Upholstery research and sketches

S/WJC/4

undated

William John Collis (1888-1972) was born in the Tottenham Court district of St Pancras on 5 June 1888, to father Jesse Collis of 67 Huntley Street. William completed an apprenticeship as a stuffing upholsterer for five years with Maple & Co. Ltd. from 1902-1907, and was an instructor in upholstery at the Government Instructional Factories in Hornsey and Chiswick between 1920-1924. He later became an employee of furniture makers Collins & Hayes, Pauntley Street, Archway Road. Collis served in the Royal Air Force during the First World War. Collis was also an active member and the first Vice President of the National Union of Furniture Trade Operatives (NUFTO). He retired from the furniture trade in 1958. He was also a keen pianist, and was known as "Bill" to his friends and colleagues. Collis passed away on 25 October 1972.

Handwritten research notes and pencil sketches relating to the history and evolution of upholstered chairs.

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