The frames are nice and solid and lots of life left in the supporting webbings and back support.
These are both what is known as "period" pieces. Very early 1800's or in the 1700's, is when I speculate when they were created.
There are many things that point to these rarely found American originals. The thin bases are just one of many.
There are many things that point to these rarely found American originals. The thin bases are just one of many.
I speculate that these very early American wing backs were created by upholsterers that immigrated from Europe. The frame designs were quite different then from now. And the cut tolerances are much tighter than more recent wing back designs.
Looks like a touch of French style on these American made wing backs.
And one piece outside arms & wings.
After removing all of the layers of staples and fabrics and freshening up the exposed wood. It's time for some patterning time.
This Scalamandre fabric is top end and pattern. Cutting the pieces off the bolt sure needs proper attention. Below is the patterns pulled off the frame for the one piece outside arms & wings.
Lots of numbers to work with. As there is a horizontal and vertical repeat in the fabric to consider and they are a pair, but not the same size and with individual style.
The digital pictures really change the way the fabric appears.
I requested 14 yards for this work. And I used every bit of it.
I requested 14 yards for this work. And I used every bit of it.
There was 3 layers of cotton and 2 layers of upholstery fabric on these pieces. All that tends to over stuff the frames and really draws away from the original thin crisp lines.
In those days there wasn't any over use of materials unlike furniture design in box store furnishings.
In those days there wasn't any over use of materials unlike furniture design in box store furnishings.
Peeling away unneeded layers will help the crisp up like they should be.
I never use poly wrap for stuffings. The natural cotton gives a nice inviting atmosphere as polywrap crates a insulation feel.
I never use poly wrap for stuffings. The natural cotton gives a nice inviting atmosphere as polywrap crates a insulation feel.
Too many layers.
A fresh thin coat of cotton replaces the poly and cotton stuffings.
On top of the original horse hair thats 200 years old with absolutely no deteriation.
On top of the original horse hair thats 200 years old with absolutely no deteriation.
Lots of cuts that need to be taken at the right time throughout the reupholstery process for success.
Keeping the one piece inside arms and wings in the smaller of the two really makes for a special setting experience.
Fresh cotton on all the arms for sure.
Hand sewn arm fronts on the splayed arms on top of fresh cotton.
The outsides backed and lined with a thin coat of cotton.
All edged with proud piping.
It sure is nice to point out the match tailoring for the arm covers.
After a good shop clean up, it's time for some cushion work.
Stitching all comes together here at the heart of my Adler sewing machine.
From the synchronized top & bottom of the machine to create a proper stitch.
The down proof ticking cases have plenty of life left in them.
I have seen down proof ticking last 70 years or more.
The larger chair needs some more feathers & down added from the 50 pound bag I keep in house.
And the assembly went well as the fronts are centered with a nice size plate.
Not too big or small. With slider pockets & sewn, not flopped seams.
Sure was a challenge making a matching set out of these two old timers.
Thanks for looking!
Practical Upholstery
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