Introduction to Upholstery with Emily Beaumont

This course is designed for beginners who would like to get an idea about what the wonderful craft of upholstery is all about. Using a combination of modern and traditional materials and techniques, you will learn how to build a seat from the frame upwards, taking your finished piece home with you at the end of the day. This course will teach you the basics of modern upholstery, including use of tools, webbing, hessian, foam use and fabric application.

Most materials and tools will be provided but you will need to bring with you a 1m x 1m piece of fabric of your own choosing for the top cover. You will have the choice of bringing in your own dining chair or you can purchase a footstool frame from the tutor (as seen in the image) if you prefer. Please note your chair needs to be unsprung and a seat only, if you are unsure of its suitability please email Emily a picture to [email protected] for confirmation. Footstool orders need to be placed a minimum of two weeks ahead of the class date.

This course is suitable for beginners.

Costs: £145

Days: 1 Saturday

Times: 10:00 - 17:00

Dates: 23 November

Location: White Room

Maximum: 8

I’m Emily Beaumont and I learnt the wonderful craft of upholstery at The Cass, part of London Metropolitan University under the watchful eye and huge skill of a fourth generation upholsterer. After 6 years of part-time study I was awarded a distinction for my Diploma from the AMUSF, so years of hard work definitely paid off! Whilst there I also discovered the much forgotten art of hand-tailored lampshades through the amazing skill of Angela Constantinou. I now work out of Brighton & Hove, a vibrant city which is a constant source of inspiration to me.

It has been a huge learning curve but one I feel very lucky to have been able to do. It is immensely satisfying to be able to work creatively with my hands using traditional tools, materials and methods. We live in a fast paced world and it is really nice to see what amazing things can be achieved with a bit of time.

My chairs can be described as traditionally modern reinventing beautifully made vintage frames into a chair that fits in today’s modern world. They are chairs that need to be seen and noticed as well as being gorgeously comfortable to sit on.

Host or Publisher Phoenix Art Space