I was delighted to receive a surprise visit yesterday from my long-time friend and fellow artisan upholsterer, @joonafab, who is in Paris for #parisdecooff.
It’s always a pleasure to exchange stories about our experiences in the craft and share useful tips and hints. I’d love to visit the US sometime to experience their approach to the craft and trade.
Be sure to check out @joonafab`s wonderful drapery, soft furnishings, and upholstered furniture and give her a follow!
I`m also considering charging a small fee for studio open days—would you be interested in coming?
This slipper chair came to me from @chaseerwinfabrics with a brief to feature 2 different fabrics, one on the seat and one on the inside back, refurbishing the existing fillings.
The thing is, that once I began working on it I could see that the suspension springs and fillings were in such a terrible state that I had no choice but to strip it right back on the seat and start from the frame upwards, keeping what I could of the existing upholstery on the inside back.
Once I had started rewebbing and fitting the springs I could see from the curved shape of the frame that the display of both fabrics could not have worked at all on this chair.
So I went tor fully traditional spring, stitched and stuffed seat and back but using the second fabric as an accent in the piping detail and also as a fitted bottoming cloth.
As this had to be ready for #ParisDeco and timing was running out before collection. I did end pulling 2 all-nighters back to back (with about 4 hours sleep) in between. Not advisable but with Christmas and new year shaping up the way it did I didn`t have any choice.
Anyways- I managed to finish in time with mintutes to spare before courier collection.
I hope it looks great on the stand. Hopefully I receive more pics soon!
Have you ever pulled all-nighters to ensure you get your customers project complete? How did you recover?
My thanks to @jacobmorrish for the assist.
#Bespoke #slipperchair #ChaseErwin #ParisDeco
Happy belated New Year Good people of Instagram. Hope you all enjoyed a great Christmas & New year!
2025 has begun with me catching the flu. Not ideal as I have 4 projects to complete with 2 hard deadlines by the end of this week!
I worked very late last night on these plinths for @chaseerwinfabrics Which will be accompanied by a slipper chair i’m also reupholstering, due to be shipped off to @parisdecohomeofficial next week. I’m resting temporarily for the next few hours as I need all my strength to get this over the line for later this week. Thanks to @cableandblake for the new Tangerine wool Baker boy keeping my head all snuggly!
Hopefully i’ll feel stronger by mid-week.
Any recommended cold/flu remedies are very welcome. Look after yourselves out there and love to you all! Rxx #atelierrayclarke #upholstery #bespoke #london #craft
I just wanted to take this moment to say I Love you all and Thank you so much for all your custom and support.
I won`t lie I didn`t manage to complete all I wanted to (with 2 projects outstanding )before Christmas hit)
But I won`t try to beat myself up about it - Like you, I’ve worked bloody ‘ard this year and they`ll be the first pieces off the bench in ‘25!
In the meantime My heart-felt thanks go out to @the_upholstery_cabin for doing so much and leading the charge at times with @sit_on_this_workshops.
There`s so much more content coming out- but in the meantime I need to rest, recharge, plan and revise, perhaps learn one or two apps during the break…
see you all on the other side folks! Big Love and Hugs to you all!!Rxxxxxx
#Gratitude #Christmas #love #to #you #all #happychristmas #atelierrayclarke #bespoke #upholstery #softfurnishings #design #London #SitonThis!
My heartfelt thanks go out to:@shoreditchdesignrooms and @londonmetuni For assisting me in co-hosting My first of what I hope will become many AMUSF Student & Member social events held up and down the country.
Our special thanks to @whiteley1760 For supporting the AMUSF by donating 2 of their amazing upholstery scissors for our Raffle/Tomboola which were won by 2 students whom attended.
Sorry for the late posting of this event folks(meant to do it last month but We’ve all been mad busy of late!😉)
Anyways, Many thanks again to all and lets do this again in ‘25 (hopefully near you!)
