I had a secure position in a busy, well-regarded workshop, but decided it was time to seek new challenges under my own steam. A degree in Furniture Design, a background in manufacturing, and later experience of more general upholstery gave me a solid foundation to build on.
Whilst I am open to all upholstery projects, I find myself consistently drawn to bespoke work with designers where the brief genuinely challenges my making and demands real technical problem-solving. I feel I am moving into an era of greater skill and confidence — one that lends itself to playing more creatively with materials and methods. I believe this will lead to increasingly better design solutions and keep the work endlessly rewarding.
Photo Credit to Ming Wu of Makers Guild 2025
My workshop is located on the upper second floor of the Guildhall building, alongside the Makers Guild – a shared workspace for local makers. When Ming (director of the Makers Guild) mentioned that the Guildhall Trust were hoping to install a large bow to the exterior of the building for Christmas, I tried to resist getting involved. But the challenge was too good to pass up. With a tight budget and just a month to build, the problem-solving began immediately. It was a rewarding collaboration, and a pleasure to give something back to the people who provide such a special place to work.
