The Guild

The Guild was formed in 1987 by a group of enthusiastic, qualified upholsterers. Its main aim is to promote the craft of traditional hand-made upholstery, and to protect both the customer and the future of the craft and its craftsmen and women. The organisation exists to uphold standards in excellence in all areas of traditional work.

Individual Membership

Membership is open to practising and qualified upholsterers of all ages, and people who have just completed their training are particularly encouraged to apply for membership. More details on the benefits and methods of applying for membership can be found on the Join the Guild section of this site.

Associate, Honorary and Corporate Membership

Various special levels of membership are open to people who, while not practising upholsterers, either work in allied fields, or have a particular interest in the traditional upholsterer's work. Again, for more details, please go to the Join the Guild section of the site.

Official Journal

The official journal of the Guild is the "Strippers and Stuffers Gazette". This is usually circulated once a year, and contains an update on shows and events, news, articles and often some technical help of interest to all. For more details, please go to the Publications section.

News

Guild AGM 2009 Last year the AGM event was held in the pretty Cotswolds town of Chipping Campden. The day began with a conducted tour of the Gordon Russell Museum which celebrates the work of the renowned 20th Century furniture designer Sir Gordon Russell MC, and that of his Company over a period of 60 years, situated in Broadway, Worcestershire. We were lucky enough to have the Chairman of the Trustees, Ray Leigh, to act as our host and guide. He began by giving us a talk on the background to setting up the museum and then led the tour of the exhibits. One of the plus points of this visit was that we were allowed to touch the exhibits - with care and respect. See for yourself at the museum website. On completion of the tour, we travelled to Chipping Campden, to the Lygon Arms Hotel, where we gathered for an informal lunch. After lunch Giles Bray, Bob Redman, Chalis Stokes and Roy Theobald took and passed their written examination whilst their practical pieces were successfully scrutinised by members of the Committee. All the members then assembled for the official business of the AGM with Bruce Jack in the chair. During the election of officers Bruce Jack announced he was not seeking re-election, having completed two years in the post. He agreed to remain on the committee as Editor. Steve Chivers was voted in as the new Chairman. Following the formal business, members participated in an ‘open forum’. In the evening, members and their guests attended dinner after which our President, Bert Chapman MBE, presented Certificates to members who had successfully passed their exams. Congratulations to all. The David Edgar Challenge Trophy The David Edgar Challenge Trophy is awarded to the winner of a competition held at the AGM for any member to submit a portfolio of photographs of a piece of work that they have recently undertaken. Photos must follow the story of a job from beginning to end. This year Bruce Jack was awarded the Trophy. He previously won the Trophy in 1993. He is pictured being presented with it by the President, Bert Chapman MBE; also in the picture is the new Chairman, Steve Chivers. The picture of the French Style Victorian Armchair shows the piece of furniture that he re-upholstered for the competition.

Future Dates

2nd October 2010 - This year's AGM, the 23rd, will be held in Leeds.

Enquiries and Information

If you would like to know more about the Guild, about membership, to receive the latest information on shows and events, or have any general enquiries, please visit the Contact section, which offers various modern as well as traditional methods of communicating with us.