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Our Tutors and Team

Portrait of Gareth Rees

Gareth Rees

Master Tutor

Gareth Rees is an accomplished upholsterer with nearly 30 years of experience, having trained in workshops across England and Wales.

Greg Cupitt-Jones Seated at an antique hair picker

Greg Cupitt-Jones

Master Tutor

Greg Cupitt-Jones is an international award winning Master Upholsterer with an enormous wealth of knowledge and experience.

Photo of Justin Dazey speaking at Seattle Design Day 2026

Justin Dazey

Co-Owner

Justin Dazey is the owner of Castillo’s Custom Upholstery in Seattle, Washington. Justin has a BA in Interior Design from Washington State University and over 30 years of experience in the antiques, interiors, and furniture world.

Portrait of Armand Verdier

Armand Verdier

Master Tutor

Armand Verdier is regarded within the industry as an 'Upholsterer par excellence'.

He started his training at the age of 15 in Normandy, France.

Portrait of Bruno Paulin Lopez

Bruno Paulin Lopez

Master Tutor

Franco-American Bruno Paulin Lopez has been upholstering for over forty years.

Rachel South Standing Among caned and corded chairs

Rachael South

Master Tutor

Rachael South is a third generation Master chair caner and seat weaver, she grew up in her Father's workshop, which was situated in the London Borough of Harrow, he was a chair caner and Upholsterer who had learned his skills from his Father.

Photo of Mandy watching Gareth Rees Stitch at 2025 CWC

Mandy Szigethy

Co-Owner

Mandy Szigethy discovered upholstery while completing her degree in Theater Technology at Indiana University. She is the owner of Rose City Upholstery in Portland, OR

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