MEET THE TEACHER

Maria is the owner and teacher at Maria's Upholstery Workshop, a creative hub she founded in the heart of Meppershall, Bedfordshire.  With a deep passion for both traditional and modern upholstery, she has spent more than a decade restoring furniture, teaching students of all levels.
As well as establishing her own workshop in 2010, Maria worked at the Woburn Abbey Antique Centre, collaborating with dealers and members of the public alike on a wide range of restoration projects.  This experience allowed her to hone her technical skills, develop a sharp eye for detail and gain invaluable insight in the world of antiques and fine furniture. 
Her commitment to teaching has grown steadily over the years.  Maria has extended her skills to include the Letchworth Settlement, where she teaches upholstery to diverse groups of learners.  She has also attended classes and summer schools with the highly regarded upholsterer David James, to deepen her expertise and knowledge. 
Maria has delivered the professional AMUSF Diploma courses for over six years, helping aspiring upholsterers build strong foundations and progress confidently into the industry.  Her teaching style is patient, practical and empowering, shaped by years of guiding beginners, hobbyists and future professionals through their first stitches, their trickiest corners and their proudest "I made this" moments. Whether she is working on a bespoke  restoration, sourcing beautiful fabrics or designing her new all-inclusive "Bespoke Upholstery Projects" courses, Maria brings creativity, precision and a genuine love for the craft to everything she does.  Her goal is simple: to keep the art of upholstery alive, accessible and inspiring for everyone who walks through her workshop door.