We’ve Moved Blind Cord Safety Howard’s Way · Official journal of the Association of Master...

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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 2014

We’ve Moved Blind Cord Safety Howard’s WayFull new AMUSF contact The new regulations A highly specialist details inside explained approach to upholstery

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Comment

Jan TurnerEditor

Our lovely accountant/financial advisor Peter Hubbard quiterightly says in his Q&A answers featured in this issue (see page26 – In The Hotseat) that the best piece of advice he could giveto someone starting out in the world of upholstery and softfurnishings would be to have a good financial and business plan.

He’s absolutely right, of course, and in all the years ofrunning our ‘Hotseat’ feature, it is one of the mostfundamentally sound pieces of advice that anyone has provided.

Writing things down is not only important for your businessas a whole, but for individual estimates too. Each individual jobis a building block of your overall business, so get the costswrong for that and the bigger business picture all goes to pottoo.

For there are those who rely on a quick calculation, if notquite “on the back of a fag packet” then something close to it;and who reason that after years in the trade they “just know”how much everything costs, how long a job is likely to take andthe sort of cost to charge. They’re making a living, thank youvery much, albeit not a particularly great one, so who needs towrite down a business plan or a job estimate?

How wrong they are. While I appreciate age and greatexperience make the whole job of estimating and costing thatmuch easier, there is a great danger of complacency. Of losingtrack of what all those little bits are actually costing now andhow long a job really takes.

As Liz Cox of Signature Interiors says in her Member Profileslot (see page 18): “You need to ensure that the business side ofyour business is flawless.”

And working out where you want your business to go reallydoes provide direction and goals – especially important for thosewho employ other people. Sharing aims and objectives makesthem feel part of a business that is going places and imparts agreat sense of motivation.

Just as providing fully itemised estimates is not only goodfor the customer, but the estimator too, so drawing up abusiness plan is good for you and any employees.

As our own association manager Richard Ranklin sosuccinctly put it in a recent U&SF article, “providing a fullythought out and itemised price ensures you don’t inadvertentlyset up as a charity!”

And as Peter Hubbard points out in this issue: “Businessplans should never be written in tablets of stone but should beadjusted and re worked according to how events unfold. If youhave a plan you will always have a route to work to.”

Sometimes we underestimate the power of writteninformation but putting something down on paper and settingit all out is vital. It gives everyone involved direction,understanding and expectation.

So well done Peter Hubbard for reminding us of that.

Until the next time…

Jan Turner

Upholsterer&Soft Furnisher

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

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

Sales: Joanne MillerT: 01732 783561 E: [email protected]

Tim BodenT: 01732 783561 E: [email protected]

Jarrod BirdT: 01565 659414 E: [email protected]

Published by Interiors Media LimitedUnit 11, Riverside Business Centre, Riverside House, Riverlawn Road, Tonbrigde, Kent TN9 1EP T: 01732 783561 F: 01732 783562E: [email protected]

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Printed by Headley Brothers

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 2014

We’ve Moved Blind Cord Safety Howard’s WayFull new AMUSF contact The new regulations

A highly specialist

details insideexplained

approach to upholstery

Visit the Manchester Furniture Show

13-16 July 2014manchesterfurnitureshow.com

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Contents

6 & 7 AMUSF News Update andBranch Briefings

8 Industry News

10 Ask FIRA

12 Feature: Blind Spot – NewRegulations Update

14 & 15 Fabric Update: A World ofChoice

16 FAMU Outing

17 MyDecozo

18 Member Profile: SignatureInteriors

20 & 21 Feature: Howard and SonsFurniture

24 Memory Lane: MedievalMemory Loss

26 In the Hotseat: Peter Hubbard

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: jamiltonupholstery.co.uk


J A Milton Upholstery Supplies, currentlycelebrating 25 years in business, held itsannual Open Day at the company’sEllesmere, Shropshire classrooms in May.AMUSF president Ron Mercure

presented the latest intake of studentswith their AMUSF Craft Certificate forTraditional Upholstery – including sixpasses with distinction and one with acredit.Said owner Joan Hayes, who first started

up in 1989, working from home as afurniture restorer: “It was good towelcome all our students and guests tothe Open Day and we were especially

pleased to see other AMUSF memberupholsterers attending. It is important foryoung students to meet and talk withestablished member businesses to learnmore about the industry. In the past thishas resulted in successful placementswithin these businesses for some luckystudents.”After starting in business, J A

Milton became specialists in re-upholstery and making bespokeupholstered furniture. Joan becameinvolved in teaching upholstery attwo Shropshire colleges in 1988 andit was while teaching that she

discovered how difficult it was for the DIYenthusiast or small business person toobtain tools or materials. It was arealisation that was to lead to the launchof her mail order Upholstery SuppliesCatalogue and the significant expansionof her business. Said Joan: “The cataloguehas been written for the complete novice,explaining the use of the tools andmaterials as well as using samples. Today,we are slowly but surely taking overEllesmere Business Park from where weship all over the UK, Europe and the restof the world!”Joan has been a professional upholsterer

and teacher for 25 years. She is very activein the industry both as a director and aspast president of the Association ofMaster Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers ofwhich she is a Fellow. Joan is also afreeman of the Worshipful Company ofFurniture Makers and The WorshipfulCompany of Upholders in London.

