Masterclass Warsztaty Tapicerskie Tomasz Seweryn

In my work, the most important values to me are precision, respect for tradition, and attention to detail.

Tomasz Seweryn

MASTERCLASS Upholstery Workshops

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MASTERCLASS

Upholstery workshops

My journey in craftsmanship has spanned over 35 years, during which I have had the opportunity to work on hundreds of unique projects – from restoring authentic 15th and 16th-century furniture, through the classic deep-buttoned Chesterfields characteristic of the 17th and 18th centuries and 19th-century designs, to the iconic mid-century pieces from 1939 to 1980. I also create modern, minimalist designs on bespoke commissions, combining traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics.

My development as an upholsterer began at the Craft School, where I obtained both my journeyman and master’s diplomas in upholstery. I then graduated from the Technical School of Wood Technology, specialising in furniture making, and later expanded my knowledge at the University of Life Sciences in Poznań, where I studied structure and materials. This background enables me not only to understand traditional upholstery techniques but also to integrate classic methods with modern approaches to interior design and furniture restoration.

Masterclass Warsztaty Tapicerskie Tomasz Seweryn
Masterclass Warsztaty Tapicerskie Tomasz Seweryn

Upholstery is my life

Upholstery is not just my job, it is my passion, my heritage, and my way of life. I come from a family of craftsmen, where the art of upholstery has been passed down through generations. You could say that craftsmanship runs in my blood, both my mother and father were upholsterers. My brother, Rafał, chose the path of carpentry, ensuring that wood and upholstery have always gone hand in hand in our family. My three sisters also have a talent for working with their hands, and now I proudly watch as my children, Gabriel and Adelka, begin to take an interest in the craft. My wife supports me in bringing projects to life, making our work not just a profession, but a shared passion.

I am constantly developing my skills, attending trainings and deepening my knowledge through specialist literature. I am particularly fascinated by traditional upholstery techniques, especially those from the French, English, and Japanese schools.

I don’t like standing still – I travel the world, learning from the finest craftsmen, which allows me to draw inspiration and refine my skills. I have had the opportunity to train in the USA and Canada, and I recently visited Japan, where I met with five masters of traditional craftsmanship. Their knowledge and approach to the craft were incredibly inspiring. I believe that traditional upholstery provides a solid foundation on which modern techniques and contemporary furniture design approaches can be built.

I collaborate with leading retailers such as Skandium and the renowned American design firm Holly Hunt. I have also completed projects for Liberty London. Additionally, I have worked on numerous projects for Paul Smith’s showrooms in London and created prototypes for Alexander McQueen’s showrooms in Tokyo, London, and Hong Kong. Moreover, I designed and executed unique pieces in collaboration with an interior designer for Lady Frances and Sir John Sorrell, co-founders of the London Design Biennale, contributors to London Fashion Week, and founders of the National Saturday Club.

Masterclass Warsztaty Tapicerskie Tomasz Seweryn