exhibitions

The Geffrye Museum

Second Sitters. Upholstery: Evolution to Revolution. 2017

Second Sitters ‘take over’ the Geffrye Museum, time lining the evolution and new revolution within the craft of upholstery. Supported by the Arts Council England.

The exhibition features work from UK based upholsterers who are redefining the traditional preconceived role of the upholsterer, combining traditional craft skills with contemporary thinking. Taking the form of a physical timeline the exhibition maps the changes and developments within the craft to include techniques, materials and upholsterers stories. Works will be multi disciplinary, from furniture, to photography, to film, tackling activism, social commentary, materiality and the throwaway culture.

Live working and workshops will run alongside the main exhibition. Confirmed events include demonstrations by SCP's upholstery factory Coakley & Cox Ltd and Second Sitters upholsterers. Workshops include Welsh stool upholstery with Mick Sheridan and chair caning with Rachael South. Panel discussion hosted by Katie Treggiden with makers and industry professionals will look at issues around upholstery, sustainability and the throwaway culture.