6 Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher June/July/August 2014

AMUSF news roundup

AMUSF WEEKENDAMUSF members will have a chance to seethe association’s new office and excitingsupport facilities at this year’s AGMmeeting.Plans to hold the meeting at Wyboston

Lakes in Cambridgeshire have beenchanged to give members the opportunityto see the new office at The Clare CharityCentre at Saunderton, Bucks on SaturdaySeptember 6.Said association manager Richard

Ranklin: “The facilities here really aresecond to none and include serviced officesfor a range of charities and not-for-profitorganisations. We are able to use one ofthe excellent meeting rooms andconference facilities for the AGM andmembers will be able to see for themselveshow very spacious and well maintainedeverything is, along with the very lovelygrounds.“We look forward to welcoming as many

members as possible along to the day.More details will be announced nearer thetime but we wanted to announce the dateso it could go into diaries now!”

Awards and celebrations

From Left to Right Joan Milton, Alison Godfrey, Steve Franklin, Kate Weston, Jo Evans, Rose Turvey, Gill Taylor,Prue Murray and Zoe Salvidge

From Left to Right Ron Mercure, Prue Murray, Steve Franklin and Joan Milton

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Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher 7

AMUSF news roundup

� For their last meeting the Hants & Dorset branch held acheese and wine evening. It was considered a very pleasantway of holding ameeting.Because so fewmembers nowattend branchgatherings itwas decided toalways includesome form ofsocialising atfuture get-togethers. The next meeting is due in June, dateto be confirmed and with a BBQ, weather permitting. All Hants & Dorset members are encouraged to go along for a good and convivial time. Contact Mary Crack on 01489 572108.

� OnWednesdayApril 23,members ofthe Bed,Bucks, Herts& NorthLondonAMUSFnetworkinggroup met atWaddesdon

The AMUSF has moved to a new officewithin the Clare Foundation Charity Centrein Saunderton near High Wycombe.

The association moved from its office atthe BFM’s Wycombe House in High

Wycombe in March - it hadbeen based there since itsmove from Cardiff in 2011.

Now fully installed,association manager RichardRanklin and administrativeassistant Susan Tyler are inone of many offices occupiedby charities and associationsat the centre. Full new contactdetails can be found at thefront of this magazine.

Said Richard: “The AMUSFowes a huge debt of gratitudeto the BFM for offering us

help and support when it was necessary tomove from Cardiff but it is time to move onas they are selling their premises in HighWycombe.

“The centre itself is set in glorious green

countryside and the view from our window– not that we have time to look at it – is avast improvement on looking out ontoPlatform 2 of Wycombe Railway station. Thepremises include conference and meetingfacilities along with great opportunities fornetworking with the various and diversegroups who also have offices here. Transportlinks are good with a railway station in thevillage and close links to the M40.

“However, there is one major downside tothe move and that is the refreshment trolleythat comes around each morning – if mywaistline expands any further I will lay theblame squarely on the AMUSF!

“Members will have the opportunity tosee the centre for themselves by joining theboard at the AGM later in the year.”

For more information about the centrevisit: www.theclarefoundation.org

Branch briefings

Beds Bucks Herts and North London branch outing

Dorset and Hants gathering

Manor for a behindthe scenes tour of thehouse andconservationdepartment. Curator,Rachel Boak, gave avery interesting talkand tour andeveryone wasimpressed with herknowledge of thehouse and textiles. A visit to theconservationdepartment gave thegroup an insight intothe intricate work thatgoes into conservingsome of the manor’s fabulous textiles. Said Wendy Shorter:“It was also great to catch up with other members over alovely lunch and to discuss the issues of the day, namely thenew Child Safety Regulations for blinds.” The next meetingwill be held in the autumn. Contact Wendy Shorter forfurther details: [email protected].

� Health has dominated the concerns of Kent branchmembers over recent months with several memberssuffering from ill health and, as a result, some have notattended meetings for some time. The branch would like toextend its very best wishes to those unable to attend at themoment and looks forward to seeing everyone as soon asthey can. Dates for next meetings: June 2 and July 7. Branchcontact is Davin White on 020 8854 4402.

Fine detail as seen on Beds Bucks Herts andNorth London outing

WE’VE MOVED!

Richard Ranklin and Susan Tyler at the new AMUSF office

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Industry roundup


EXHIBITION ROUNDUPReviews�May Design Series (ExCeL, London,May 18-20): The furnishings fairhosted its first Fabric Pavilionshowcasing 36 hand-picked designsfrom textile specialists displaying theirlatest collections. Exhibitors includedHeals, Swaffer Fabrics, Pedroso &Osorio, Abraham Moon & Sons,Alhambra International and Barker &Barker. The Pavilion was held within adedicated area of the Furniture Show,one of five design districts which alsocomprised DX, Decor, Lighting andKitchen + Bathroom.� Proposte (May 7 – 9, Villa Erba,Cernobbio, Italy): Europe’s leadinghome textile manufacturers showcasedfurnishing fabrics and curtains to aninternational audience.� IFEX (Indonesia InternationalFurniture Expo) 2014 (March 11 –14, Jakarta International Expo):Morethan 500 leading internationalfurniture and craft companies exhibitedtheir latest products at the show whichwas integrated into the peak season ofthe ASEAN furniture exhibition series.

