BRIAN Crossley has 40 years experience of chair caning. He is a Member of the Basket-makers Association and a Yeoman Member of the Worshipful Company of Basket-makers.

Based in Chester, Brian takes commissions from all over the UK and has re-caned furniture dating from 1670 up to the present. Brian has vast experience of teaching and gives talks and demonstrations of his craft to various groups around the world, as well as acting as an advisor to museums with regards to the historical significance of their collections of cane furniture. 

The dates

The course 

The classes are small with a maximum of six students. The word 'student' conjures up a picture of a young person but in this case it is far from the representative of those who attend. These 'students' range in ages from 18 to 75 and are all enthusiastic to learn.

Your Project: As a student you can either bring along your own piece of furniture or you can purchase a sample frame or a stool or chair frame to work on. Sample frames (left) take on average six hours to complete so make an ideal first project. Stool or chair frames can be purchased from us, please call or email for details. In addition to chair caning, Brian can also teach, machine woven cane, seagrass and Danish Cord. 

These are informal courses and run from 9am and finish around 4pm, with about an hour for lunch. Lunch and refreshments are included in the course fee. All tools are provided and any materials used will be charged at the current rate. Accommodation can be provided either at a local farm B&B with some self catering rooms at the edge of the town of Ellesmere overlooking the Mere (Lake) or in a local inn in the small village of Whittington, only 10mins drive from Ellesmere, which overlooks a castle. Contact us for more details

How to Book Your Lessons:  

Book early to avoid disappointment. The total cost  is £180 (+vat charged at the standard rate). Cheques should be made payable to J A Milton Upholstery Suppliers. Payment can also be made by credit/debit card over the phone.

To book courses, please telephone or email for the class date(s) you require. You can pay by credit/debit to scure your place(s) or we can send you out a booking form so you can pay by cheque.

Any queries please don't hesitate to contact the Sales office on 01691 624023

Tuition Terms & Conditions

Please note these conditions are separate to those that may apply to your accommodation

Cancellations

Payment will be required in full for bookings cancelled 14 days or less before the date of the class. However all efforts will be made to fill the place with another student. On cancellations giving more notice 50% is refundable only if another students fills the places booked.

Liability

J A Milton will not be liable for any work carried out during the classes. All furniture and materials brought onto the premises is there at owner's risk.