The Chair School

Hands on upholstery training covering both traditional and modern techniques. Based near Henley, we offer structured courses and workshops designed to build practical skills and confidence at every level. We are the only school in the UK where all tutors are certificated members of the Guild of Traditional Upholsterers, ensuring the highest standards of teaching and craftsmanship.

What We Offer

AMUSF Level One

During stage 1, students complete a series of exercise pieces and projects designed to build a strong foundation in upholstery. These include a drop-in seat pad, stitched and stuffed stool, sprung arm exercise, and a box cushion with zip and piping, alongside a dedicated sewing module covering techniques such as piped seams and the construction of a scatter cushion.

Students then progress to their main projects, a sprung dining chair and a lined ottoman box with deep buttoning, while developing an understanding of upholstery fabrics, textiles, and basic furniture restoration. Throughout the course, students document their work in a portfolio and are encouraged to explore creative ideas within their projects, helping prepare them for future independent work and working with clients.

AMUSF Level Two

During Stage 2, students build on the modern and traditional upholstery skills developed in Stage 1 while taking on more complex projects and techniques. Through a combination of structured exercise pieces and workshop practice, students complete set projects such as an independent sprung edge and a T-shaped cushion with piping and zips, further developing their sewing, upholstery, and problem-solving skills.

The main project pieces at this stage are a traditionally upholstered sprung armless chair and a post-1950s armchair using modern materials and methods. Alongside practical work, students are introduced to elements of fabric design, furniture restoration, and the history of upholstered furniture, while continuing to document their work in a portfolio. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to develop creative ideas and build confidence in making decisions about the upholstery work they undertake.

AMUSF Level 3

During Stage 3, the final diploma year, students refine and expand the traditional and modern upholstery skills developed in earlier stages while learning advanced techniques such as fitting caps and collars, scroll arms, stitched up edges, deep buttoning, and fluting. Students work on more complex and curved furniture styles while developing a deeper understanding of upholstery history and chair construction.

The main project pieces include a substantial traditionally upholstered armchair and a modern moulded chair requiring tailored fitting and top stitching. Alongside practical work, students complete a research project, maintain a portfolio, and are introduced to professional skills such as estimating, costing, and the basics of self employment in the upholstery industry.

CPD & Short Courses

Throughout the year we offer a range of short courses and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities. Our short courses cover specific skills such as cushion making, furniture polishing, chair caning, and headboard making, giving students the chance to focus on individual techniques in a short format.

For those who have completed Stage 3 or already have some upholstery experience, we offer weekly CPD sessions held one day a week to help develop and refine professional skills. We also run weekend leisure workshops where students of all levels are welcome to work on their own projects with guidance from our tutors.

Meet Your Tutors

Charlotte Ellis-Brown

Charlotte Ellis-Brown is an accomplished upholsterer and tutor, known for her technical precision, creative versatility, and dedication to traditional upholstery. She trained under Wendy Shorter, earning Distinction in her AMUSF Diploma in 2018 and the Les Beagan Award in 2019. In 2023, she completed the Advanced Diploma in Forwarding Upholstery Development with Distinction, became a Certificated Member of the Guild of Traditional Upholsterers, and later received the Upholders Journeyman Certificate and the Guild’s Challenge Trophy.

In 2019, Charlotte co-founded Clark & Brown Upholstery, creating bespoke pieces for private clients and interior designers that combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Alongside her practice, she teaches on the AMUSF Diploma, at The Chair School LLP, and leisure classes at St Albans Upholstery School, where she is celebrated for her clarity, encouragement, and attention to detail.

Previously, Charlotte worked as a senior waxwork and fibreglass figure artist at Gems Studio, producing detailed commissions for museums and collectors. This experience continues to inform her approach to shape, proportion, and finish, bringing discipline, creativity, and warmth to her teaching and inspiring students of all levels.

Gregory Cupitt-Jones

Greg is an internationally award-winning Master Upholsterer with nearly three decades of professional experience and exceptional technical expertise. Originally trained as a cabinet maker, he later specialised in upholstery at college under the late David James, author of Upholstery: A Complete Course and Upholstery Techniques & Projects, which remain industry standards.

Greg has won the International Award in Traditional Upholstery three times and was made a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Upholders in 2007, receiving the Freedom of the City of London. In 2019, he was awarded the Master Upholder Award. For the past 29 years, he has run Cottage Upholstery in Oxfordshire, delivering bespoke commissions for the Royal Collection, historic palaces, The Wallace Collection, National Trust properties, and the Palace of Westminster.

Alongside his professional practice, Greg is a dedicated educator. His teaching career includes 11 years at Buckinghamshire New University and delivering the AMUSF-accredited diploma at Rycotewood Furniture Centre, helping pass on traditional upholstery skills to the next generation. He encourages students to combine technical precision with creativity, fostering both confidence and craftsmanship. Greg believes that understanding the history and principles of upholstery is key to producing work of lasting quality and integrity.