Previews�Manchester Furniture Show (July13 – 16, Manchester Central): The2014 Manchester Furniture Showcontinues to attract new exhibitors.Latest bookings include Holroyd &Jones, Annaghmore Agencies, CrownHome Décor and Mystique Interiors.Upholstery continues to dominate withLebus, Ashley Manor, Buoyant, Wade,

Westbridge, Cavendish, Alpha Designs,Comfort Zone, BM and Whitemeadowleading the ranks. News of a major newItalian leather company to beannounced very soon.� Intertextile Shanghai HomeTextiles (August 27 – 29, ShanghaiNew International Expo Centre):Asia's leading home textile eventoffering industry professionals anopportunity to source designinspirations through the convenientlystructured product displays and a fringeprogramme. In 2013, 1,321 exhibitorsand 39,189 visitors joined the event.�MoOD (Brussels Expo September9 – 11): The international trade fair issaid to be the most complete andlargest collection of specialists inupholstery fabrics, window textiles andwall coverings.� DECOREX International (Syon Park,September 21 – 24): Previously stagedat Syon for 10 years, the show returnsthere for 2014 to allow the UK'sleading luxury design and interiorsshow the much needed space toaccommodate more exhibitors andlarger stands. Over 13,000 visitorsattended the show in 2013.� The NBF Bed Show (September 23– 24, International Centre, Telford):Back for its fifth year with the additionof a third hall, the 2014 Bed Show willbe bigger than ever before providingvisitors with a chance to see and learnmore about the latest technologicalinnovations in beds. Online registrationhas opened at www.bedshow.co.uk

INDUSTRY URGESCAUTION OVER CHANGESTO FLAM REGSChanges to the Furniture & FurnishingFire Safety Regulations are in dangerof increasing rather than reducingthe risk to consumers if they arerushed through.The warning comes from the British

Furniture Confederation, the organisationwhich represents the furniture industry’smain trade associations in their dealingswith government. “While we fully supportthe aim behind the amendments toreduce the amount of fire retardants usedin furniture, so improving consumersafety and reducing costs, we feel they arebeing too hastily introduced” says Paulvon der Heyde, chairman of the BFC.The fear is that the tests proposed

(alternative cigarette and match testsusing FR compliant CM foam) currentlylack sufficient technical detail and havenot been robustly trialled. “The proposedchange also ignores many of theindustry’s current concerns about theexisting regulations,” says Mr vonder Heyde.“The industry has, for the past two

years, been working closely with BIS overproposed amendments to the currentregulations and we are disappointed atthis piecemeal approach, which focuseson making this one amendment now,with other revisions addressed at alater date.“We are also concerned that other

issues that have a significant impact onthe industry have not been addressed.They include the definition of seat padsand scatter cushions, the classification ofoutdoor furniture and the confusionaround headboards and bed bases. Wewould much prefer a full and wellconsidered revision of the regulations sothe industry only has to take on boardchanges once and consumer safety isincreased by eliminating current areas ofconfusion or weaknesses in levels ofprotection. The recent media attentionfrom programmes such as Fake Britainand Watchdog on upholstery and bedswhich fail flammability tests emphasisethe need for everyone to work together toensure our regulations are consistentlyeffective and more easily enforceable.”

Action stations at the firstever Northern Big Shots

NORTHERN BIG SHOTS MAKES BIG BUCKSThe first Northern Big Shotsevent has been hailed a greatsuccess, raising more than£12,000 for the furnishingindustry’s charity, The FurnitureMakers’ Company. More than70 industry stalwarts took partin the event held near Skiptonin North Yorkshire.


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QI’m doing upholstery and softfurnishings for a domesticproperty that is to be rented

out. Do any different rules apply from anon-rental property?

AProperties for domestic use,whether for personal use or to berented out, are still considered to

be domestic and not contractenvironments, therefore all upholsterymust comply with the requirements of theFurniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety)Regulations. Therefore, the landlord ofrented property is legally obliged to makesure all of the upholstered furniture thatcomes with the property is fully compliantwith the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations.

QI reupholstered a sofa 10 yearsago using the customer’s ownfabric. They now want to donate

it but charities will not accept it withoutFR labels. Can they sell it privatelyinstead without the need for labels?

AThe Furniture & Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations state insection 15 (1) that no person shall

supply any furniture or other article inrespect of which any requirements ofthese Regulations is not satisfied.However, this is not normally assumed toapply to an individual sale between onemember of the general public and anotheras it is not viewed as a business andtherefore would not be policed by TradingStandards. If an individual decided tomake a business out of selling furniture,even if it was making their own beanbags

and selling them on online auction sites,then the products would be covered bythe Regulations and they would have toensure all upholstery was fully compliant.

