Giant Armchair Rides Through Streets of Preston

Preston based re-upholstery and loose covers specialists Plumbs adopted an extravagant Alice in Wonderland theme to showcase their popular motto, "We Can Cover Almost Anything" at Saturday’s Preston Guild Trades Procession.

The elaborate theme was unveiled as Plumbs employees and friends took to the streets of Preston, accompanied by some familiar faces from Lewis Carroll’s famous children’s book.  The main focus saw Alice herself riding through the procession on a giant armchair covered in popular English Poppyfields fabric.  The 4.5m x 3m chair was followed by a float depicting the Mad Hatter’s tea party, complete with dancing tea cups, white rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts.  The float included furniture of different shapes and sizes, also covered and re-upholstered in Plumbs fabrics.

The inspiration for the theme came from Plumbs’ popular motto, “We Can Cover Almost Anything.”  Sarah Page, managing director, explains more:

"We wanted to do something that would be lots of fun and visually exciting, whilst delivering the message that no matter what furniture you have, Plumbs can almost always cover or re-upholster it to give it a new lease of life.”  She continues, “We chose Alice in Wonderland because of the notoriously topsy turvey world of Wonderland.  This is a place where unique and unusual furniture could need a little Plumbs touch to bring it back to life!"

Plumbs also sought to celebrate Great British Manufacturing through the Trades Procession, which is itself historically a celebration of local trade and craftsmanship.  Alongside the Wonderland scenes, Plumbs employees wore striking red, white and blue whilst flying the Union Jack.  Sarah, who led the patriotic procession, shares her thoughts:

"Our trade is based on the quality of Great British craftsmen and women. With the origins of the Guild based on home grown success and a national emphasis on Great British manufacturing, we thought the 2012 Guild would be the perfect place to celebrate the hardworking men and women who make the industry such a success in Britain."

120 Plumbs employees, friends and family volunteered to be part of the procession, with members of the Plumbs family itself joining in the celebrations.  The starring role of Alice fell to great-granddaughter of the company’s founder and employee of Plumbs, Rachel Page who shares her account of the event:

"It was so much fun, and I think I may have had the best view of the Trades Procession as well as the comfiest seat!  It was wonderful to see the city come together to celebrate the work of local people.  The atmosphere was excellent; a very proud day to be part of the Preston community!"

Plumbs have also been actively involved in a number of the Guilds other celebrations and projects.  They have worked closely with the Guild committee to promote apprenticeship opportunities for local young people and were proud sponsors of the Vintage Guild Ball, which followed the procession on Saturday evening.

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About Plumbs:

Plumbs have around 150 Home Consultants who will visit homes free of charge. The Home Consultants can recommend an appropriate loose covers solution and advice on room colour co-ordination and any other home furnishings such as upholstery, loose covers for sofas, cushion covers and curtains.

Plumbs have over 350 different upholstery fabric designs and colours to choose from, and a range of materials to suit any piece of furniture.