for. Emily, who teaches with me,is always good to bounce ideas off.

When you talk to a fellow upholsterer/soft furnisher, the talk always turns to? Often the latest very good, or very badupholstery idea.

How do you keep your skills andtechniques updated? I try and keep my hand in by completingpractical pieces on a regular basis. Oftenstudents will bring ideas they want to try orbooks I haven’t come across and followingother people’s work on social media can beinteresting and informative.

What is the single most important pieceof advice you would give to someonestarting out in this business? Learn your core skills thoroughly and gainas much as experience as possible beforetaking the leap.

Where do you see the future of theindustry? I hope there will always be a place fortraditional upholstery. The number ofpeople still wanting to learn the craft iscertainly encouraging.

What has been your proudestprofessional moment?Opening the workshop doors to studentson my first day as owner of the business.Contact details: Tel 01994 232124websitewww.upholsterycourses.com email [email protected]

SCHOOLOF LEARNING

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

Name of business The Traditional Upholstery Workshop

When established 1992Owned by Liz MarksLocation Carmarthenshire, West

WalesSpeciality Upholstery coursesNumber employed Sole trader

Liz Marks, (left) with student


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

� ��

Ehrlich Leder-Handels GmbH D-88400 Biberach

Phone +49 7351 1980-0

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

19_USF_0617.qxp:19_USF_0317 31/05/2017 11:01 Page 1


There are so many good words that canbe said about this man. To me he was myfriend, mentor – even father figure – andI cannot express my gratitude enough forthe support and advice he has given tome over the last 27 years. He attendedand supported every award ceremonyheld at London Met university. I will misshim dearly.Malcolm Hopkins, president, AMUSF

An assessment visit from Bert gave us atremendous boost of confidence when wefirst started up in business. He was alwayskind and supportive to those starting outand generously shared his knowledge andexperience, inspiring many hundreds ofupholsterers and soft furnishers over theyears. His impact on our craft will be feltfor many years to come.Martin Pickard, chairman AMUSF

We first met Bert and Joyce Chapmansome 40 years ago at our first AMUconference and soon became firm friends.Always a gentleman, he had a wry senseof humour and we often laugheduncontrollaby together over the mostsimple and silliest of things. Bert’sknowledge of the trade was second tonone and over the years he proved to bean inspiration to everyone he met. Godbless you Bert and thank you for allowingus to have been part of your life.Michael (past president) and Wynne(past Master of the WorshipfulCompany of Upholders) Gilham

When I first joined the AMUSF Bert waskind enough to ask me along to a couple

THE IRREPLACEABLEBERT CHAPMAN

of visits he was making on behalf of theassociation to new members. It quicklybecame apparent that here was a man,not only with huge knowledge but anengaging manner, who gaveencouragement and support to whoeverneeded it. Thank you, Bert, we will missyou.Richard Ranklin, association manager,AMUSF

When I became board chairman, Bert hadalready rendered long and distinguishedservice to the association and during mytime, he was an outstandingly valuabledirector. I lost count of the number oftimes a contentious discussion wastransformed into a harmonious andconstructive exchange by his quiet andinvariably courteous intervention.Outside the boardroom, he workedtirelessly in handling complaints and inthe association's training activities. It wasa privilege to work with him.Des Fanning, past president of the AMUSF

I joined the AMUSF and aspired to achievecertain heights in my career, admiringfrom afar members that were obviously‘out of my league’. Mr Albert Chapmanwas obviously Premier League but Ibecame to regard him as a friend, agentleman who never saw himself on thepedestal that I built for him. I will sorelymiss him.Joan Milton - J A Milton UpholsterySupplies

Bert Chapman was a 'star' in many ways.A friend and mentor for 20 years he lived

just 10 minutes away, so I saw himregularly and had the privilege to get toknow his family. We first met when I was astudent at London Guildhall University(now London Met) and he came to assessme for membership of the AMUSF. He wasalways a perfect gentleman and the calmvoice of reason. RIP Bert, with love.Wendy Shorter, Wendy Shorter Interiors

Bert was an industry legend and yet hewas so kind to me in the early days of mycareer. Hearing him talk to groups aboutsome of the wonderful work he wasinvolved with was always an inspiration.He will leave a huge hole in our industry.Penny Bruce, Denton Drapes

