The Feathered Edge

The Feathered Edge

By Robbie RichardsonLeisureCrafts
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The Feathered Edge episodes

  • A chat with Helen Buckley, student Upholsterer

    In this week’s episode, Robbie is chatting to Helen Buckley, who is nearly at the end of a 3-year Diploma at the British School of Upholstered Furniture.


    Helen has always had a passion for fabrics and colours (and a bit of an obsession with chairs), so after being given a taster session with the well-known and respected Upholsterer Wendy Shorter as a birthday present, she was well and truly bitten by the upholstery bug!

    We hear how important the support of Helen's family and her fellow students has been whilst completing the Diploma, why it’s important to take compliments on board, and how taking a step back when you’re struggling can help bring things into perspective.

    It's fascinating insight into the life of a student Upholsterer!

    28 min
  • A chat with Petra Gadsby of Gadsby Design

    It’s time for a new season of In Stitches, and this season we’re chatting to upholsterers whose introduction to the trade came much more recently than some of our previous distinguished guests.


    Up first, Robbie chats to Petra Gadsby of Gadsby Design.  Listening to how she came to be an Upholsterer and her reasons why she chose the trade, Petra’s enthusiasm and passion is inspiring. We hear about the journey she took from student to business owner, and Petra shares her thoughts on how students and established upholsterers can work together to ensure the longevity of the trade.

    Whether you’re a student, professional upholsterer, or just a hobbyist, Petra’s story is entertaining, inspiring and full of great tips.

    If you’re an upholsterer who is interested in sharing your story on future episodes of In Stitches, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us at: [email protected]


    25 min
  • A chat with Iain Stephens, Senior Conservator - Restorer of Upholstery at The Royal Household
    In this week’s episode, Robbie chats to Iain Stephens, Senior Conservator - Restorer of Upholstery at The Royal Household

    With several degrees in subjects as diverse as Biochemistry and Inorganic Chemistry through to Biblical languages, Iain has worked in several countries and in a variety of roles but it’s his enthusiasm and love of Upholstery which shines through in this episode.


    There are some great tips from Iain for anyone wanting to pursue a career in Upholstery, as well as a fascinating insight into what fuels Iain’s passion and what he feels the challenges are in the trade today.

    1 hr 2 min
  • A chat with David James

    In this week's episode of In Stitches, we are delighted to have the honour of talking to Mr David James.


    Having started his career back in 1954 at the tender age of 15, David has seen many changes in the world of Upholstery and has a wealth of experience which he is still putting to good use now.

    David shares his story with us, from starting with G Plan as an apprentice through to becoming a published author of 7 books, one of which is still the go-to guide for Upholsterers today. We hear how working with students at Nottingham University recently gave him so much joy and David shares what he loves, and what frustrates him, about the trade.

    There aren't many who could rival his 67 years experience in the trade so David's story is both insightful and unique!

    37 min
  • A chat with Michael Bowden from Jam Interiors

    Michael didn't fancy following in his father's footsteps as a plumber, as (he openly admits) he didn't fancy unblocking other people's toilets!   But with a mum who made a living making loose covers and curtains, it's probably not surprising that he enjoyed his work experience in a seating company and it started him on the path to becoming an Upholsterer.


    In this week's episode, we hear how, despite enjoying his early experiences, Michael's true passion for the trade didn't really develop until several years later when he learnt the art of Traditional Upholstery and was in the company of upholsterers like Bruce Jack, making him appreciate why it's so important to surround yourself with 'the right sort of people'.   

    Michael also shares how he nearly left the trade around ten years ago but was inspired to carry on after seeing the innovative work of students coming through the British School of Upholstered Furniture.

    45 min
  • A chat with Bruce Jack

    This week, Robbie chats with the gentleman of upholstery, Mr Bruce Jack.


    Entering the trade at the tender age of 16 on a Youth Training Scheme (because it seemed more fun than working as a gardener in a stately home and didn’t require him to learn Latin!), Bruce quickly realised it was the perfect career for him.   Now, having been a member of the Guild of Traditional Upholsterers for over 30 years, his experience speaks for itself.

    In this episode Bruce shares some golden nuggets of advice for all those just starting out in the trade but his story is fascinating for both novices and experts alike. 

    40 min
  • A chat with Alex Law from The School of Upholstery


    In this week’s episode, Robbie and Alex chat about their experiences of having dyslexia, and how they haven’t let it stop them from carving out successful careers, despite the challenges it brings.

    We find out why Alex believes that Upholsterers are merely custodians of knowledge, on which they should make their own mark before handing it over to others.

    And we hear how an introduction to beach cleaning has resulted in some surprising (and environmentally friendly!) projects for Alex.


    If variety is the spice of life, you definitely won’t be disappointed with this week’s episode!

    1 hr 11 min
  • A chat with Armand Verdier of Armand Verdier Fine Upholstery

    A self-confessed cruiser who likes to take a day at a time, Armand's life has seen him working in some unusual and interesting places, but things haven't always gone to plan! And with a black belt in Karate, Armand is the upholsterer definitely not to get on the wrong side of!


    This week's episode has a feel of 'two blokes in the pub chatting over a beer' about it, and with it comes with some great tips for anyone starting out, not just in upholstery but in business too.



    31 min
  • A chat with Bruno Paulin-Lopez of Atelier de France, Inc.

    This week, In Stitches goes International, as we are joined by the fascinating Bruno Paulin-Lopez, all the way from the USA!  


    With over 40 years in the trade, Bruno’s experience speaks for itself. His skills are frequently in demand around the world, but he hasn’t always been the Master Upholsterer he is today!

    Hear why his first paid upholstery job didn’t quite go to plan, and what made him move from romance and beauty of Paris to bustling streets of New York. 

    Also listen to why Bruno thinks the furniture has to approve of him when he’s tackling a piece with a long history.

    30 min
  • A chat with Katerina Gibb of The Upholsteress

    With a great-grandmother, grandmother and mother who all excelled in making beautiful pieces of headwear/clothing, it was almost inevitable that Katerina Gibb would end up working creatively with her hands, but her road into Upholstery wasn't a straight one!


    From working as an Assistant Costume Designer in Ridley Scott's UK Production company to having a joint venture with the Jim Henson Company, it initially seemed that the film and TV industry was going to be Katerina's calling.  So what made her leave all that behind and why does 'peeling back the layers' fill her with so much joy?  

    Find out and listen to more of Katerina's story in this week's episode. 

    40 min

About The Feathered Edge

From the publisher's feed

Essential listening for upholsters and teachers alike, you'll hear an eclectic 'weaving together' of life and skills as we talk to some of the best upholsterers in our business and provide a forum for those new to our trade.