Overview

Overview

Our upholstery courses suit a wide range of interests and abilities, from the complete beginner to those who may already have some experience in upholstery.


We pride ourselves on the quality of our teaching which is led by Head Tutor and Master Upholsterer, Richard Hooper. He has a wide experience ranging from work for the National Trust and large private estates to contemporary works which have been exhibited at London Design Week and in North America.


Our focus is on our students at all times, and it is against this background that we create a very relaxed yet inspirational learning environment in which you can have fun whilst being creative and getting to grips with this wonderfully absorbing craft.


For those considering a career change we offer the AMUSF-Accredited Upholstery Diploma Course, and for those who would like to try their hand at upholstery or who might have specific upholstery project in mind, or technique they wish to learn, we offer the 5-day Leisure Course.

Accredited Upholstery Diploma Courses

For those looking for a career change or to acquire in-depth upholstery knowledge and skills we offer the Upholstery Diploma Course which is accredited by the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers and comprises 3 separate stages:


Stage 1 - Craft Certificate

Stage 2 - Intermediate Craft Certificate

Stage 3 - Diploma


Whilst all 3 stages are required to achieve the Upholstery Diploma, all elements are ‘stand-alone’ qualifications in their own right so you can elect to undertake 1, 2 or all 3 stages of this course - you do not have to do all 3 stages.


For further information please see Accredited Courses.

Leisure Courses

We have a style of chair - a Victorian or Edwardian sprung dining chair - which we generally recommend for a 5-day course, which presents you with the opportunity to learn a good cross-section of the fundamental traditional upholstery techniques, or building blocks, and so acts as a very good foundation on which you can develop your skills in the future.


During the process of upholstering your furniture we will cover how to measure up for, and plan fabric requirements, as well as cutting out. In addition, any aspects of furniture restoration that may be required will be covered, including the polishing of show wood for example, just to add the finishing touches to the piece and leave it looking its best.


With these basic building blocks in place, you will feel confident enough to tackle a whole range of furniture types either at home, if you have a suitable place to work, or by returning to the workshop at Trevilvas at a later date.

We always strive to match the training to exactly what our students want to achieve so, if you've already had some training, perhaps from a night class or similar, then please ring us to discuss what you would like to achieve during your course and thus what item of furniture to bring.

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