Bert Chapman has been my hero since Ifirst asked if I could see his workroom andfind out how to make a Roman blind –almost 45 years ago. His wonderful smile,his gentle nature and his enormousamount of knowledge - shared sowillingly – will always be remembered. Hislife was dedicated to our industry and hisfamily. Maureen Whitemore, Whitemore andThwaytes, Penrith, Cumbria

Bert first came to the University in 1990,representing the Upholders company,since when he has continued to support all aspects of the furniture and furnishingcourses undertaken here and been aregular visitor, supporter and advisor to all.Andrew Stone, head of Sir John CassSchool of Art, Architecture and Design,London Metropolitan University

Special tribute

Tributes have been pouring in for Bert Chapman, one of thebest loved and most respected figures in the upholsterybusiness. To many it was the genuine, thoughtful andhumble nature of the man himself that counted for morethan anything else. In this special feature, U&SF offers a fewpersonal memories of a man considered so gifted andspecial in his field he can never be replaced. Bert Chapman seen talking with Michael Gilham

20_USF_jun-jul-aug17.qxp:20, 22_USF_0317 24/05/2017 11:32 Page 20

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Feature


launch a national hunt for surviving olderand unusual upholstery tools, particularlythose more than 100 years old. The ideawould be to track how they have changedover time and put that into asocial/historical context; and thirdly, tointerview upholsterers who are eitherretired or nearing retirement age, torecord their stories and experiences. Said Yvette, “We would like to work

with existing, well establishedinstitutions, such as Geffrye Museum, theFrederick Parker Collection at London Met,the V&A Museum, The Furniture HistorySociety, Wycombe Museum and a numberof stately homes, for example. “As far as we can see there is nothing

specifically dedicated to combining theheritage of upholstery with developingskills. Our idea is to apply for funding fordifferent projects, bringing together avariety of groups or individuals interestedin specific areas. “We’re in this for the long term and

know that what we are setting out on isquite ambitious, which is why we knowthat much of what needs doing will be inconjunction with other bodies. Our aimwill be to build up different partnershipsand links with people and organisations.“It’s all about helping to promote the

sector: about getting people’simagination going and bringing it alivewith inspiring ideas and innovation.“At the moment we would love to hear

from anyone who would be interested inworking with us going forward, forexample with skills – such as videoing,researching or curating; or about anyprojects or research that currently exists;

or perhaps loan us tools which are old andinteresting. The AMUSF, while not directlyinvolved in the project is very encouragingand interested in what we are doing.“Ultimately our dream goal would be to

have a dedicated building where we couldhave workshops with people learningtraditional and lost skills and exhibitionsrunning, including videos showing how itonce was; a display of tools used throughthe ages; images of lost pieces of furniturebrought back to life; and a timeline of thetrade showing techniques, skills andmaterials related to upholstery andfurniture making in different parts of theUK and across different periods of time.“Although our initial aim is to focus on

upholstery our ultimate ambition is toencompass and celebrate the wider worldof British furniture.“The idea is to benefit people wishing

to learn about the UK’s rich history andheritage of furniture and upholstery. Thiscould include young people wishing togain new skills or those involved inconserving and restoring historic pieces offurniture. Even people wanting toenhance their skills and experience withinthe sector could benefit from such aresource.”

When Yvette Dearden, along withpartners Paul and Mark Marshand David Popkin establishedthe Upholstery Skills Centre at StaplefordAbbotts in Essex in November 2012, theydid so knowing that many of the trade’smost skilled and experienced upholstererswere either retired or on the verge of it.And what really worried them about

this fast retiring resource was that it washappening with barely a trace of theindustry’s heritage left behind.Said Yvette: “We have been conscious

for a long time that there are gaps inresearching and telling the story offurniture making, and in particularupholstery, and have wanted to make acontribution by filling some of these gaps. “Ours is a craft where people who have

retired or are near to retirement are takinga lot of the skills, tradition, experience andknowledge of the trade with them and ifthis isn’t captured very quickly we are indanger of losing all that valuable heritage.What we want to do is combine learningabout that craftsmanship with developingskills.”In order to turn their idea into a reality,

the Upholstery Skills Centre set up a not-for-profit Community Interest Companycalled The Furniture Skills and HeritageCentre. It was incorporated at the end ofMarch.Acknowledging that what they are

doing is no small undertaking, Yvette and‘the chaps’ have set themselves threeinitial and realistic goals: a gap analysis ofwhat currently exists to ensure they donot duplicate work but build uponexisting projects and research; to secondly

