Tools of the trade

In 15th century England to 'upholden' was "to repair, uphold, keep from falling or sinking" and the 'upholdester' was a "tradesman who finishes or repairs articles of furniture". Last week at Chapman Upholstery, Islington, Newcastle, NSW, Kurt Chapman showed us that essentially the trade carries on unchanged -with a little mechanisation to make life easier, keeping furniture in good working order without 'falling or sinking'. With such deep roots and a tradition of making and repair to keep us all comfortable and well poised we all have a debt of thanks to the 'upholdesters' of the world! 

Surrounded by the tools of his trade and countless springs, trims, fabrics, reels of jute webbing and beading it is a pleasure to step for a moment into another craftsmen's world. Enthusiastic about the Deeper Voice of Textiles project Kurt has plans in mind and his tools are at the ready.