THE ROTHLEY WORKSHOP
John has worked from Lazarus Court in Rothley for 26 years, welcoming customers for advice on upholstery, restoration and bespoke furniture. Many return over the years or find him through recommendations from local customers and tradespeople.
MEET JOHN
John is an upholsterer and cabinet maker with a broad knowledge of furniture, from the timber frame beneath the fabric to the final polished finish. He restores, adapts and makes pieces, helping customers find a thoughtful way forward for furniture they value or something they would like created.
His interest in the craft began at sixteen, when he moved from Bournemouth to Leicester to work alongside his grandfather and uncle at their company, Ryte Lynes. He combined factory work with cabinet making studies at Southfields College, completing his training in 1988, and later taught upholstery at Groby College’s evening classes for four years.
John established John Barratt Upholstery in 2001. His work has taken him from antique restoration and bespoke furniture to campervan and narrowboat interiors, drawing on skills in upholstery, cabinet making, French polishing and spray finishing. Whether you arrive with a much-loved chair, a practical problem or an idea for something new, John is happy to talk through the possibilities and help you choose an approach that suits the piece and how you want to use it.
WHAT WE VALUE
CHARACTER
Bringing out the character, whether restoring something old or making something new.
MATERIALS
Timber, fabrics and finishes chosen for their texture, comfort and lasting quality.
CRAFT
Care in every detail, from the frame and upholstery to stitching, polishing and finishing.