Leigh-Anne Treadwell
Bristol Upholstery Collective
Sit on This! Podcast
7th August 2024
Presenters: Vicky Grub & Ray Clarke
Production: Sit on This!
Photo Credit: Vicky Grubb
This month Vicky and Ray sit down with the brilliant Leigh-Anne Treadwell, founder of the Bristol Upholstery Collective, teacher, TV upholsterer, and all-round powerhouse.
We chat about how she built her teaching practice, what it means to create safe learning spaces, and how ADHD shapes the way she works and teaches. From building a community to breaking down barriers in upholstery, Leigh-Anne brings heart, honesty, and a whole lot of wisdom to this conversation.
Sponsors: Martins Upholstery Supplies & BeA Group
Follow Sit on This! for fortnightly chats from the workbench — stories from inside the upholstery world, with makers, fixers, and fabric lovers.
In Our ADHD Minds
Monday 22nd January 2024 BBC2 6:30pm
Presenter: Chris Packham
Production: Credits
Photo Credit: Leigh-Anne Treadwell
One in seven people have brains that work differently, and more people are being diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia and autism than ever before. But neurodivergent people are more likely to experience depression, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts. Chris Packham believes this is a hidden crisis and wants to help neurodivergent people explain what’s going on inside their minds. And he’s starting with ADHD.
It’s thought that one in 20 people has ADHD, but Chris still feels that the condition remains misunderstood. He meets two people frustrated that the people in their lives don’t fully understand what having ADHD means to them. Teaming up with top filmmakers, animators and graphic designers, they create evocative short films which explain to family and friends how they’re truly feeling inside - and what’s really going on inside their ADHD minds.
As part of this episode, Leigh-Anne hosted a focus group for late diagnosed ADHD women at her creative venue UP Studios Bristol CIC. A social enterprise with the hearts, hands and minds of our Neurodivergent craft community at its soul.
David & Jay's Touring Tool Shed
Monday 22nd January 2024 BBC2 6:30pm
Presenters: Jay Blades MBE & Sir David Jason
Production: Hungry Jay Media
Photo Credit: Andy Norman @Normandy
Known as a skilled craftsperson with a solutions focused attitude towards sharing skills and empowering people to use their hands, Leigh-Anne was asked to join the team of experts on BBC2 Show 'David & Jays Touring Tool Shed during the summer of 2023.
As the toolshed tours the UK, Leigh-Anne joined Jay Blades & Sir David Jason at the Midlands Air Show and 3 Counties Show to teach a thing or two to guests wanting to fix up or make items, including a cosplay leather chest armour, a campervan door panel and Tony Hancock's 6ft 'Teddy' he flew back from China first class back in the 50's.
BBC One - Money For Nothing
Credits
Presenters - Sarah Moore, Jay Blades MBE, Jacqui Joseph & EJ Osbourne
Narrator - Arthur Smith
Production Company - Friel Kean Films
Leigh-Anne Treadwell's wacky ideas and creative flair are what made her a great success on the BBC One show 'Money for Nothing' She has helped countless items of furniture find new life, and stop them ending up in landfill. Her work has ranged from wheelbarrow transformations to splicing chairs together!
During her time on the show, she impressed many of the tv hosts, such as Jay Blades, with her innovative and 'out the box' thinking when it came to furniture design. Her ability to breathe new life into discarded items, turning them into remarkable pieces of furniture art, left a lasting impact on viewers. Leigh-Anne's passion for upcycling and sustainability continues to inspire countless individuals to embrace creativity and eco-consciousness in their own lives. Her episodes continue to serve as a timeless source of inspiration, reminding us all that there's beauty in the unexpected and that even the most ordinary objects can be transformed into something extraordinary.
Upholstery Courses
Discover the joy of upholstery and embark on your own transformative journey at Bristol Upholstery Collective. Our specially designed courses invite you to explore the art of furniture transformation, guided by our highly trained upholsterers. With a focus on sustainable practices, you'll learn to breathe new life into tired pieces while reducing waste. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice seeking a new hobby, our courses offer an immersive experience that will leave you inspired and fulfilled.
Upholstery Service
If you would like Leigh-Anne to unleash her creativity on a project of your own then look no further than Bristol Upholstery Collective's Upholstery Service. Her team of talented upholsterers can use their skills in traditional & modern upholstery to restore your item. Her team of skilled artisans will meticulously select eco-friendly materials and employ sustainable techniques to transform your furniture into a unique masterpiece. From commercial work to family heirlooms we understand the unique needs of our clients and are very proud to offer this high-quality bespoke service.
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