About Our Company
Serving Historic
Blackstone Valley & Beyond!
As many locals know, Blackstone Valley was once a true powerhouse during the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s. Beginning in the late 1790s from Samual Slater’s early success with the textile mills, many locals began opening their own mills spawning further development of the industry. The advent of these many mills provided abundant jobs not only for local residents but also for European and French-Canadian immigrants. The proximity to the Blackstone River which traveled from Worcester, MA down to Pawtucket, RI, provided a reliable power source to run the mills and a convenient means for cargo travel in the early years before eventually being replaced by railroad transport in the mid-1860s. Although many of the original mills have now been renovated and repurposed, they can still be seen today when passing through the towns in the local area. Though modern-day may not command the same use of the once-dominant textile mills, Perkins Custom Upholstery is proud to operate in the same industry that was once a catalyst for the Industrial Revolution.
Information Sourced From: Blackstone Heritage Corridor
Blackstone Valley was a powerhouse during the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s. Beginning in the late 1790s, many locals began opening their own mills spawning further development of the industry. This provided abundant jobs for local residents and European immigrants. Blackstone River provided a reliable power source to run the mills and serve as cargo travel early on. Many of the mills can still be seen today when passing through the towns in the local area. Perkins Custom Upholstery is proud to operate in the same industry that was once a catalyst for the Industrial Revolution.
Information Sourced From: Blackstone Heritage Corridor
Then & Now
From Humble Beginnings
Perkins Custom Upholstery was founded in 1980 by Blanche Perkins, a local resident of the Blackstone Valley area. Blanche realized at a young age that she needed to help support her family so she decided to start her own seamstress business. Although physically handicapped, through her spirit and drive, she grew the business rather quickly into a workroom where she taught and worked with her son Chris (present owner). Together, they created many window treatments, custom cushions, and decorative throw pillows and specialized in reupholstery work.
From Humble Beginnings
Perkins Custom Upholstery was founded in 1980 by Blanche Perkins, a local resident of the Blackstone Valley area. Blanche realized at a young age that she needed to help support her family so she decided to start her own seamstress business. Although physically handicapped, through her spirit and drive, she grew the business rather quickly into a workroom where she taught and worked with her son Chris (present owner). Together, they created many window treatments, custom cushions, and decorative throw pillows and specialized in reupholstery work.
The Next Generation
Over the next several years Chris furthered his knowledge through various outfitters including attending the Rhode Island School of Design, working two years at Ethan Allen and Boston Design Center with the Heller Furniture company and even working part-time at another upholstery shop in town. These experiences helped him become proficient in all areas of furniture creation and re-upholstery.
The Next Generation
Over the next several years Chris furthered his knowledge through various outfitters including attending the Rhode Island School of Design, working two years at Ethan Allen and Boston Design Center with the Heller Furniture company and even working part-time at another upholstery shop in town. These experiences helped him become proficient in all areas of furniture creation and re-upholstery.
Expanding Our Name
Chris eventually took the reins of the business from his mother Blanche in the late eighties and has been operating it to this present day. Over the years he has created custom furniture and window treatments for many designers in Boston, Providence, Newport, New York, and locally in the Blackstone Valley area. Here at Perkins, one can see and feel the quality of the workmanship right down to the handcrafted solid rock maple frame and eight-way hand-tied coil springs to the double spring lumbar back support system. Chris uses only the highest quality materials for his custom lines as well as his clients’ reupholstered pieces.
Expanding Our Name
Chris eventually took the reins of the business from his mother Blanche in the late eighties and has been operating it to this present day. Over the years he has created custom furniture and window treatments for many designers in Boston, Providence, Newport, New York, and locally in the Blackstone Valley area. Here at Perkins, one can see and feel the quality of the workmanship right down to the handcrafted solid rock maple frame and eight-way hand-tied coil springs to the double spring lumbar back support system. Chris uses only the highest quality materials for his custom lines as well as his clients’ reupholstered pieces.
Exceeding Expectations
If you’re in the market for furniture or marine upholstery, call Perkins to get the attention to details that you deserve! We pride ourselves in exceeding the expectations of our customers. You will not believe it’s the same chair!
Exceeding Expectations
If you’re in the market for furniture or marine upholstery, call Perkins to get the attention to details that you deserve! We pride ourselves in exceeding the expectations of our customers. You will not believe it’s the same chair!