Until recently upholstery was conserved by recovering and reupholstery. The author is one of a new breed of upholstery conservators using textile conservation techniques to preserve top covers in situ and referring the wooden components to a furniture conservator. The evidence for dating which can be found when the upholstery is dismantled is described. The author briefly describes the conservation of all the components of upholstery, but offers the sound advice that experience enhances skill.