Where it all started
A brief timeline of our timeless craftsmanship
Peter’s interest in upholstery started at a very young age when he became friends with an old upholsterer in Scarborough who he used to visit at every opportunity, listening to a lifetime of stories and tips on tackling every eventuality. Eager to put his new learned skills into practice, Peter moved to Helmsley, at the age of 21 hoping he could make a living in such a beautiful town. Having pestered the very patient local estate manager for a workshop he eventually agreed to lease him an old stable in Bridge Street, Helmsley which at the time required extensive renovation. The Estate set the rent at …£ 28.00 per week ! The company eventually stayed there over 20 years.
The Bright Future
Whilst the renovation work was being carried out on the old stable it was agreed by the Estate that Peter could use an old pheasant rearing hut deep in the heart of Duncombe Park........ a beautiful location but terrible for passing trade?! However a chance meeting the local landowner led to the start of an inspiring 10 years restoring the upholstered furniture at Duncombe Park, which had been run as a girls school since the war. It was Lord and Lady Feversham who introduced Peter to the fine and fabulous fabrics and trimmings available.Whilst tackling the complexities of this wonderful period furniture he soon realised that his skills were limited. So Peter attended a specialist traditional upholstery course at Salisbury until he gained his qualifications.
Expansion soon followed taking on apprentice after apprentice, eager to pass on his skills. With order books full Peter doubled his Bridge Street premises creating a showroom with a workshop. Peter realised that he would soon outgrow his workshop, so a new, larger purpose built state of the art workshop was commissioned and built in Sawmill Lane, Helmsley. Sewing rooms for curtain making, wall space for making pelmets, space and room for machinery to make their own sofas and chair frames. Peter not only became well known for his re-upholstery, restoration and soft furnishings, he began to gain a name for bespoke sofas and chairs and interior design. Peter now had the facility to produce any type of upholstered furniture, curtains, pelmets, fabric walling and a great showroom from which to display it and was now able to offer the full interior design service.
In more recent times
As the company developed , Peter has a great multi skilled team offering a range of highly skilled services, the introduction of his eldest son bring a more modern angle to the company and once again pushing the boundaries of design. His constantly changing showroom is looking fantastic, producing and selling lots of great individual furniture and accessories, gifts for the home, many of which are sourced from all around the world. A Large focus turned to unique projects where the team came up with some design magic to create solutions for all challenges sent there way. A hand picked few can be viewed through our portfollio tab.
For a more personal experience pay us a visit in Peter's shop located in Helmsley and meet our very capable, talented and enthusiastic team who would cater for your every need...
