Wool and Hair Tick Mattress with Gareth Rees
Tick Mattresses with Gareth Rees
Overview: This hands-on three-day upholstery course is ideal for beginners and enthusiasts wanting to learn the traditional craft of making wool and hair-filled tick mattresses. Now often known as "French mattresses," these were once common across Europe with various natural fillings before sprung mattresses became popular. Participants will gain practical skills in stuffing, tufting, and stitching, using high-quality materials to create a durable and comfortable mattress of an approximate size of 100cm x 50cm. Prepared upon a stretcher frame in the traditional manner, the course gives instruction on how to make much larger full-size mattresses utilising the skills learned in class.
Tutor Bio: With almost 30 years of experience, Gareth has worked across various aspects of upholstery, furniture and bed making. He founded his own company in 2004 and now serves as Director and tutor at the British School of Upholstered Furniture, where he teaches the AMUSF Diploma and Advancements in Traditional Upholstery diploma with the Guild of Traditional Upholsterers. Gareth is also the course writer for Upholstery Education and, in 2023, was awarded the prestigious Master Upholders Certificate. Known for his approachable, tailored teaching style, Gareth shares his passion for upholstery with students across the UK and beyond.
What to bring:
A basic upholstery tool kit will also be required. Students will be emailed a month before the course with requirements.
Dates: 7-9 October 2025 9.30am-4.30pm
Course cost: tbc
Cancellations: Refunds will not be granted after 7 days, except in the event that the reserved place is successfully filled from the wait list, in which case a full refund will be issued.
Gareth Rees
With almost 30 years of experience, Gareth has worked across various aspects of upholstery, furniture and bed making. He founded his own company in 2004 and now serves as Director and tutor at the British School of Upholstered Furniture, where he teaches the AMUSF Diploma and Advancements in Traditional Upholstery diploma with the Guild of Traditional Upholsterers. Gareth is also the course writer for Upholstery Education and, in 2023, was awarded the prestigious Master Upholders Certificate. Known for his approachable, tailored teaching style, Gareth shares his passion for upholstery with students across the UK and beyond.