Rachael South

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. Rachael was taught caning as a Teenager and continued to hone her skills while studying for her Textile degree. After her degree Rachael went on to work in the Passementerie business before finally setting up her own business:  Rachael South 

Rachael has taught leisure upholstery and chair caning courses for many years, first at a local school and then at the London Metropolitan University where she currently teaches the AMUSF qualification  (Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers) and is the Upholstery Course organizer, together with teaching longer Woven Chair Seating classes at the London Met and West Dean College.

In her studio in East London Rachael works on fine antiques, modern restoration, contemporary experimental seat weaving, and private commissions. She uses traditional materials for chair caning, hand-twisted rush seating, seagrass, and Danish paper cord. She also makes woven seats on new and restored frames from non-traditional materials such as leather and wire.

Rachael often works on commissions and collaborations with designers and has had her work exhibited. Recently Rachael did some restoration work for the William Morris Gallery in London and two of her original pieces have now been acquired by the Museum Of London, to be part of their permanent collection. 

You will also see Rachael on the extremely popular BBC /Amazon Prime TV series " The Repair Shop" as the resident caning expert.  

Rachel is a member of the Basket Makers Association, the Heritage Crafts Association, and a Yeoman of The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers.