In this webinar, Gareth will offer an informative lecture covering a brief history of the spring and its use in upholstered furniture. Followed by an in depth investigation into spring dynamics, how they work, effective lashing methods for a range of furniture styles and methods for choosing the right gauges and heights.

Gareth Rees has been working as an upholsterer for over 27 years. He gained his training on the shop floor, working in various workshops in England and Wales and is versed in many aspects of furniture making from cabinet work to mattress making.

Gareth started his own company in 2004 and in this time has taken commissions and private work for high end interior design companies, bespoke furniture makers, private collectors, antique dealers, embassies and museums.

Here in the US, Gareth is the course writer and primary tutor for Upholstery Education, offering continuing education classes to upholstery professionals and aspiring individuals new to the trade. Back home in the United Kingdom, Gareth is a director and full time instructor at the British School of Upholstered Furniture in Oxfordshire, UK where he teaches the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF) Diploma program. He is also the lead tutor for the Advancements in Traditional Upholstery Diploma, run in association with the Guild of Traditional Upholsterers (GTU).

Past Chairman of the Guild of Traditional Upholsterers. Currently he sits as its vice chair and examination/journeyman secretary.

In March 2023 Gareth was awarded the Master Upholders certificate from the Worshipful Company of Upholders.

Although a full-time educator, Gareth still takes on commissions from select clients, predominantly focusing on the decorative arts from 1840-1950.

Gareth is eager to promote and celebrate the craft and trade of upholstery to a broader spectrum of people.