Sit on This!

In episode 9 of the Sit on This! Podcast, Ray and Vicky chat with Rachael South, a third generation upholsterer and chair caner, who's currently the AMUSF stage 1, 2 & 3 course leader in upholstery at London Metropolitan University and widely regarded as the "Queen of Caning".

Rachael shares her journey through the world of upholstery and textiles, her passion for preserving traditional skills, and what it's like to go from the art of hand-caning to educating the next generation of craftspeople.

From the art of hand-caning to the challenges of modern upholstery education, this episode is a must listen for anyone who loves craftsmanship, heritage and all things upholstery related.

London Met Uni

Rachael South Upholstery

Rachael South's New Book!

Warner Textile Archive

BEA Staple Guns

Martins Upholstery Supplies

In this exciting new mini series, Vicky dives into the heartfelt and inspiring journeys of her upholstery students. Each episode uncovers the personal stories behind the chairs they work on and what drew them to the art of upholstery.

In this first episode, Vicky sits down over a coffee with Serena, a long-term student with a passion for traditional upholstery techniques and a deep love for antique chairs. Together they discuss Serenas journey, her favourite projects and why craftsmanship of the past continues to inspire her today.

In this months episode, Ray and Vicky travel to Norwich to visit with Philip Thomerson, a second generation Upholsterer who has moved and grown his business. Philip learnt the craft from his mother, Carole Thomerson, who was the first conservationist Upholsterer at the V&A Museum in London. Listen to how Philip was introduced into upholstery and discover the highs and lows of his journey in this fascinating chat.

Our many thanks to our sponsors

BEA

Martins upholstery Supplies

Whiteley and Sons

Philip Thomerson 

Carol Thomerson Book 

In this episode Ray and Vicky reflect on the podcast conversations over the last six months giving their own personal insight into changes they've made to their own businesses, lessons learnt and what to expect going forward.

Massive thanks for our sponsors support:

⁠Martins Upholstery⁠

⁠BEA Group⁠

This month Ray and Vicky head to Shoreditch, London to speak with the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF) and learn how the trade body has guided Upholsterers for the last 75 years.

Joined by the new Chair, Marlen Suller, and Director Louise Boyland (who also owns Shoreditch Design Rooms), we talk a little about The AMUSF’s history, its roles on behalf of its members, differences in Upholstery technique, training institutions, the benefits of becoming a member of the AMUSF and the changes this noble organisation is making to help promote the wonderful craft and trade to help up and coming as well as practicing upholsterers and soft furnishers in the UK.

AMUSF

Shoreditch Design Rooms

BEA Group

Ray Clarke⁠

⁠Vicky Grubb

This month Ray and Vicky made the trip up to the north of England to Stockport, nr Manchester, to speak with Upholsterer Simion Hawtin-Smith in his Reloved studio.

Simion is known for his incredible mid-century masterpieces and successful television career and he talks frankly about the triumphs and challenges he faces working as an Upholsterer.

Join us as we talk fostering creativity as a young child, the importance of having an upholstery mentor, the challenges of ADHD and the value in having a good team around you. 

Links:

Simion Hawtin-Smith

BEA Staple Guns

Book by Patrick Grant

Ray Clarke

Vicky Grubb

ADHD Help

In episode 4, join Ray and Vicky as they dip into the world of high-end furniture manufacturing with Jim Athey from George Smith, a prestigious British furniture manufacturer based in Newcastle. Have you ever wondered what it's like to work alongside 30 skilled upholsterers crafting furniture for royalty and celebrities? From workshop layout and operational systems to navigating challenges and maintaining quality control at scale, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into creating the 'antiques of the future'.

Check out George Smiths Furniture online:

Https://www.georgesmith.com

In this episode we chat all things business with Angela Rowley . Angela has been a mentor for many years and gives her insight into the things we should be looking out for in starting, running and scaling an upholstery business.

LonestarofLondon

BEA Group

Princes Trust

Dorset Business Mentors (Dormen)

In this episode, join Vicky and Ray as they sit down with Interior Designer Rachel Forster from Forster Inc. With almost three decades of experience in the industry, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Delving into her passion for sustainability, Rachel discusses her work with Yodomo on textile redistribution. Drawing from her extensive work with upholsterers', she also shares valuable insights on collaboration between interior designers and her own aspirations in the field.

Also in this episode: Ray's Green Sofa

In the debut episode, hosts Ray Clarke and Vicky Grubb extend a warm welcome as they share the captivating tale of their immersion into the world of upholstery. From their humble beginnings to the inception of their small upholstery businesses, Ray and Vicky offer firsthand accounts of the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way. Delve into the intricacies of starting a business in the upholstery realm. Join them as they set the stage for the podcast's exciting evolution, promising engaging conversations with the movers and shakers, innovators and disrupters of the craft.

Ray Clarke

Vicky Grubb