AMUSF Professional Upholstery Qualification Diploma

Starting: September 2024 AMUSF Diploma

This is an upholstery diploma course in conjunction with the AMUSF. We are one of the few approved training centres for the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers. (AMUSF – The Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers) For those wanting to become a professional upholsterer, this accredited and industry recognised qualification is as good as it gets.

We at Wells and White are focused on starting from the foundations and giving you skills and confidence to build upholstered furniture from the frame up. Encouraging creativity and sharing our passion to inspire sustainable furniture, not only teaching a centuries old trade but continuing to push the upholstery trade forward with ever evolving techniques and materials.

Running alongside our busy commercial workshop students also benefit from seeing a great variety of the techniques being taught in action, whether that’s traditional, modern or anything in between.

How the Diploma works

Stage 1 – Craft Certificate (one year)

Stage 2 – Intermediate Craft Skills (one year)

Stage 3 – Diploma (one year) – More information

The AMUSF upholstery qualification will be progressive, leading to a Diploma.

A Pass is required at each stage before a student can progress to the next stage.

Your work will be assessed at the studio on an ongoing basis throughout the course. You’ll also be assessed and graded annually by an external examiner appointed by the AMUSF.

The projects are carefully designed with a mix of exercise pieces (provided) and rebuilds of original upholstered furniture (sourced by the student). Unlike some training centres we prefer you to source your own assessed pieces. We believe no piece of furniture is the same, and therefore having different projects in the same classroom helps provide students with a greater pool for learning. That said we are always on hand to help you source a project piece if needed.

When and how much?

Stage 2

Duration: Each stage runs over 36 weeks term time only, one day per week, in line with academic term September to July.

Tutors: Jade Peel, Amber Judges – AMUSF Tutors & Creative Upholsterers. Experienced tutors with years of experience teaching the AMUSF with outstanding student results.

Fee: £3500 per stage

£500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your space, monthly payment plans available.

Stage 2

Nursing Chair – Armless Chair with Traditionally Upholstered Seat and Back (assessed piece, sourced and funded by Student)
Independent Sprung edge – (Exercise Frame provided)
Tailoring, including the fitting of caps and collars (exercise provided)
T-Shaped Cushion with Zip and Piping (exercise provided)
Post 1950s Wingback Armchair – Modern Materials and Methods (assessed piece, sourced and funded by Students)
Written Research Project
Title – “History of Upholstered Furniture – a timeline and overview of the styles of
upholstered furniture and the development of upholstery techniques and materials used”

You will build on what you have previously learnt at each stage and grow with knowledge and confidence.

You will learn more than you thought possible and make some new friends along the way. If you are looking for a home away from home, where everyone gets as excited about chairs and fabric as you do, then come and join us.

The year ends with a Celebratory Exhibition of student works.

Additional to the Syllabus we also provide additional learning trips and support such as:

Commercial Viability – Business Costings

Fire Regulations for commercial & domestic upholstered products

Field Trips – Such as Chelsea Design Centre, Gainsborough Silks, Warner House, Liberties, FIRA plus much more….

Call to arrange a time to visit the studio for an informal chat.

Course Director: Jade Peel

Awarding Body: Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF)

Governing Body: Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers.