About the School of Upholstery and Alex Law

The School of Upholstery, located in the historic town of Faversham in Kent, is a nationally significant institution dedicated to the art and craft of upholstery. Faversham is well known for its preserved buildings dating back to the 10th century, and it is a hub for antiques with regular specialist markets. 

Our school is situated on the coastal edge of the town in a modern, airy workshop originally designed for marquetry, providing a bright and open space with natural light from windows on two sides and skylights. The workshop maintains a comfortable temperature year-round and features a small kitchen/dining area and a new materials library/study room. Conveniently located within a 15-minute walk of a mainline and high-speed rail station, the workshop also offers adequate parking for students travelling by car.

School of Upholstery Courses

We offer a range of courses, from beginner to advanced-level upholstery leisure classes, as well as professional upholstery qualifications certified by the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF). The curriculum emphasises hands-on learning, small class sizes, and personalised instruction to ensure that each student receives the attention they need to master the craft. 

Students often reference Alex’s patience and kindness as key factors in their learning journey, helping them overcome challenges both in and out of the classroom.

About Alex Law

Alex Law has been working as an upholsterer since 1989, following the traditional formal path from apprenticeship to Master Upholsterer. He studied City and Guilds Advanced Furniture Craft at the renowned London College of Furniture. Throughout his career, Alex has worked with both traditional and modern materials, developing sustainable seating systems and advancing the industry’s understanding of combining traditional techniques with modern technology.

Alex has held bench lead roles and training positions in high-end workshops in the UK and overseas and has worked with leading national companies to deliver industry-relevant training programs. He spent eight years teaching at the London Metropolitan University, including leading the Advanced Upholstery course. Known for his ability to simplify complex techniques, Alex has taught thousands of students.

Alex has written two books – Quick and Easy Upholstery (CICO Books, 2008) and The Upholsterer’s Step-by-Step Handbook (Pavillion, 2015). These publications enable readers worldwide to access high-level craft techniques and learn from his years of experience. More recently, Alex was featured on the BBC 2 series Saved & Remade, showcasing his expertise to a broader audience and demonstrating the potential of traditional upholstery techniques.

Eco-Friendly Upholstery

At the School of Upholstery, we believe in a hands-on, immersive approach to learning. Our courses are designed to teach practical skills while fostering an appreciation for the history and sustainability of upholstery. Committed to eco-friendly materials and green practices, we integrate these principles into all our projects.

Alex is recognised as a pioneering experimental upholsterer, advocating the use of recycled materials and cutting-edge plant-based material research. His innovative approach not only focuses on transforming worn-out items into beautiful, functional pieces but also on manufacturing new furniture in an environmentally conscious way. 

By incorporating eco-friendly techniques and materials, Alex inspires students to create high-quality, sustainable furniture that goes beyond modern environmental standards. Under his guidance, students learn to balance traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sustainability, contributing to a greener future in upholstery.

Success Stories

Our alumni have gone on to achieve remarkable success, opening their own studios and working on high-profile projects. Many have been featured in top design magazines and collaborated with renowned interior designers.

Many of Alex’s students have become upholstery teachers themselves, pioneering unique techniques and inspiring new upholsterers. These successes highlight the impact of our training and the potential of the students who attend the School of Upholstery.

Community and Collaboration

At the School of Upholstery, we value our strong community connections and partnerships with local artists, designers, and businesses. Our events and workshops offer students opportunities to learn additional crafts like passementerie, weaving, and fabric design. 

We also collaborate with local schools, helping A-level students with design technology projects and seating challenges. This collaboration fosters a creative hub for individuals of all ages and backgrounds within our community, making the School of Upholstery a central point for artistic growth and innovation.

Contact Us

The School of Upholstery is located in Unit 7, First Floor, The Foundry Business Park, Seager Road, Faversham, Kent, ME13 7FD. For more information, contact Alex at enquiries@schoolofupholstery.com or follow us on Instagram for the latest updates.