Rachael South

Rachael South is a third-generation chair caner and upholsterer based in Hackney, London, who draws on her experience travelling and working with weavers in India, Central America, and Europe. After studying Textiles (Design and Application), she built an extensive career as a freelance textile product designer before taking on her father’s established upholstery business. She is best known to TV audiences as the caning and rattan expert on the BBC’s beloved The Repair Shop.

Overview

Rachael South's Profile

Rachael South is a UK-based furniture caner specialising in traditional chair caning and woven seating restoration. Her exact date of birth and details about her parents are not publicly documented.

She learned her craft through a family tradition, having been taught chair caning by her father, who himself learned the skill from a previous generation. This reflects a multi-generational heritage craft background.

South has built a professional career in teaching and craft practice. She is a tutor at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation and has taught chair caning for several years. Her work has also been displayed at the Museum of London, highlighting the cultural value of her craft.

She appeared as a guest expert on The Repair Shop, which airs on BBC One. The programme features craftspeople restoring sentimental heirlooms, and South contributed to restoring woven furniture such as wicker items.

Quick Facts

1
Shows Hosted

0
Shows Currently Hosting

8
Years Active

0
Awards & Nominations

TV Shows​

A list of television shows hosted by this host, including current programs and previous presenting roles.

Networks

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Personal Life

Family, relationships and background

      Education

      Educational background and qualifications

      • Attended London Guildhall University; graduated with a first-class honours degree in Textiles (Design and Application)

      Net Worth & Income

      Income sources, net worth, and properties.

      • Income from her own upholstery and chair caning restoration business
      • Earnings from appearances on television shows like The Repair Shop
      • Revenue from teaching chair caning at various institutions
      • Earnings from commissioned contemporary furniture design work and exhibition sales

      Awards

      Awards & recognition