A vanishing craft: veteran Montreal upholsterer retires after 50 Years

Veteran Montreal upholsterer Jean-Pierre St-Arnaud has retired after 50 years, marking the decline of traditional upholstery craftsmanship. St-Arnaud highlighted the challenges facing the trade, including rising costs and diminishing demand for custom furniture. His retirement reflects a broader trend of skilled artisans disappearing as mass production takes over. St-Arnaud hopes to inspire younger generations to learn the craft and keep the art of upholstery alive, despite the difficulties in maintaining such traditional skills.