Discover the craft of Upholstery at The British School of Upholstered Furniture
Nestled in the picturesque Valley of Fawley Bottom, The British School of Upholstered Furniture (BSUF) is renowned for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere and is recognised as a centre of excellence in the field of upholstery.
One of our key achievements is the remarkable 100% pass rate and an 89% distinction rate in practical work for the teaching of the AMUSF diploma for the 2022-23 cohort, showcasing the high standards of education and training delivered here.
Our courses cater to individuals at all stages of their upholstery journey, from novices to those wishing to improve their skills. Many of our talented alumni are now thriving in the trade, either as independent professionals or working alongside well-established practitioners.
Furthermore, our structured syllabus ensures that students, even those without prior practical experience, gain a deep understanding of both the practical and theoretical aspects of the craft.
Embark on a journey into upholstery.
Why choose us
With an emphasis on experience at the bench, all AMUSF tutors at the school have long term practical experience running successful businesses, ensuring each student can benefit from their accumulated knowledge on both the practical and commercial sides of the trade.
Gregory, Charlotte and Gareth are currently the only three tutors nationwide teaching the AMUSF diploma programme who are certificated members of the Guild of Traditional Upholsterers having sat and passed the exam. All three sit on the committee for the Guild and take active roles in its administration. Charlotte is the Guilds social media secretary, Gareth is both vice chair and the current examination officer and Greg is part of the examination committee
Greg and Gareth are also both recipients of the esteemed Masters Certificate awarded by the Worshipful Company of Upholders, given as recognition for their career long commitment to the trade. Charlotte is also a recipient of the Journeyman certificate given by the Upholders. They are currently the only AMUSF tutors nationwide in receipt of the awards.
AMUSF three stage diploma
The Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers Upholstery diploma is delivered in three stages with each stage being a qualification in its own right, to be certificated separately.
These qualifications can only be delivered by an AMUSF Approved Training Centre. The diploma program is designed to teach students the fundamental basics of upholstery to a high standard, where each piece worked on utilises what was studied in the preceding project and then adds to that understanding.
Our AMUSF students achieve fantastic results across all levels, with 89% being awarded a Distinction for their practical work in 2023.
We deliver each stage over an academic year, classes are one day per week.
We run a non profit scheme on all materials and tools bought through the school, our aim is to help students understand the true cost of materials used in the trade right from the start. Students are welcome to supply their own materials, although we do stock everything needed at close to trade cost. Tools are at trade.
Course fees are £3300 plus Vat per stage. A more detailed breakdown is included for each level in the drop down menu.
The Association of Master Upholders and soft Furnishers Diploma
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AMUSF stage 1
The journey commences at this point, whether you're a novice or have some experience. Stage 1 of the AMUSF diploma provides an opportunity to acquire fundamental techniques in both Traditional and Modern upholstery. As you progress through each project, the complexity increases, revealing a captivating exploration of the diverse skills and knowledge essential to the craft.
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AMUSF stage 2
Building on the foundation set in Stage 1, Stage 2 delves deeper into upholstery, focusing on larger and more difficult pieces of furniture. Participants apply and refine the skills acquired earlier, navigating a diverse range of projects that offer both challenges and creative opportunities. This stage serves as a dynamic platform for hands-on experience, allowing for the continued evolution and mastery of upholstery techniques.
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AMUSF stage 3
Stage 3 marks a pivotal point in the journey, where participants delve into the intricacies of working on substantial furniture pieces and mastering advanced tailoring techniques. Beyond practicing skills on a larger scale, this stage serves as a culmination of training, providing students with a comprehensive platform to round off their expertise. It not only solidifies their understanding but also offers a stepping stone for moving forward in their journey, equipped with the tools needed for future endeavours in the field.
Meet the Team
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Gregory Cupitt-Jones
Director/ Tutor
Gregory Cupitt-Jones offers fine, traditional and modern upholstery to private clients and the trade via his long-established business, Cottage Upholstery.
Greg is a certificated and committee member of the Guild of Traditional Upholsters, liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Upholders and member of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers.
Previously head tutor of upholstery at the conservation and restoration degree at Bucks New University, Greg was awarded the Master Upholders certificate from the Worshipful Company of Upholders in 2019 and also holds an MA in Furniture Restoration & Conservation.
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Alex Brady
Technician
Alex Brady has a background in 3 dimensional design. Making with wood, metal and ceramics where Alex specialised in blacksmithing and welding. Following this Alex became a very successful snowboard instructor and coach for 18 years.
A couple of years ago Alex joined the school as a Stage 1 student and passed the year with flying colours. Following this, Alex took a year out to gain more experience in the trade working as a car trimmer and in modern furniture production.
Alex now works part time as the schools technician and is back in the classroom taking the second stage of the AMUSF diploma.
Alex is also head coach of the BSUF snowboarding team, snow dependent.
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Charlotte Ellis
Tutor
Charlotte Ellis retrained in upholstery after a career as a waxwork sculptor. After Gaining her AMUSF diploma some years ago, she opened her own company “Clarke and Brown” with her business partner Alex Harisha. Offering both Upholstery and soft furnishing services to both domestic and trade clients.
During this time Charlotte also completed her advanced diploma in forwarding upholstery practice.
In 2023 Charlotte gained certificated memberhip of the Guild of Traditional Upholsterers and sits on the committee as social media secretary.
In March 2024 Charlotte was awarded the esteemed Journeyman Certificate from the Worshipful Company of Upholders, celebrationg the quality of her work in her own practice.
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Gareth Rees
Director/Tutor
Experienced in all aspects from commercial production to high end traditional restoration, Gareth worked predominantly in the trade for dealers, interior designers, collectors, private clients, embassies and museums.
In addition to being a certificated member of the Guild of Traditional Upholsterers, Gareth was elected chairman in 2020, in October he stood down as chair and became Vice Chairman. He is also a member of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers
In March 2023 Gareth was awarded awarded the Master Upholders certificate from the Worshipful Company of Upholders
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Aimee Alice Payton
Lecturer
Aimée Payton spent much of her education and working life involved with textiles. Working in theatre and dance design as well as the museums and heritage sector her understanding of the construction, history and use of fabric is extensive.
A recent graduate from BSUF, Aimée has been brought back to teach the Fabrics project. She also runs short courses on traditional and modern lampshade making.
As the Events Coorinator Aimée continues her work on the committe for The Guild of Traditional Upholsterers, where she was previously Student Representative.