About Kim Buckminster
Kim Buckminster has worked in upholstery since 1975 and has run his own shop since 1977. Over the years he has learned every side of furniture and automotive work, but traditional upholstery and woodworking remain his strongest interest.
His work is in the Nebraska State Capitol, the Schuyler Historical Society Museum and homes across the country. He has won two IFAI International Achievement Awards and the Upholstery Journal Design and Craftsmanship Contest, and his free videos have taught traditional methods to tens of thousands of people.
In Kim's words
I began a life-long journey as an artisan and craftsman at a very early age, with my mother starting me hand-sewing by age five. Growing up I was always making toys or amusements.
Many people along the way shaped my interest in art and furniture. Along with the family antiques and collectibles, I had an uncle in the restoration business. A visit to his house or shop was always awe inspiring, looking over the fine Victorian craftsmanship in so many rare pieces. There was always a glimmer of satisfaction and pride in his eyes, even though he was a man of few words.
My focus all these years has been learning all aspects of furniture and automotive work, but traditional upholstery and woodworking remain my strongest interest.
The road to the shop
- Early years
Kim's mother started him hand-sewing by age five. An uncle in the restoration business showed him fine Victorian craftsmanship, and his Uncle Ray taught him carpentry.
- 1969
First hands-on furniture work in shop class at Hamburg High School in Iowa, under Danny Smith, his first true mentor in wood, finishing, leather, plastics and metal.
- 1975
Six-week upholstery course at Peru State College, Nebraska's oldest college, with instructor Dee Jarvis. In August he began an apprenticeship in upholstery and tack work at Hollens' Saddlery.
- 1977
Opened his own upholstery business in January, after the apprenticeship ran through the bicentennial year.
- 2012
Began filming restorations and sharing them free on YouTube.
- 2013
IFAI International Achievement Award of Excellence for an 1890s Turkish couch.
- 2015
IFAI International Achievement Award of Excellence for an 1890s Turkish rocker, marking 40 years in the trade.
- 2018
His YouTube channel passed 10,000 subscribers, with upholsterers and hobbyists around the world learning from the videos.
- Today
Still at the bench in Falls City, restoring furniture and filming the work. The channel has grown to more than 100 free videos and over 38,000 subscribers who follow along.
Recognition
Awards judged on complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness and function.
1890s Turkish Rocker
One of the original twelve apostles' chairs from the temple in Salt Lake City, restored to match archival photographs.
1890s Turkish Couch
A deep-tufted Victorian couch that earned an international award for design and workmanship.
1910 Award-Winning Armchair
A carved 1910 armchair that won the Upholstery Journal Design and Craftsmanship Contest.
Have a piece that needs this kind of care?
Send a few photos and a short description. Kim will look them over and reply with next steps.