Ep 12: Upholstery in Adversity - the inspiring story of Stephen Ball
In this final episode of the season, recorded at the HIRE Cumbria event in the Lake District, Vicky and Ray sit down with Stephen Ball of Cumbria Upholstery who' s incredible story proves that resilience knows no limits. After serving a horrific life-threatening climbing accident, Stephen rebuilt his future, turning determination, ingenuity and pure grit into a successful upholstery business in the North of England. Listen along with us in front of this live audience to his inspiring journey. Cumbria Upholsteryhttps://sites.google.com/view/hire-cumbria/homeOur heartfelt thanks go out to our sponsors for this episodehttps://www.bea-group.com/en/https://martinsupholstery.co.uk
--------
41:27
Sit on This! Presents: Chair Stories with Vicky, Episode 4
In this month’s Chair Stories, Vicky sits down with student Sam, who shares her deeply personal journey through upholstery. After losing both her mother and father to COVID, Sam brought in her father’s cherished Parker Knoll wing chair, hoping to restore it. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about grief, resilience, and how the craft of upholstery—along with a love of books—has helped Sam find healing. Grab a cuppa and listen in.Fiction Prescription
--------
7:48
Ep 11: Finding Employment as an Upholsterer - The Journey of Linda from 7 Upholstery
In this episode, we chat with Linda from 7 Upholstery. Unlike most upholsterers who are self-employed, Linda has spent the last 18 years working a 9-to-5 in the trade. So, what’s it like being employed as an upholsterer? How has her skill evolved over the years, and what has she learned along the way? Join Ray and Vicky as we talk shop and dive into Linda’s unique experience in the industry.7 UpholsteryBEA Staple GunsMartins Upholstery Supplies
--------
1:03:00
Sit on This! Presents: The William Whiteley Scissor Factory, Episode 3
Ray and Vicky took a trip to Sheffield, UK, to visit the legendary William Whiteley & Sons, one of the world’s oldest scissor manufacturers. In this fascinating episode, we dive into the history, craftsmanship, and surprising details behind this essential upholstery tool—everything you never knew you needed to know about scissors! Also available as a video podcast on our new YouTube channel, Sit on This! Productions. Tune in and watch the full experience!
--------
39:28
Ep 10: Behind the Scenes with a Drapesmaster – Cristina Venegas on Film & TV Upholstery
In this episode, we sit down with the legendary Cristina Venegas, the Dame of Drapery behind Drapes of Wrath. If you've ever wondered what it’s like to be an upholsterer in the film industry, this one’s for you! Cristina has worked on some of the biggest productions, including The Crown and Marvel’s Loki. We dive into the artistry of drapery, the pressures of deadline-driven upholstery, and what it takes to be one of the few female Drapesmasters in the industry. Don’t miss this fascinating peek behind the curtain!
Thank you to our Sponsors
BEA
Martins
Other interesting links connected to this podcast
Kays Directory
Royal Scottish Conservatoire of Scotland
Sit on This website
ARC
The Upholstery Cabin
Ray Clarke & Vicky Grubb are Upholsterer's with a deep passion for the craft of Upholstery, soft furnishings, textiles and interior design. In this podcast we delve into the world of our own upholstery business management while reaching out to broader industry representatives through great educational , informative and entertaining conversations . Whether you're a seasoned professional or beginner in upholstery , an interior designer, a newcomer to the furniture industry, or someone looking to transition into a creative career in Upholstery & Soft furnishings, this podcast is for you!
UK