QI’m struggling to ‘age’ many re-upholstery pieces to determinewhether they are pre 1950. Any

advice please – am I able just to take theowners word for it?

AThe Regulations clearly state in4(b) that the ‘Regulations do notapply in relation to the supply of

materials when the person supplyingthem knows or has reasonable cause to

believe that they will be used for re-covering or re-upholstering furnituremanufactured before January 1, 1950.’Therefore, if the owner of the furniturestates that it is pre 1950 then it isallowable to re-upholster it in appropriatenon-compliant materials. To cover yourselfagainst future problems it would beadvisable to get your customer to sign astatement that says they confirm thefurniture is pre 1950 prior to re-upholstering the item. For safety reasonsit is also advisable that, where possible,upholstery components are replaced withfire retardant versions. However, this is notpossible for all upholstery products thatwere used in pre 1950 furniture.

BURNING QUESTIONSSteve Cotton, technical specialist for flammability andphysical upholstery at FIRA, answers more commonly askedquestions from AMUSF members

Ask FIRA


For more information about FIRA visit www.fira.co.uk/testing-certification, call 01438 777 700, or email [email protected] Cotton has been with FIRA International Ltd. for 14 years and is an expert in flammability. He also has a great working

knowledge of foams, mattresses and fabrics and currently represents FIRA on BSI committees dealing with foam performance.

Match test


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Tracks & Poles by Blacksmith, Decotec, Integra, Riel Chyc, Silent Gliss & Speedy.

Own van delivery throughout the South West, and beyond by carrier.

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Feature

BLIND CORD SAFETY AN OPEN AND SHUT CASENew child safety standards for internal window blinds, published by the British StandardsInstitute in February, have been welcomed by the British Blind and Shutter Association(BBSA). Andrew Chalk, director of operations for the BBSA, which has campaigned for saferblinds and has worked with UK government and EU standards bodies to make child safetystandards for window blinds much more stringent, explains the new regulations.

The BBSA estimates 20 millionwindow blinds are sold in the UKevery year, with the majority bought

from mass retailers or online and installedby the consumer. The value of the UKdomestic blind market is estimated at£450 million per year.According to RoSPA, since 1999 there

have been 27 child fatalities wherechildren have become accidentallyentangled in window blind cords andchains. This led to an EU Decision in 2011which mandated changes to the Europeanstandards which have just been publishedin the UK. While all standards are voluntary,

compliance with the new window blindstandards ensure that the trader ismeeting the legal requirements to sell asafe product as determined by the GeneralProduct Safety Regulations.The requirements affect new internal

blinds fitted to any premises wherechildren aged 0-42 months are present orlikely to have access and so apply to allhomes, all public buildings and thepublicly accessible areas of commercialbuildings.Essentially it means that if a blind has a

cord or chain that could create ahazardous loop, the blind must besupplied with an appropriate safety deviceinstalled on the product. However, thereare many blind styles that contain nocords at all or have concealed or tensionedcords.The 2014 standards aim to protect

children through the following measures:• Limitations on cord and chain lengths• Safety devices for preventing any cordsor chains from creating a hazardous loop• The testing of all safety critical

components of internal blinds• The testing of complete blinds usingsafety devices• The installation of safety devices on theproduct at the point of manufacture andthe correct fitting of these when blinds areinstalled• Safety warnings and product instructionsIn addition, the scope of the standard

has been expanded to include all internalwindow blind styles. In the absence of astandard for corded curtain tracks, therequirements of the blind standard arelikely to apply to curtain tracks too.

The standards are:• EN 13120 – Internal blinds –Performance requirements includingsafety. This references two test methodstandards:• EN 16433 – Internal blinds – Protectionfrom strangulation hazards – Test methods• EN 16434 – Internal blinds – Protectionfrom strangulation hazards – Requirementsand Test methods for safety devicesImportantly, the new standards also

cover safety devices which can be fitted toexisting blinds operated by cords andchains, so ensuring such devices are fit forpurpose.The BBSA launched its own ‘Make it

Safe’ campaign in 2009 to educate thetrade and consumers of the potentialhazards of internal blinds operated bylooped cords or chains. The campaign issupported by RoSPA and The ChildAccident Prevention Trust (CAPT). It hasseen 1,600,000 Make it Safe brochures incirculation and over 430,000 safety packsdistributed by RoSPA.BBSA members have also developed

many blind styles which are child safe bydesign without any operating cords orchains or with concealed or tensionedcords.The BBSA is a trade body formed in

1919 which represents suppliers,manufacturers, retailers (both shop andonline) and installers of all internal andexternal blinds and shutters, and hasaround 380 members. The organisationalso provides advice to safety bodies,Trading Standards departments, councils,coroners and Child Accident Review Panelson blind cord safety. For furtherinformation on the BBSA and Make it Safevisit www.makeitsafe.org.uk

Andrew Chalk


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Feature

A WORLDOF CHOICEThe fast moving world of textile fashions brings a world of choice to the soft furnishingssector this summer with a return to globally inspired patterns that find their strength in aneclectic mix of colourful designs.

