About Black Cat Upholstery

Having had a long and enjoyable career as a Royal Navy Officer and university tutor, I decided it was time to embrace my creative side, and took up a new sideline in upholstery.  I underestimated just how involved (and physical!) traditional methods are, but it was too late - I was hooked. 

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I began slowly by recovering a modern armchair, but very soon was branching out with an Edwardian Chaise Longue, a Victorian Ironback Chair and a collection of dining chairs.  The projects I've most enjoyed are those sad, hopeless pieces of furniture that wouldn't look out of place at the tip...  I take these waifs and strays in, strip the old coverings and fillings and repair and restore the woodwork.  It's then time to go to work on turning them into beautiful pieces of furniture; the transformations are amazing - take a look at the gallery. 

Now, having completed a wide range of projects, it isn’t just the execution and production of pieces, but also the creative process of working with clients to bring their ideas to life that I enjoy. The chance to give a new lease of life to a well-loved chair, or a family heirloom (or even something found at a junk shop!) is something I love. I try to use recycled and/or natural materials wherever possible to make everything as sustainable as it can be. 

I'm located in Mid Devon, a few miles north-west of Exeter, where I live with my family, which includes a collection of loosely domesticated creatures, including Black Cat and his nemesis Calico Cat, a few years his junior. Both love modelling upholstery (only my personal things though - you won't get a lovely chair covered in cat hair!). 

Contact me to find out more about getting a quote and commissioning work.