Gareth Rees
Gareth has been an upholsterer for nearly 30 years, gaining hands-on training in workshops across England and Wales. His expertise spans various aspects of furniture making, from cabinet work to mattress making, and early in his career, he contributed to projects for the National Trust and English Heritage properties.
In 2004, Gareth established his own company, undertaking commissions for high-end interior designers, bespoke furniture makers, private collectors, antique dealers, embassies, and museums.
Until August of 2025 Gareth served as Director and full-time tutor at the British School of Upholstered Furniture in Oxfordshire, UK, where he taught the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF) Diploma program. He was also the lead tutor for the Advancements in Traditional Upholstery Diploma, run in partnership with the Guild of Traditional Upholsterers (GTU).
During the 2020/21 Covid-19 lockdowns, Gareth delivered a well-received lecture series on furniture history to students across the UK and the US. Since then, he has continued lecturing extensively, both online and in person, throughout Europe and North America, covering the history and practical applications of upholstery.
Gareth has played key roles within UK trade bodies. He currently serves as the Examination and Journeyman Secretary of the Guild of Traditional Upholsterers, As the Director of training for the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers, overseeing all of their training nationwide. More recently, he joined the Trade and Education Board of the Worshipful Company of Upholders.
In March 2023, Gareth was awarded the prestigious Master Upholders Certificate by the Worshipful Company of Upholders of the City of London, recognizing his career, craftsmanship, client endorsements, and contributions to the trade.
Though primarily an educator, Gareth continues to accept select commissions, focusing on decorative arts from 1840–1950. Known for his natural ability to communicate, he tailors his teaching methods to each student's needs, creating a relaxed yet informative learning environment. His deep knowledge of design and upholstery, combined with his passion for sharing skills, makes him a highly respected figure in the field.