Aworld away from the safe plainsthat ruled during darker economicdays, the resurgence of bright

pattern is a sure sign that Britain is on themend. The Look to aim for is busy andhomely: random but carefully thoughtout.At Sanderson, the first ever Emma

Bridgewater print and wallpaper collectionhas been launched bringing cheerfullyinformal patterns by the famous potterydesigner to life for the home. All fabricsare suitable for curtains and upholsteryand printed on natural unbleached cotton.They can all be treated for BS5852 Source1; Match Test & BS5867 Part 2 Type B(Contract Curtains) on request.Zoffany meanwhile, has launched the

Woodville collection of florals showcasingpainterly designs with a contemporary but

sophisticated edge. The fabrics can also beFR treated as above and for BS5852 Crib 5(Contract Upholstery).Over at Heals, the furniture store’s first

fabric collection since the 1970s has beenunveiled with an exclusive own-brandrange created by established and up-and-coming designers – including ZandraRhodes, Diana Bloomfield and CressidaBell. All fabrics in the new 1810 collectionare suitable for light upholstery withregards to Martindale.Suitable for curtains, blinds and

cushions, the six co-ordinating prints inPrestigious Textiles’ new Italian Gardenscollection uses florals, stripes, tropicalbirds and stylised damask on 100% cottonin zesty, on-trend colourways.The new Nomad collection from Kobe is

an eclectic mix and match of fashionablecolours with sturdy materials such asvelvet, leather, suede and wool alongsidemore refined silks and linens. Usingdifferent folkloric patterns, ikat motifs,embroidery, prints and weaves, thedifferent elements of design come

Heal's Fabric - Diana Bloomfield - Tea TimeSanderson - Emma Bridgewater - Pomegranate living room

Inherently FR fabric from Jim Dickens -Kilim chair+drapes

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together to create a sense of globalwanderlust.At John Boyd Textiles, where they have

been weaving horsehair fabrics since1837, the company has introduced newcolours and weaves into its portfolio. They

include colours such as marine, pine,taupe, dark mushroom and greys as wellas a new Dales check. Suitable for theupholstery of contemporary furniture, wallcoverings and lampshades, horsehairfabrics are inherently flame retardant and

the company can also hand embroider anydesign onto the fabrics.The May Design Series – held at ExCel in

London last month – hosted its first FabricPavilion, showcasing the latest collectionsfrom an edited collection of 36 British andinternational brands.

John Boyd Textiles - Temple House sofa

Nomad from Kobe

Swaffer fabrics - among exhibitors at the first FabricPavilion at the May Design Series

The Italian Gardens collection of fabrics by PrestigiousTextiles

CROWSONCLOSINGThe world of furnishing fabrics receiveda major blow in April when DerekCrowson, founder of Crowson Fabrics,announced his retirement after 36years and the closure of his fabricbusiness with effect from April 17. Oneof the world’s largest home furnishingscompanies Crowson Fabrics, togetherwith its brands, including Monkwell,Charterhouse, Dovedale, DesignArchives and Hill and Knowles, weredistributed throughout the world. Derek Crowson said: “I have

thoroughly enjoyed creating andleading Crowson Fabrics, a companyI founded in 1978 and one whichhas been synonymous with designerquality furnishings. During the1980’s and 90’s we were producingapproximately 10 million metres offabric annually at our own printworks partnership factoriesworldwide, supplying over 8,000independent retailers and most ofthe major high street stores andfurniture manufacturers in the UKand around the world.” Thecompany also built one of thelargest archives of fabric designs.The company has said it will honour

all its suppliers, staff and other creditorsin full as well as giving continuedsupport to all its loyal customers for aperiod of time through its substantialstocks. After that, some products willstill be available for some time throughits appointed selling subsidiarycompany Charterhouse Fabrics Ltd,Tel 01825 761055 or [email protected]. Accountsettlements will continue to becollected under the name ofCrowson Fabrics.



Feature

EARTH MOVINGEXPERIENCEThe ‘earth moved’ for the Fellows when they visited the headquartersof JCB in Uttoxeter for their lunch this year.

The Fellows visit to JCB made achange to the usual format ofvisiting stately homes or anything

connected with furniture or upholstery.One of the world’s top three

manufacturers of construction equipment,JCB employs around 11,000 people onfour continents and sells products in150 countries. In just 68 years thecompany has gone from one man in agarage in Uttoxeter to a major globalbrand. JCB remains family owned andboasts some of the finest engineeringfacilities across the globe, producing arange of over 300 machines.The Fellow’s visit included a personal

tour of the new ‘’Story of JCB’’ exhibitionand the assembly line of the world famousBackhoe Loader machine. There, memberssaw how the machine is built from thedelivery of the sheet steel through itsprofiling, laser cutting, welding, paintshop, and assembly stages to the finalfinished product. Said Clark to the Chapter Mary Crack:

“Bob Bishton made the suggestion to visitJCB and as he lives fairly close to thefacility, offered to do all the organising forwhich I cannot thank him enough.“The weather was perfect - blue skies

and endless sunshine. We were dividedinto three groups and assigned a guide foreach group. It was truly one of the most

interesting tours I have been on. Thosewho didn't come missed a wonderfulexperience.”Following the lunch, AMUSF member

Stephen Franklin was presented with hisFellowship by AMUSF hon presidentRichard Cole who attended the event withhis wife Sheila. Said Mary: “We had such a wonderful

and interesting day that we will try to dosomething similar next year.”The Fellows AGM and weekend will be

held at the Holiday Inn, Warmsworth nearDoncaster on July 25 to 27. Members ofthe AMUSF are welcome to attend for aweekend of socialising which is not limitedto Fellows. For more information contactMark Crack on 01489 572108.

