Ticking refers to a type of fabric, often black and white striped in pattern, with a very tight weave, that was used to cover mattresses to keep in the stuffings of horsehair and feathers.
I have always had a love for buildings and interiors and everything that goes in them. From a quite early age I would scour tip shops and junk shops for furniture that I could restore and renovate - this desire to give old furniture new life lead to the collection of some old battered chairs - and there my discovery and love of upholstery was born. Some years ago I attended some leisure classes to learn some skills of the trade and that got my hobby up and running.
Since having a family and deciding not to return to my non-creative job I began a small business making bespoke window and bench seating, whilst still doing some occasional upholstery projects for friends and family. I hankered for more knowledge and skills so tracked down the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishings Diploma, and without further ado enrolled at the British School of Upholstered Furniture. Here I embarked on an exciting learning curve into the history, traditions, materials and methods of the craft.
The course was a process of enlightenment and discovery into the way seating has been manufactured - from its beginnings and high levels of craftsmanship to modern day mass production where profit is more important than the quality of the product. My desire is to preserve and continue the craftsmanship of old and repair and create furniture that is built to last a lifetime.
Helen David