Big Hugs to you all and have a lovely Christmas! Rxxx
#Student #Social #Events #upholstery #Softfurnishings #tombolla #prizes #whiteleyandsons #shears #community
#AMUSF
This Edwardian chaise came to me from a fine pair of gentlemen fairly local to my studio in Stepney, in a pretty sorry state. At around 2.5metres long it’s definately the longest Chaise I’ve worked on to date. removing it from their 4th floor apartment was pretty backbreaking work for them!
Once it had reached my studio
What followed was a complete strip down , wood refinishing and full reupholstery.
I chose to go traditional for the sprung stitches and stuffed seat , building up the layers with Coir fibre and mixed animal hair.
I chose modern ,sustainable fillings for the inside back and arms of to keep within their budget
The customers fabric choice is, a beautiful cotton #velvet called #graffitistripe from those Beautiful beings @timorous_beasties was tricky to work with because my customer wanted the fabric to run a specific way along the length of the chaise.
trimmed with metres and metres of a squirrel grey cotton velvet double piped which my long suffering walking foot (I will find a willing and available sewing machine engineer soon!) begrudgingly stitched into shape.
I wanted to create a brilliant reel with loads of clips but frankly after many long & late nights finishing this and other projects in time for xmas frankly I’m
busted up.
My heartfelt thanks go out to @the_upholstery_cabin who came in with her bubbly lovely energy on the part of the seat build, and introducing @jacobmorrish for the fine fine assist in the reupholstery of this colossal piece As well as those amazing sundries suppliers @martinsuph , who came with exactly what I needed when I needed it.
The item has now been delivered and installed thanks to a special man with a large long van called Jay .
Yesterday was a triumph when so many things about this project could have (and nearly did) go tits up. I am relieved and pleased it’s in situ safely. I best keep on trucking there are just 2 more projects I need to bring home before I can take that xmas break.
I hope all your plans and projects are also coming on nicely.
This frame came to me from @thorinteriors with no cushions and some faulty springs and some pictorial references taken off the web.
CMHR foam composites made and shaped from scratch: I went for deep comfort as opposed to a slimmer profile. Created a new platform lining which covered the cable springs (3 of which I replaced as the original ones were shot!) customer supplied fabric from #ikea which I backed with woolsafe to meet the Uk Fire Regs. Late night finishing meant not great lighting to shoot. Feels super comfy and bright and bold.
My thanks to @thorinteriors for their custom and support.
I need my Bed- Night y’all xx
#Cantilever #chair #bespoke #seat #cushions #ARC #AtelierRayClarke #Soft #homefurnishings
@susanaldworthstudio is an incredible artist based in Hackney who approached me a year ago yesterday with a @parkerknoll chair she wanted to transform. When I visited her home to discuss fabric options, I was completely blown away by her amazing work. While examining her stunning etching techniques and digital and lithographic prints, Susan shared some of her sources of inspiration.
Years ago, after suffering an aneurysm or bleed on the brain, Susan began undergoing diagnostic brain scans. This experience sparked her fascination with exploring the self through her art. I was so inspired I had the idea to see her brain scan artwork developed into a digital fabric print that would look stunning on her chair.
However, there were many challenges in developing the fabric. My original digital printers, whom I had used for many years, ceased trading. Another company I found produced the wrong colors and poor quality. Fortunately, I eventually discovered a brilliant digital printing company in @maakeuk that not only got the colors and details spot on but also printed on a recycled eco velvet with woven flame retardancy, complying with all current UK health, safety, and fire regulations for domestic furniture.
I replaced all the worn and degraded foam in the frame with #ultraflex foam made from recycled plastic waste, protecting it with recycled polyester skin wadding. I used #Woolsafe barrier material to certain areas of the frame to create a subtly padded sensation, resulting in a firm yet responsive level of comfort.
To complement the fabric, Susan wanted to darken the wood, so I used a black spirit-based wood stain, locking in the color with a shellac-based sanding sealant. I then applied layers of beeswax and performed fine sanding to polish and buff it, bringing a deep, soft sheen to all exposed wood.
We were both pleased when I finally returned the chair, and I look forward to collaborating with Susan on versions of this design in some amazing colorways. I feel quite chuffed to have completed this completely unique statement piece. I love reimagining furniture as art. My sincere thanks to @susanaldworthstudio!
in this universe!…..
