AMUSF UPHOLSTERY DIPLOMA
During this three stage programme, students will develop their practical skills, gaining knowledge and experience in the manipulation of a variety of materials and processes, within the context of a series of individual set exercises and projects.
Students will receive workshop inductions, practical demonstrations and teaching in the use and application of core materials and techniques, both modern and traditional.
Stage 1 practical experience (* assessment pieces):
- Drop-in seat (modern materials)
- Drop-in seat (traditional materials)
- Stitched and stuffed footstool or chair (traditional materials and methods)
- *Sprung dining chair (traditional materials and methods)
- Sprung arm exercise
- Box Cushion with piping and zip
- Bolster End with piping
- *Upholstered and lined box with decorative detail and deep-buttoned lid
- Portfolio containing notes and details of work in progress
- *Written Research Project: Fabric Characteristics, Identification &; Appropriate Usage
Stage 2 practical experience (* assessment pieces):
- T-Shaped Cushion with piping and zip
- Tailoring, including the fitting of caps and collars
- Independent sprung edge exercise
- *Armless chair with traditionally upholstered seat and back
- *Post 1950s Armchair upholstered using modern materials &; methods
- Portfolio containing notes and details of work in progress
- *Written Research Project: History of Upholstered Furniture – a timeline and overview of the styles of upholstered furniture and the development of upholstery techniques and materials used
Stage 3 practical experience (* assessment pieces):
- *Substantial Traditional Armchair of advanced techniques, which should include at least two of the following elements: the fitting of caps and collars, scroll arms or stitched-up edges to arms, sprung arms, coil sprung seats, independent sprung edges, deep buttoning and fluting.
- *Modern Chair with a concave inside back incorporating tailored fitting and top stitching i.e. Egg style
- Portfolio containing notes and details of work in progress
- *Written Research Project: 20th Century Furniture Design – an overview of the styles, periods and iconic
designers of the 20th Century.
On completion of Stage 3 students will have gained experience of a variety of techniques and materials used in modern and traditional upholstery. These practical skills will form a strong foundation upon which students can practice and develop their professional competency.
Course Delivery
These qualifications can be achieved in two formats. Students may choose to study Stages 1 and 2, two-days per week in their first year and Stage 3 one-day per week in their second year or they may choose to study each stage one-day per week for three years.
The classes start at 9.30 a.m. and finish at 4.00 p.m. each day and are based around the academic year starting the first week in September to end of June, with half-term and holidays in line with Stirlingshire schools.
Places on these courses are limited and are allocated on application and interview. If you would like to apply for a place, please contact Jackie for an application form using the button below.