01/09/2026
“Harrogate’s renowned upholstery house introduces the next generation…”
Harrogate workshop behind luxury lottery-house furniture welcomes next generation
Riley Skinner begins his apprenticeship alongside his dad and stepmum, continuing a family tradition inspired by late master upholsterer Ken Reeves.
A Harrogate family business whose furniture features in luxury lottery prize houses promoted on television is celebrating a milestone closer to home: welcoming the next generation into its workshop.
Riley Skinner began his upholstery apprenticeship at Reeves Upholstery House on 1 September, joining his father, workshop head Mark Skinner, and his stepmother, Michaela Reeves.
The business regularly creates upholstered furniture for luxury lottery-house projects, work it has been undertaking for the past four years. Behind the interiors audiences see on television is a family workshop in Harrogate, with roots stretching back to 1979.
Now Riley is beginning his own journey in that workshop, with the long-term ambition of becoming a master upholsterer like Michaela’s late father, Ken Reeves.
Working alongside his dad and the experienced Reeves team, Riley will learn the craft behind restoring much-loved furniture and creating bespoke pieces. His apprenticeship marks the start of a career built on practical skills, patience and attention to detail.
For Michaela and Mark, it is an opportunity to pass on not just their knowledge, but the pride in workmanship at the heart of the family business.
Michaela Reeves said: “People might recognise our furniture from the beautiful lottery houses they see on television, but what they don’t always realise is that it comes from a family workshop here in Harrogate.
“We’re incredibly proud of those projects, but seeing Riley start his apprenticeship alongside his dad and me is special in a completely different way.
“My late dad, Ken, was a master upholsterer, and the care and pride he put into his work are things we want to pass on. There are no shortcuts to learning a trade like this. Riley is starting from the beginning, learning the skills properly and working towards becoming a master of the craft in his own right.
“I think Dad would have been so proud to see the next generation picking up the tools. For us, this isn’t simply about keeping a business going — it’s about keeping the knowledge, craftsmanship and family tradition alive.”
Alongside its ongoing lottery-house projects, Reeves Upholstery House provides domestic and commercial reupholstery and creates bespoke furniture, headboards and cushions.
Riley’s first day marks a new chapter: an apprentice learning his trade beside his family, in a local workshop whose furniture reaches far beyond Harrogate.
ENDS
Press enquiries:
Michaela Reeves
Reeves Upholstery House
Telephone: 01423 503750
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.reevesupholsteryhouse.co.uk