What with recording Podcasts & collaborating on some fresh Merch with @the_upholstery_cabin for
@sit_on_this_workshops as well as wrapping up up valuable customer commissions please forgive my intermittent posting.
Speaking of wrapping up. Included with my most recent completion and are a pair of complimentary scatter cushions which I`ve made from the remnants of @svenskttenn #Barraquilla which I used on this job. Which I`ve trimmed with a gorgeous and fun multicoloured #pompom trimming sourced from those Angels @vvrouleaux.
Collection was made by #Ionel and his lovely wife, who as I type this are on their way up to deliver these beautys to the shippers in #Peterborough, before the scatters and chairs make their final journey over to #greece.
I hope to join them out their in 2025. Get some much needed sun. In the meantime I better keep my ‘ead down and keep completing those commissions!
#svenskttenn #Atelierayclarke #bespoke #scattercushions #multicoloured #pompom #trimming #pop #joseffrank #barraquilla #london🇬🇧 #homedecor #soft #furnishings
Are you looking forward to /planning your holidays?
My customer first saw me on a recent repeat of an episode of the @monfornothing TV show. It’s amazing since I first appeared on that show: it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Massive thanks and best wishes to all @frielkeanfilms.
Anyways.. after seeing me on that My customer had a pair of antique carvers sent down to my studio in a pretty sorry looking state.
I spent an age chemically peeling, sanding and creating a custom spirit-based woodstain , sealing and then lightly buffed up with layers of beeswax , bringing out the true character within the wood.
A great fabric consultation with my customer resulted in a decision to go for one of my favourite sustainable fabrics chosen for its joy and use of colour:
The fantastic #baranquilla , a post 2nd world war textile design by #joseffrank exclusively from those wonderful perveyors of “Swedish Pewter” Fabrics, furnishings and Homewares @svenskttenn
I went for as sustainable fillings as I could, using rubberised hair and #ultraflex foam (made from recycled plastic ) sitting on top of hessian & brand new jumbo elastic webbing and an inside back pad, using rubberised hair and just alittle CMHR (Chemically modified High Resilience) Foam , all wrapped in Recycled Polyester skin wadding and a woolsafe barriercloth, all supplied by those Absolute Gods of Upholstery supplies @martinsuph .
These stunners now feel as Firm & supportive and comfortable as they are joyful colourful and riotous. At the end of this month they’ll be travelling to their new home in #Greece where my customers have emigrated to. I hope to visit them next year (and get some sun/colour in these cheeks!)
Have a bright and colourful weekend peeps Rxx
#Atelierrayclarke #Modern #bespoke #upholstery #sustainable #Carver #Chairs #Svenskttenn #JosefFrank #London #Reupholstery #Monfornothing
Can these chairs be anymore colourful?
What a week its been. In just over the past week I attended the Annual AGM of @the_amusf by the end I was found to be gobsmacked as well as unanimously elected President of the @the_amusf.
I am deeply grateful, moved and honoured to be given the privilege to support encourage and represent all past , current and future members of this 77-year old institution. I’ll probably run myself ragged trying to get out to all the events and all the awards ceremonies I can manage, but with your help and support I hope to rise to the appointment successfully.
my thanks to the other board members for their faith and support.
Like everything I do- I’ll do my best!
#President #elect #AMUSF #Upholstery #softfurnishings #craft
Finally finished and ready to deliver this lush Louis XV styled antique, covered in @romo_fabrics #Linara colour #Goldfinch, to my customer who has the patience of a saint: Well..quality takes time don`t you know!
A full strip down, rebuild and traditional upholstery from the frame upwards! Thank you for following me on this journey. My heartfelt thanks go out to the lovely @the_upholstery_cabin for all her support while I was completing this.
