New Upholstery Shop to Open on Broadway

Kevin Kennedy, a professional upholsterer for more than 30 years, has worked on such exquisite pieces as a chair once owned by Napoleon Bonaparte.

Now Kennedy, a Sudbury resident, is bringing his expertise to Arlington. He and Arlington's Pamela Powell are opening Broadway Upholstery School, a full-service upholstery shop with adult-education classes, at 205 Broadway, the former site of Laura's Sewing School, which has moved to a larger location on Warren Street.

"It's going to be the only upholstery shop in Arlington," an enthusiastic Kennedy said recently.

The two are planning to open their store on Friday, October 1, and begin teaching classes the following week.

Powell, an Arlington native, was actually Kennedy's student two years ago at Concord-Carlisle Adult & Community Education before getting hooked on the trade.

"I love it," she said. "It's fun to work with your hands and make something look new and beautiful. If a piece is done right, it can really bring new life to a house."

Powell said she also likes the green aspect of recycling old, yet still well-constructed pieces. "It's amazing how much furniture you see out on the curb destined for the landfill," she said.

The shop's classes will be for adults looking to perfect or pick-up a new hobby, or for those merely trying to revive one piece of furniture by themselves, according to Kennedy.

"Anybody can take a class," he said. "We'll be able to adjust to different skill levels."

Kennedy, a master upholsterer who was initially trained by old-school upholsterers, is fluent in both pre-World War II and modern methods, making him equipped to handle antiques at the shop.

For more information on Broadway Upholstery School visit the shop's website, which is still under development, or call Powell at (781) 646-6708.