"UU started in 2007 from our East London workshop recycling old furniture that we found on the street....
There was a lot !?...with so many hidden stories to tell...We believe in giving all furniture another life and we are actively involved to raise awareness about the environmental impact of mass consumerism and throw away culture, promoting the reuse of materials, sustainability and circular economy"
At our workshop we restore found pieces of furniture making use of natural materials and remnants of fabrics as well as collaborating with London based textile designers.
We offers a range of one-off and handcrafted pieces: chairs, armchairs, sofas, chaise longue, stools designed with a unique Urban Style. Our range of furniture also includes pieces made using discarded wood, like multifunctional stools and benches.
Our products are entirely handmade and the quality difference is immediately evident. From cutting the initial fabric to overlocking, sewing, stuffing, and finishing - hours of labour and passion go into each piece.
We also work with individuals or businesses, designers and collectors, to recycle, upcycle and transform old furniture. create prototypes, props and bespoke units. Our friendly designer works with them to create something beautiful and unique, and a skilled master upholsterer will ensure high quality down to the finest detail.
Andrea Simonutti is an established upholsterer with over 30 years experience covering both modern and traditional furniture. As the founder of Urban Upholstery, Andrea seeks to create a more responsible, interesting and aesthetically pleasing environment. "I see upholstery as an art that allows me to interpret the potential in every day life" says Andrea "and I wanted to create a new line of furniture that improves people lives and their relationship with the environment". Previously, Andrea has worked for various successful companies, with clients including the Gianni Versace Group, London University, Harrods and antique dealers and designers. Andrea's work has been exhibited at the Triennale Milano and Fiera del mobile in Milan. Patrizia Sottile is a designer, architect and artist. In 1998 Patrizia graduated with a honours Degree in Architecture and Design at University "Degli Studi Mediterranea di Architettura". In 1999 she graduated from St Martin College with an MA in Scenography. Since 2001 she has been working as freelance artist exploring diverse media. In 2005 she started to collaborate with Andrea Simonutti to develop the design and style of Urban Upholstery as the primary company that engaged in recycling furniture. “I have always recycled furniture to decorate my houses" says Patrizia "because I am passionate about old features and objects, reading their memories and transforming them. As designer I approach furniture like miniature architectures, able to create space and to identify with the person that owns them”. |