In 2012, Patricia Alban established The Bespoke Footstool Company, with the aim of creating entirely bespoke, exquisite “little works of art”. Every piece of furniture is uniquely designed and made to order to customers' specifications using a combination of the very best traditional, semi-traditional and modern methods and materials. Patricia trained under Malcolm Hopkins and Alex Law at the London Metropolitan University in 2003-5, winning the Worshipful Company of Upholder’s President’s Award 2005 as well as the Association of Master Upholsterer’s First Prize in Advanced Traditional Upholstery 2005.
As Designer-Maker, Patricia creates and upholsters all The Bespoke Footstool Company footstools herself; each stool is carefully considered in terms of use and location with trims created from fabrics to work with existing furnishings, and upholstery styles reflective of interior style.
With a passion for heritage craft, Patricia also specialises in ottomans upholstered in global, artisan and tribal textiles, including rugs, embroidered artworks or appliqué work. Whether a treasured kantha brought back from travels, an heirloom rug or a specially sourced suzani, the style, texture and pattern of the textile will direct the ottoman’s overall design.
The construction methods and materials of the footstools are fundamental to the integrity of the piece: each frame is created by hand, and made locally. Using the very best techniques and materials Patricia works closely with her frame maker who specialises in “one-off” chair and stool frames and he turns all the legs himself. His skill, experience, and pride of workmanship is exemplary. Each footstool frame is built as a single design, with bespoke legs turned proportionate to the overall size and upholstery style of the finished piece.
High standards are set not only in the choices of high quality, low environmental impact upholstery materials but also in the (FSC certified) hardwoods he uses meaning each footstool is robust, built to last and can be recovered time and time again.
A great deal of time is spent on traditionally “finishing” show-wood and legs. Beech, birch or mahogany hardwoods are painstakingly French polished by hand with many coats of shellac and wax, for a timeless patina which enhances the warmth and beauty of the woodgrain. Hardwood oak legs are oiled or waxed.
The footstools can be commissioned directly by clients and interior designers and can be delivered across the UK. Worldwide shipping is available on a case-by-case basis.
"The Bespoke Footstool Company creates “centrepiece” ottomans, where the overall design is guided by the fabric or textile pattern, and where bespoke trim and borders can add eye-catching refinements. Whilst being in harmony with existing furnishings and offering functionality as table stools, the stools also offer customers the unique opportunity to go the extra creative mile, without compromising on design, quality or craftsmanship. From urban living to country estates, each stool can tell a story."
"Since each stool is made to order, we begin with the textile or fabric in mind followed by a detailed discussion of the client’s interior, the size requirements and upholstery and leg style preferences. Where there is uncertainty, the client submits photographs of the interior for which the stool is destined along with finishes, fabrics or ideas they are drawn to. The design service is an important part of the ordering process and this commitment to investing in understanding customers’ requirements means their expectations are often exceeded. Discussions may include incorporating existing plains from a room scheme into the design, fashioning bespoke trims out of textures or stripes in the fabric, or turning legs to be in keeping with existing furniture styles. Flexibility around customers’ requirements is central to the ethos of the bespoke service.
With artisan or tribal textiles, there is mindful consideration of the integrity of the piece to display it in the most authentic way and to preserve and incorporate all elements into the design including any tassels, fringes or decorative knots.
The Bespoke Footstool Company prides itself on friendly, personable customer service, communicating in detail and directly with each customer at every stage of the design and build. The aim is to make the process enjoyable, relaxing and exciting from start to finish.
Patricia oversees the stool’s entire journey, from its starting point as sawn timber in the woodturner’s workshop to its upholstery and stitchwork and finally to its personal delivery by either her or her dedicated furniture courier."
