This year's students produced some fantastic pieces with 89% of them receiving credits and distinctions for their work - Congratulations to everyone that achieved their Level 2 and 3 Upholstery or Soft Furnishings this year.

Wendy Shorter of Wendy Shorter Interiors was named 'Inspirational Woman of the Year' in the first ever Women In Furnishing Awards.  Judges felt Wendy had not only established her own successful training school but had been instrumental in changing the face of training and qualification standards in the upholstery and soft furnishings sector. After a fairly high profile career in the film industry Wendy re-trained as an upholsterer/soft furnisher and became Student of The Year at London Metropolitan University. Following this she established own interiors business, became involved in training and following redundancy took the gamble of her life in establishing her own private training school. This has flourished and Wendy has gone on to represent the furnishings sector on a number of national bodies and organisations as well as becoming Director of Training for the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers. Wendy has been instrumental in developing and promoting nationally recognised qualifications for upholsterers and soft furnishers. Passionate about her industry she has also just had her first book - Soft Furnishings: The Complete Guide to Professional Results - published.

At the beginning of May we exhibited at the Living Crafts Show at Hatfield House, Hertfordshire.  Despite that fact that Wendy got stuck in the States because of the volcano eruption, we managed to work through the Bank Holiday weekend to re-vamp the stand.  Despite the cold weather, the show was a great success.  Wendy demonstrated traditional upholstery skills and signed copies of her new book "Professional Soft Furnishings".

February 2010

Congratuations to my students that completed their Level 2 Upholstery qualification recently.  87% received credits and distinctions for some fabulous work.

Click here to see some of their work.

My new book, Professional Soft Furnishings, published by New Holland is now available.

Bertram Chapman MBE, Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Upholders (archaic word for upholsterers) kindly reviewed my book and commented: "I believe it to be a 'must' for all those engaged in the industry.  The text, drawings and photographs make the described process easy to follow.  Packed full of vital information not only for those entering the soft furnishings business but also for those experienced in the field but wish to know more."

Click Here to Buy This Book

On Tuesday 21st April 2009, Wendy had the honour of being made a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Upholders (the archaic word for upholsterers).  Upholders are one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London and is 49th in order of precedence of the City of London's 107 Livery Companies.

The origins of the Livery Company can be traced back to the 11th century.  During the 15th century the guilds came to be called livery companies from a custom originating in the 14th century when members of the more prosperous companies wore distinctive clothing or livery on ceremonial occasions.

Today the aims of the Worshipful Company of Upholders are: to support the Civic City, develop craft and design skills in upholstery and related trades, to provide charitable funds for relevant good causes and to maintain a service link.

Further information can be found on the Company's website: www.upholders.co.uk.

On Friday 26th September 2008, Wendy Shorter Interiors was awarded the Training Centre of the Year Special Recognition Award 2008.  The Award was sponsored by the University of Hertfordshire: "The judges felt that Wendy deserved the Special Recognition Award for her truly inspirational approach to training within a niche market.  She has shown innovation as well as a great business skill."

Photo Copyright: Archant Herts & Cambs

At the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft Furnishers on Saturday 18th October, Wendy was made Vice President.  Wendy takes over the two-year post from Bob Bishton who was made President.

At the beginning of October Wendy accompanied students and members of the AMUSF to Paris to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the French Leonardo Programme.  The Leonardo project enables apprentices from all over the EU to travel to other EU countries for a three-week work placement in their chosen craft.  The scheme also allows for apprentices to take up a six-month work placement once they have qualified.  Participation on the Leonardo Programme allows students to study different techniques and ways of working as well as learning a new language.  The end results make for a more enthusiastic and rounded individual ready to make their way in the world of work.

On 18th September 2008, Wendy was made Director of Training for the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers.  With Wendy's wealth of experience in teaching the crafts, she will represent the Association on the Sector Skills Council, Proskills and other training and government organisations overseeing the development and implementation of the craft skills.

In March we had two French Students join us on a two week work placement.  The girls, Charline an Upholsterer and Elise a Soft Furnisher, were in the UK on a three week working visit with the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers.  The girls joined in with our students, demonstrating the differences between English and French techniques.  They also enjoyed visits to John Boyd's horse hair fabric mills, sofa and bed manufacturers, museums and well as visits to London for shopping and sightseeing.

Charline and Elise, far right, with some of our students.