SOS PLAN TO ‘SAVE OUR SKILLS’With traditional upholstery skills a fast fading commodity,U&SF talks to four AMUSF members on a mission to saveand celebrate the UK’s rich heritage of furniture making andupholstery crafts.

Anyone interest in helping or finding out more about the Furniture Skills and Heritage Centre Community Interest Companyshould contact Yvette at [email protected] or phone 07721 909 838.

Upholstery Skills Centre - l-r Mark, Yvette, Dave, Paul

22_USF_jun-jul-aug17.qxp:20, 22_USF_0317 24/05/2017 11:32 Page 22

23_USF_0617:00_IM_1116 05/06/2017 15:47 Page 1


Expert advice

Springs in upholstery are laced forthree reasons: – (I) The top coils ofthe springs are held firmly in such aposition that the axis remainsperpendicular; (2) any given row of springsmay be compressed independently of theothers; for instance the back row may bekept lower than the two front ones, asshown in the side elevation at FIG. I25; (3)the friction and wear on the hessiancovering subsequently used is reduced toa minimum by the process of lacing. Once springs have been securely sewn

in to the webs of a seat, the nextprocedure is to reduce their resiliency bytying or lacing them down to a givenheight. There are two ways of doingthis: by covering with hessian, asshown in FIGS. I27 and I29, or bylacing with cords, as in FIG. I23. Forlacing the springs a stout cord isused, called laid-cord, and the topcoil of each spring is knotted.FIG. I2I shows the front row of

springs on a seat with temporary tacksfixed ready for lacing. The tacks are placedexactly opposite each spring in the centreof the rails. The length of cord required isdifficult to gauge with accuracy, and it is agood plan to lay the cord loosely over thesprings, as from A to H, FIG. I22; allowingsufficient for knotting and the returncords, indicated at A and GQ FIG. I23. The return should be long enough to tiefrom the tack to the top coil A, FIG. I23.Such return cords are not always necessaryin small work where 5in. or 6in. springs areused, but in large work they areimperative. Before lacing starts all cordshould be cut and laid ready to hand.

Cords are then looped over eachtemporary tack on the back rail, and onone of the side rails A and C, FIG. 126, andthe tacks are driven in securely leavingsufficient cord for the return. The lacing of the springs of small chairs

and easy chairs should start from the siderail, tacking the centre cord first andworking from left to right; the others arethen laced in rotation, as indicated by theNos. I to 6, FIG. 126. In settees andcouches the short cords running fromback to front are laced first and thelengthwise ones afterwards. In knottingthe procedure is as follows : Hold the cord

in the left hand and make thefirst knot on the second coil ofspring with the right hand, see A,FIG. 122, drawing the spring alittle out of the perpendicular.Repeat the operation on the topcoil of first spring at B, and so on asindicated. The distance between B-C and D-E should be a little morethan the corresponding distancebetween the springs on the web. Thesprings should now appear as shownat FIG. 122 before being straineddown to a given height. Hold the endof the cord G with the right handpressing the springs with the left. Tomeasure the height required, place arule between C and D on to the web,and when the right height is obtainedthe cord should be strained taut andlooped round the temporary tack H,which is then driven in. A six inch springshould be compressed to four inches inthe centre and the back row alwaysslightly lower - on seats of all kinds. FIG. 128 shows two methods of

knotting for the lacing of springs. FIG. I24 shows the result of incorrect

lacing. From this it is clear that afterspring No. I loses some of its resiliencyowing to wear, the top coil will touch thecoils of the spring No. 2 when in use. FIG.I23 shows a row of springs correctlyplaced, the spring in the centre perfectlyupright, those on either side strainedslightly out of the perpendicular.