Past president Graham Carpenter in action on the JCB trip

The Fellows at JCB

Stephen Franklin (right) receives his Fellows certificatefrom hon president of the AMUSF Richard Cole

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A forum member was recently presented with the challenge of dealingwith fitting a track up against a pitched ceiling. The garden room hadreplacement windows running up to the ceiling and the client did notwant the track flush to the frames.

For the track to function properly, it needed to be vertical, so a waywas needed to create a suitable fixing surface at the top of the window.The neat solution was to make some small spacers from a piece ofbatten, shaped to fit the angle of the ceiling. These created a flat verticalsurface for the brackets and were pre-drilled so that the screw passedstraight through to the rawl plug beyond. The spacers were painted tomatch the wall.

Another handy tip, courtesy of MyDecozo – theUK’s largest online soft furnishings forum. Thisone relates to working with a pitched ceiling.

HELPFUL HINTS FROM

MyDecozo

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Member profile


How long have you been doing your job?I’ve been sewing for as long as I canremember. I added upholstery in around2004 and more recently interior design.

How long did it take to really learn theskill?I think it takes several years to really feelcomfortable and confident with theseskills.

Do you consider yourself a craftsperson ortradesperson?Both – the skills are a craft but for thebusiness to succeed I’ve got to be aneconomically viable tradesperson.

What makes up the bulk of your work?The bulk of our work currently is a 50/50split between soft furnishings andupholstery but the design side is growingquite quickly too.

What keeps you motivated?Each project offers different challenges towork through which makes the weeksvaried and interesting.

What aspect of your work do you mostenjoy?I like the artistry and creativity I can bringto many projects.

Professionally, what is your greatestfrustration?Stock availability – both the lead timefrequently required and the withdrawal ofproducts from the market.

Tell us about the most challengingproject you have ever undertaken.I made various items for a royal bedroom

in London. Everything had to be inLondon by 9.30 a.m. on a Thursdaymorning but the fabric wasn’t delivered tome until 3.00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon(yes, the previous day!)

And the most unusual/bizarre/funnyrequest you have ever dealt with?To upholster a media pod, both inside andout. It looked a bit like an igloo and I wasasked to upholster it in two colours ofleather over foam of various thickness(including the floor, built in seat andcounter sunk media devices) with a deepbuttoned ceiling which included 150fairy lights.

What are the most pressing issuescurrently facing your business?Getting the marketing strategy right.

How long have you been a member ofthe AMUSF and how important has thisbeen to your business?About four or five years - time flies whenyou’re having fun so it could be a littlelonger! I’m proud to be a member andwould recommend it to anyone.

Professionally, who or where do you turnto for advice/ a second opinion?Often Richard Ranklin, the association

manager or Wendy Shorter of the AMUSF,but also colleagues who have a wealth ofknowledge and experience.

When you talk to a fellowupholsterer/soft furnisher, the talkalways turns to....?Recently it’s all about the new child safetystandards for corded blinds and tracks –that’s got everyone talking!

How do you keep your skills andtechniques updated?I regularly take courses, read trademagazines and articles and am involved invarious online forums.

What is the single most important pieceof advice you would give to someonestarting out in this business?It’s obviously very important to hone yourskills but you need to ensure that thebusiness side of your business is flawless.

Where do you see the future of theindustry?Custom work – a battle to take on themass production market isn’t likely tosucceed.

What has been your proudestprofessional moment? One of the UK’s top jewellery designers,who recently bought some pieces of mywork, gave me a glowing testimonial.Those pieces are now on show at a lovelyLondon address.

Contact details: Tel: 07590 197216Website: www.signature-interiors.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

SIGNATURELOOKName of business Signature InteriorsWhen established 2000Owned by Liz CoxLocation HampshireSpeciality Soft furnishings, upholstery and designNumber employed 3

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

Liz Cox


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H. Webber & Sons

58 Dene Street, Dorking,Surrey, RH4 2DP

Tel. 01306 740433Fax. 01306 740811www.hwebber.co.uk



Feature

HOWARD’SWAYIt was one of the best known names in upholstery. And as the ‘Rolls Royce’of the furnishings sector, Howard and Sons furniture remains amongst themost sought after in the business.

