Traditional Upholstery Weekend Workshop

Come and learn the amazing craft of upholstery.

A perfect introduction to the craft of traditional, hand-made, upholstery. No time consuming stripping of old coverings and stuffing’s – you can dive straight into learning new skills and techniques.

All you need to bring along is 1m of Upholstery weight fabric and your enthusiasm!

You will use only natural materials and learn time-honoured techniques, including:-

• Using an upholstery hammer and tacks
• Webbing
• Creating platforms using hessian
• Traditional stuffing techniques using coconut fibre
• Stitching an edge
• Covering using calico and top cover

Craftspeople have used these skills for centuries and the work can last for just as long. You will take away a bespoke piece that can be cherished for generations.

The course cost includes:

You will be upholstering a bespoke, hardwood frame made by Steve, a master cabinet maker from Dovetail Woodworking in Staffordshire. The frame is made using beautiful, hand-selected, locally sourced timber and constructed using traditional techniques; no pre-made components are used. The legs are English Oak and the internal frame is Tulipwood.

When does this course take place?

This is a weekend course taking place 26th-27th April 2025

Who is this course for?

Beginners and those who would like to learn traditional upholstery techniques.

The course is limited to a maximum of six people to ensure participants are fully supported.

Participants must be aged 18 years and over.

Additional information

Lunch is available to purchase from The River Kitchen at the Museum of Making or various eateries and shops in the city centre.

How to book

Tickets are priced at £295 per person. Derby Museums Friends and Members are eligible for 10% discount.

Booking is essential. Due to the bespoke nature of this workshop, refunds are not available.

Questions?

If you have any questions or specific requirements regarding attending this course please feel free to get in touch by contacting us at info@derbymuseums.org.

About the maker:

Katie Brennan is a City & Guilds qualified upholsterer and maker who runs an upholstery workshop and teaching Studio at Spode Works in Stoke. She has taught craft skills for the past 10 years, having previously worked in the furniture industry as a City & Guilds Trainer/Assessor. There, she taught traditional upholstery courses to apprentices and basic furniture making to young people who were struggling in mainstream education. She has a degree in the History of Art & Design and an MA in Heritage Management. Before her upholstery training, she worked for organisations including The National Archives and the National Trust, where she gained special insight into the history of designed objects and the stories they tell.

Course booking terms and conditions:

Please note that if you choose to cancel your place your ticket price will be refunded minus the Ticketsource service fee. Your total refund is dependent on the number of days notice given:
– A minimum of 7 days before the event – full refund – minus TicketSource fee
– 6 – 3 days before event – 50% refund minus TicketSource fee
– 2 days before event – no refund
In the event that Derby Museums needs to cancel a workshop, your ticket will be refunded in full.