THE LACINGOF SPRINGSFrank Palmer's famed book, 'Practical Upholstery'has long been considered the 'bible' of the craft. Inthe first of a regular new series featuring extractsfrom the book, we take a look at the lacing of springs- the reasons for doing it and how best to tackle it.


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25_USF_0617:00_IM_1116 05/06/2017 15:51 Page 1


Q & A

How would you like to be remembered?Having just turned 60 I guess the time Imay or may not be remembered is gettingcloser! All I can hope for is that peopleremember me as a decent bloke who lovedhis family and friends. I also hope thatthey remember how I loved making thingsand making them well.

How did you get into this business?I kind of fell into furniture after gettinginvolved with an old family firm that madechair and sofa frames. Originally it was tohelp my dad out when I returned fromAustralia, so he could retire but businesshas a way of taking over your life and I amstill here, 20 years on!

What’s the best thing about our industry?Like most things British we are really goodat it with the best designers and buildersanywhere – and so much so that we arecopied all over the world.

What’s the worst thing about our industry?I have seen this industry decimated overthe 20 years I have been in it. I have had topush further and further to the top end justto be able to survive. There is no middleground for us anymore and successivegovernments have allowed cheap rubbishfurniture into this country with no real dutyto pay and no standards to meet.

What would you change?If I had the power I would force all retailers(online or not) to state exactly what isinside the sofas and chairs they sell andwhere they come from. I would also wantthem to state in writing that the timbersthey use are conforming with at least FSCor PEFC and also EUTR. I would also forceall imported product to be tested for FireRegs compliance as much of it complieswith nothing and impose a tax on allimported furniture to be returned to tradeassociations such as the AMU to grow ourindustry through training young people tokeep this industry alive.

What would you class as your greatestachievement?In the late 80s, I designed and built arange of motorhomes and campers usinga composite fibreglass foam sandwichconstruction. It revolutionised the industryand was so ahead of its time that many ofthem are still on the road in Australia 30years later.

Your perfect day?At work it would be seeing new designscoming together: from drawing board tofinished chair is satisfying. At home,spending time with my partner and family,seeing my kids develop, walking the dog, abeer or two at the pub.

Your desert island disc?One would just not be enough! So,Australian bands that none of my mateshave heard of and then the classics: Floyd,Stones, Eagles, Steve Miller, Springsteen,Dire Straits, Bowie, George Benson, Madnessetc. Oh and I love a bit of Country.

Who has been your greatest inspirationand why?The greats: Hepplewhite, Chippendale andSheraton or Le Corbusier and Eames. Myfather was also one of the greatestunknown designers and I have a uniquecollection of his chair and sofa designs

which I call the ‘Chair Vault Originals’ andwe release a few at a time into the‘Chairmaker’ brand every year.

If you weren’t doing what you do now,what would you be doing?Probably back in Australia buildingcampers or custom motorcycles. Just adream though – too many mouths to feedhere and a lot of chairs to make!

What winds you up?Lots of things but only one that matters atthe moment: Brexit, the biggest destructionof a good thing I have ever seen in my life.This single issue will dominate politics foryears and the effects are already being felt:I am seeing a big slow down in London andthat is spreading; I buy most of my timberin France and Germany and the effect ofthe damaged pound has put costs up byover 20 per cent.

What gives you the greatest satisfaction?Although I spend much of my life in theoffice I am happiest making stuff, it’s whatI do and love. I also have a big smile on myface when I see my daughter doing well atuni and my son buying his first flat – sohappy they are both on track.

Doer or talker?I’ve never been much of a talker andwould rather get on with the job thanstand around talking about it. I guessthat’s the old school in me – plus theexperience of going to Australia, aged 19,on a two-year working visa.There was no mobile or internet to callhome for help in those days so I soonlearnt that the only way was to get a joband work hard if I wanted a bed and food.

Best piece of advice to someone startingout?Learn your trade well. You can’t sell yourselfif you don’t know what you are talkingabout. If you can’t find a good job, work onyour own and become self-employed.

IN THE HOTSEAT...… WITH KEVIN BAKER OF CVOUK CHAIRMAKER AND

FWUK FURNITURE WORKS

Kevin Baker


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