It’s also one that requires a particularapproach to reupholstery. As Giles Bray,one of the country’s foremost

specialists in the renovation of Howardfurniture says: “People buy Howardfurniture for comfort. You sit in one oftheir chairs and it feels fantastic - youliterally just sink in. “Howard chairs and sofas were made

from the very finest materials and set anew standard in upholstery. In 1866 thecompany patented the ‘Elastic Seat’technique and in that patent GeorgeHoward describes putting a fixed downfilled feather cushion on top of thesprings. Before that, upholstery was allabout horsehair and very much harder.” Regularly auctioned for five-figure sums

(a sofa in need of restoration and whichhad been badly reupholstered, recentlyfetched £30,000), Howard furniture wasstarted by John Howard in 1820 and is

considered to have been at its zenithbetween 1870 and 1935. Chairs madeduring that period in particular can beworth a lot of money. Says Giles: “The company really re-

thought the whole business of comfortand developed the idea of fixing thefeather cushion to the frame – but in away that that it could still be manipulatedand plumped up again later to restore the comfort.” And it is such subtleties of construction

that can sometimes be overlooked whenupholsterers restore a piece of Howardfurniture, according to Giles. “When somepeople reupholster a piece by Howard andSons, they miss the point of the shape andthe way in which the feather cushions areused in the design. With the Bridgewatermodel especially, the design is made to avery specific template and a lot of Howardchairs follow that principle with all the

Giles at work on sofa arm

How NOT to treat a Howard frame



proportions carefully worked out.”Based near Cirencester in

Gloucestershire, Giles is a member of theGuild of Traditional Upholsterers and hasbeen working with Howard Furniture forabout 30 years. One of very few specialistsin the field, he has been perfecting histechnique over that time and 80% of hiswork is now restoring and reupholsteringthis famed line of furniture. Passionate to the point of making his

own springs for the pieces he restores,Giles says sympathetic restoration is vital.“But there is hardly anyone around whodoes so. One constant problem is lack ofstock availability – particularly on thingslike the really sensitive springs that needto be used. That’s why I make my own butit’s incredibly labour intensive. “A common mistake is to mess about

with the frames. I’ve seen some shocking

examples with big nails and staples onjoints that may be coming apart but thiscan do so much damage to the frame

itself that they become a nightmare to restore.“The temptation when reupholstering

them is to overfill the cushions – I oftensee cases where people have crammed intoo much filling. A Howard chair shouldbe a fairly light item – they are not heavyor bulky chairs but poor restoration workcan make them such. “As well as using springs that are too

hard, another common problem is usingthe wrong fabric – if a Howard chair orsofa is not correctly reupholstered orcovered in the wrong fabric then it canlose the very comfort factor for whichthey are known. It often comes down tothe materials used – if they are not rightthen it simply won’t feel the same. “Howard and Sons used the very finest

fillings including the very best horsehairwhich was incredibly springy – there isactually nothing like it now so I recyclethe original as best as I can. They alsoused really pure down and mixed it with 10% duck feather just to add a little strength. “The upholstered furniture made by the

company really was among the finest ofits day and, when sensitively restored,continues to offer very high levels ofcomfort. “It is that, along with the classic designs

which still makes Howard chairs amongthe most sought after pieces of furniturearound – hence the great interest when apiece made during the company’s mostaccomplished period comes up forauction and also the reason for high pricesso often paid today.”

Good springs are a vital ingredient

Howard sofa



advertorial

BITA SHOWCASE UPDATE 2014 Prestigious Textiles and NV Blinds were among more than 40brands taking part in The British Interior Textiles Association(BITA) London Showcase which ran alongside Chelsea DesignWeek in March.

Prestigious Textiles showedits Accent collection of printswhich puts the emphasis onmodernity by drawingtogether an array of boldgeometric repeats and naivegraphics derived frombotanical forms. Retro-chicovertones are enhanced by aseries of mid-tone palettesranging from hot and feistyshades to subtle, cool hues.

For more information Tel:01274 688448 or Email:[email protected]

Meanwhile, N V Blindslaunched its latest doubleroller blind collection,Horizon. Main featuresinclude perfect light control:Horizon is described as beingmore flexible than a standardroller blind and has a softerlook than a Venetian blind.The blinds are also child safe,fitted with either a chain tidy,

easy-break connector ormotorised operation.The range consists offive fabric qualities,with a choice of 27contemporary colours.The maximum blindsize possible is2700mm wide x2500mm drop. For

more information call 01843 608780.The BITA roadshow sets off on a three

week UK tour this autumn, fromSeptember 9 – 22. Kicking off in EastAnglia, it then goes across the country tothe South West, Midlands, North West,North East, spending the last two days inLondon - in the same week as Decorex andFocus at the Wyndham Grand ChelseaHarbour.

Prestigious Textiles

N V Blinds

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New products

A range of contemporary acryliccurtain poles, using chrome as anaccent to highlight the modernlines. Available in both solid acrylicand hollow acrylic, this collectionis a simple yet stunning solution toany interior. Please contact Byron& Byron on 020 8344 7979 oremail [email protected] more information.

BYRON & BYRON

BTS Webrider compact unit

Contact us on: 020 8871 2569 Email: [email protected]

“Webriders” Versatile Pocket spring units.

Add more comfort and shape to your seats!

Perfect for a domed tight seat, backs and arms.

