White bespoke, re-loved handmade
WHITE.BESPOKE
RE-LOVED HANDCRAFTED BESPOKE
Traditional and Modern Upholstery Services
The journey begins as soon as I take on an initial upholstery consultation. Each commission is tailored to the hopes and expectations of the client, married with the structural needs of the piece, and brought together with the various levels of advice and skill I offer. Each and every piece is treated to the same high level of craftsmanship and passion as it is restored to its former glory.
INSTAGRAM FEED
Current projects, Work in progress and Inspiration
ABOUT WHITE BESPOKE
My name is Sonia White, and I began my journey studying Art and Design: covering everything from printmaking, photography, fine art, graphics, textiles and product design. With a degree in Product Design under my belt I gained considerable experience in the industry, undertaking high profile design work for many well known international brands. Following a slight change in direction after having a family, I began working as a jewellery designer making intricate bespoke pieces for wedding accessories designer Gillian Million.
WHITE BESPOKE came to life in 2010, starting out as a hobby and an extension of my passion for mid-century pieces and caning. I decided to enrol at London Metropolitan University to gain a (AMUSF accredited) craftsmanship certificate in traditional upholstery. At home, my family found themselves jostling for space alongside various antique market and Ebay finds as I found more and more pieces, and my friends were increasingly asking me to reupholster old tired pieces for them. I now take huge pride in the fact that the majority of my work is based on recommendations, word of mouth and a growing reputation. With each new commission my business has become increasingly well established, and my passion has been fuelled by working on a wide variety of different pieces and being able to unlock their potential.
I love finding beautiful, unloved pieces and matching them with desirable sumptuous fabrics and colours. This process not only brings them up to date, but breathes life and love back into the furniture. Here you can see examples of my work and follow the journey of each piece from start to finish.
1970's Egg 'style'
This chair was found at Kempton Market, and though it was in a sorry state, I could see its hidden potential. Having stripped it back to its original moulding, the repair process could begin: reinforcing areas that had previously been damaged and tending to the squeaky and stiff swivel mechanism. Finally, once the foam layer was applied, the restoration was completed with the addition of this glorious green Main Line Flax from Camira.
This beautiful Bentwood arm frame, with sprung seat and back, immediately caught my eye. By completing a 'clean and revive' treatment, and light staining I was able to return the wooden arms to a deep, rich quality. The 'Ion/Basil' velvet, from Kirby Design, sets off the wooden shade and completes the refurbishment perfectly. Bought and sold locally - in it's new home it sits perfectly alongside the client's other beautiful Art Deco pieces.
A modern faux brown leather tub chair in a previous life. The customer had recently had their study re-decorated and what something more vibrant and in keeping with it new decor.
Bentwood Art Deco
Modern Tub
1920's Cane Sunray
These two lovely little chairs, with bent wood arms, had been stored in shed for several years just waiting for the right time to be made over. The beautiful sunray cane backs needed replacing and the frames had suffered from water damage so recieved a full stip back, re-stain and satin finish. The seat was re-sprung and traditionaly re-upholstered with House of Hackney Blackthorn velvet fabric.
This little chair was a family heirloom, hand made with knock together joints. It had been re-woven at some point in it's life with seagrass. It came to me to make the joints more secure, a gentle clean up of the wood as the frames age and wear was liked and formed part of the character of the chair. It was re-woven in dyed fibre rush to give a long lasting tight woven seat and finished to be able to resist spills easy maintenance.
When I first saw this piece on E-bay, even with the cane broken, I could immediately see its potential. Caning is most definitely a labor of love, but as you can see by the re-caned arms and back, it is worth every ounce of effort and shows off the detailed circle shape design in all its intricate glory. Once I had re-sprung the seat, the newly created feather and foam filled cushions were covered in 'Smooth/Ash' velvet from Kirby Design. An elegantly comfortable sofa - as beautiful to look at as it is inviting to relax in.
Fibre Rush Weave
Cane Medallion Back
ANTIQUE TUB CHAIR - "I spent a long while wondering if we should have this inherited wedding gift re-upholstered. Now I spend a lot of time either gazing at it or making sure I get to sit in it before anyone else in the family. Sonia spent time talking me through the process and was incredibly patient with my indecision on fabric. She has an innate sense of style and colour, and was able to work out what I wanted even when I was unsure. My chair is not only part of the furniture, but part of the family. I can’t recommend White Bespoke enough." S Austin
LITTLE FLORAL CHAIR - “A big thank you to @white.bespoke for giving my little chair a new lease of life. I love all things floral but this fabric is gorgeous, you've done such an amazing job reupholstering it.” J Pedrick
SMALL CANE CARVER - "A friendly service at a fair and competitive price. The cane work on my chair has brought the piece of furniture back to life for many years to come. Very happy with the work and would recommend Sonia White wholeheartedly." T Freeman
NURSING CHAIR - "I had a very old and tired Victorian nursing chair that had been sitting in the corner of my bedroom covered in clothes, waiting for someone to bring it back to life. Sonia spent a lot of time talking to me about my taste in interiors and fabrics before bringing a large selection to choose from. She instinctively knew what would both work with my house and also with the chair. While she was working on the chair she kept me up to date regularly with photos. I am over the moon – she has totally transformed an old, tired, unloved piece of furniture and turned it into something I am proud to have out on show and hopefully a future family heirloom." L Welsh
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
CONTACT ME
Telephone: 07968 122579 Email: white.bespoke@gmail.com
Please do get in touch and I hope to be able to help you bring new life to your furniture. Sonia