Libby Payne, Upholsterer

Young Upholsterer of the Year Award 2024

London upholsterer Libby Payne won the 2024 Young Upholsterer of the Year Award, supported by House of Sonnaz, including a £1,000 prize awarded at a special presentation at Eltham Palace on Tuesday 26 November 2024.

The award, then in its second year, celebrates a young upholsterer who has made an outstanding start to their craft career. The winner is highly skilled amongst their peers, whilst raising the perceived value of their craft through sharing and awareness raising. They have given themselves a fantastic chance of achieving long-term success, perhaps overcoming disadvantage or setbacks along the way.

Libby Payne sought employment within the upholstery trade early in her studies, and her enthusiasm quickly led her to secure a position at a commercial workshop. Where others may have paused their formal education, Libby recognised the value of combining her studies with hands-on experience, dedicating all her time and energy to both. Her work rivals that of upholsterers with decades of experience, and she consistently produces results of the highest quality.