Save on foam, easy toinstall, keeps yourdome looking good

for longer, helpsfillings last longer

Available in 3, 4,

5 & 6 springlengths

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MEDIEVAL MEMORY LOSSAnother look back through the AMUSF picture archives….

Memory Lane


Digging deep into the AMUSF memorychest we find more tipsy treasuresfrom times gone by!

This motley collection of medievalmembers (and let the editor be clear thatthe reference here is to dress code not dateof birth!) is reported to have gathered morethan 10 years ago for an AMUSF event inthe North East.In researching some background to the

event, U&SF encountered only hazyrecollections: a lot of ‘vaguely remembers’,‘possiblys’, ‘could have beens’ and ‘fairlysures’. As our esteemed director of training,Wendy Shorter, told me: “I can’t rememberthe date but I know I had a great time.”Clearly a good night then, the finer detail

of the function would appear to have beenlost in the midst of time. But as a result ofprolonged and exhaustive journalisticinvestigation, this magazine can exclusivelyreveal:• It may have taken place in 2002• It was possibly in Durham• It is believed to have been at the Red CastleHotel• It might have been a medieval night• People are thought to have eaten withtheir fingers and imbibed copious amountsof mead• Nobody can remember anyone else whowas there

IF YOU HAVE SOME INTERESTING ARCHIVE PICTURES OF YOUR BUSINESS, A PROJECT OR PERHAPS OLDMACHINERY OF INTEREST TO MEMBERS, PLEASE CONTACT EDITOR JAN TURNER AT [email protected]

Believed to be L-R Derek Caplin, Ron Mecure -current AMUSFpresident- and wife Linda.

Could be AMUSF training director Wendy Shorter

Rumoured to be Joan and Dave Hayes


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FILLINGYOURNEEDS


Q & A


How did you get into this business?I’ve been in accounting in themanufacturing sector all my working life,predominately in food manufacturing(from sandwiches to pizzas, lasagne,cooked meats and milk). In the last 15 yearsI have diversified and now work witheveryone from clock makers to concreteslab manufacturers, electrical retailing, locksand keys and, of course, the upholsterybusiness! I joined the AMUSF at a verydifficult time and it has been a greatachievement to be a part of this fantasticteam.

What gives you the greatest satisfaction?I like to see business thrive and grow and tofeel that I have made a contribution.

If you weren’t doing what you do now,what would you be doing?Some years ago I passed my private pilot’slicense, so if I could get the chance to turnback time, I would have quite enjoyedsome part of being in the aviation industry- maybe even a pilot!

When it comes to sport do you fall intothe active or armchair camp? Football orrugby?I am 100% in the armchair camp. I’m notreally a football lover although I will watchinternationals. Most seasons I go and seethe local teams play in Exeter, both theExeter Chiefs Rugby and Exeter City. Mymain sporting passion is Formula 1 - I can’tmiss it and have travelled to watch iteverywhere from Silverstone to Spa.

What winds you up?I think because I have quite an organisedmind I like things to be neat and tidy. Notbeing able to find something that, forinstance, hasn’t been put away in the rightplace does wind me up.

How would you most like to beremembered?Someone who was very good at what theydo professionally - guiding, teaching andmentoring. Beyond that, being a great

father and grandfather tomy three children andgrandchild - with a new oneon the way.

Is your glass half empty orhalf full?My glass is always half full asI am always optimisticabout all aspects of life bothprofessionally andpersonally. I feel there canalways be a positiveoutcome to almost allsituations.

Your perfect day?My perfect day is with thesun out, the kids and familyround, dog relaxing in thegarden, hot tub bubbling,lovely picnic spread and lotsof fun and laughter.

Your desert island disc?Robbie Williams’s Angels.It’s my favourite song everand I even bought a guitarsome years ago to learn how to play it.Years later it is still on my list of things tolearn. Perhaps on the desert island I mightget the time.

What’s the best thing about ourindustry?Although I am an accountant, I have alwaysworked in the manufacturing sector andenjoy learning the practical side of thingswhich make the numbers come to life. TheAMUSF has given me a glimpse into a deeprooted tradition and I love being part of allthe heritage and tradition.

And the worst?Finding the balance between progressionand automation while maintaining the corevalues, skills and tradition.

What’s in your living room?Two sumptuous leather sofas with furthrows, a log burner that roars throughout

the winter keeping us nice and toasty.There’s also a bookcase full of interestingbits and bobs that mean a lot - and ofcourse the big TV!

Doer or talker?Doer. Why talk about it when you could bedoing it. Having said that, the doing shouldalways be well thought through.

If you could do it all over again whatwould you do differently?Nothing……… you become a better personby learning from your mistakes.

Best piece of advice to someone starting To have a good financial and business plan.Plans should never be written in tablets ofstone (and invariably change the momentthey are written) but should be adjustedand re-worked according to how eventsunfold. If you have a plan you will alwayshave a route to work to.

IN THE HOTSEAT...….WITH PETER HUBBARD, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE FOR THE AMUSF


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We’ve Moved Blind Cord Safety Howard’s Way · Official journal of the Association of Master...

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