For those that have recently started following me Thank you 🙏🏿 and May I reintroduce myself:
I’m Ray Clarke. I love the craft. I love art. I love my family and friends (whom I don’t see often enough) and I particularly love upholstery, re-upholstery and bringing my own art to this craft through developing textile designs , which I get digitally printed to create original statement one-off pieces which I post on @arc_atelier_ray_clarke
I love learning. I Also love practicing it and recently, through @sit_on_this_workshops and recently taught a leisure class at the prestigious @shoreditchdesignrooms. If you are about and want to come and say Hi you’ll find me working away in my Bow-based workshop. Call or text first though as I’m either totally absorbed or i’m out and about.
Whether I’m working alone or assisted, Music is my constant companion, as I hope are you on this journey.
My collaboration with The lovely & amazing @the_upholstery_cabin continues to evolve; with upholstery leisure courses and most recently meeting and chatting to thoroughly lovely inspiring people which we feature on our @sit_on_this_workshops Podcast (available to listen to on @applepodcasts & @spotifypodcasts )
I’ll be honest though..for all my strengths and love for this craft I’m also working slowly on overcoming my weaknesses: principly time management and planning. Perhaps I have some form of adhd (I’ve not yet had a formal diagnosis) which seems to be a thing with a lot of people these days.
Anyways Thank you for following.
Big shout out to ace photographer @nickdavid for sending through the above images from a shoot we did in August. Go check out his work it’s Fantastic!
Much love to you all and have a great week ahead! Rxxx
#AtelierRayClarke #Upholstery #textiledesign #softfurnishingsuk #craft #Skills #SitonThis! #Podcast #Learning #Tuition #classes #art #bespoke #furniture #London
Feeling very sluggish today. Think I need more vitamin D & K2.. A bit slow out of the blocks after a mammoth weekend stitching and stuffing.
What sort of supplements are all you creatives taking to boost your energy and focus?
(Asking for a friend😜!)
Anyways.. This #LouisXV style couch is shaping up.. Looking smart in @romo_fabrics #Linara (Colour #Goldfinch)
Have a great week xx
#upholstery #atelierrayclarke #bespoke #london #craft #traditional #
Totally feeling @meganforbesinteriors comments earlier (check out and follow her wonderful work!) When you’re working alone at times it can be really hard to stay focused and on job, with good and not so great distractions around you. (last weekend for instance we(myself and my neighbours had an attempted break in!) Thankfully nothing was stolen but It’s stressful when you are doing yo’ thang and some filthy “Skagheads” want to rip off what you’ve spent years building.
My thanks to our landlord who have upgraded the locks and added additional shielding for the Hinge and “Staple”: a Locksmiths term (apparently) for the steel half loop the padlock fits through.
Makes me wonder how many other “toolbox”terms our craft and trade shares with other trades… anyways I’m getting distracted again!
I’m alittle nearer to finishing this Louis XV couch. Let’s see how far I can get this weekend - hopefully without any more stress!
#upholstery #atelierrayclarke #bespoke #london #atelier #craft #traditional
Episode 6 of our @sit_on_this_workshops Podcast is available to listen to NOW on @applepodcasts and @spotify. Have a listen and We’d love it if you could leave your comments and suggestions! #AMUSF #upholstery #softfurnishings #Training #courses #atelierrayclarke #TheUpholsteryCabin #Furniture
Is it just me or wasn`t it, like, January, like-an hour ago??
As its turning leaf, back in my studio amongst the projects and collaborations I`m grateful for being given the opportunity to rebuild and traditionally reupholster this #LouisXV #couch for (apparently)a well known TV presenter/Auctioneer(?). So much stitching still left to do hopefully this will be ready in a week or so. Fabric is a top quality linen union, called #Linara, colour #Goldfinch, courtesy of those fine fellows @romo_fabrics.
#atelierrayclarke #bespoke #atelierrayclarke #london #Traditional #upholstery #restoration #sustainable #antique
#Rewebbing another #williamplunkett #Roclingchair which came into my atelier a short while back as well as anew Bolton twill fitted to refurbished black leather seat cushion linings, cleaning and nourishing the existing hides and fitting new elastic straps on an Australian Made Mid-century modern armchair. Both for a lovely pleased customer over in Wapping who will get many more years of enjoyment from her pieces.
#Repairs #reupholstery #RayClarke
