Aalto Tank Chair

This 80 year old Aalto tank chair dropped in for re-upholstery here in New Hampshire.
Below is a picture I took of a picture the owner brought in of an Aalto tank chair.

This Northern European designed chair keeps American upholsterers on their toes.

I know my limits and removal and attachment to the spring wood frame is out of my expertise. Luckily the owner "knows a guy" that sure is the guy for the job.

The springs and under support system was rebuilt 40 years ago and is still in good shape.

This great quality cotton sure is great to have to sharpen up the lines.

American upholstery really likes to roll or rounded corners.

Northern European design is for flat fields and sharp crisp corners with razor sharp crisp lines.

Carefully layering light coats of cotton on the right areas is gonna make for a better tailored upholstery job. Another thing is Black velvet that the customer supplied. Quality velvet for sure.  

I been working with velvet off and on for many years.  Any flaws in workmanship really jump out to show themselves for sure.

The last thing the wood artisan wants to run into as he clamps the arms back on, is cotton in the way.

And as the arms are pressed back into the frame I need to make sure that it will not create wrinkles or puckers.

Velvet is very unforgivable as far as hiding any flaw as the velvet is tailored up.
Nice clean corners cut and set.

The cording is cut out as the welting rolls around as to keep the lines as smooth as possible.

No hurrying as I slowly sweep and set the seat & inside back like a drum.

Strait lines set nice and tight.
But not too tight.

A high end dust cover sure is deserved on this old timer.

My camera sure does the character of the fabric no flattery.
Sure is a lot nicer than the camera can show.

After a final inspection & a good dusting, it's ready to go to the artisan for leg assembly.

The whole chair is wrapped in plastic until it arrives at it's next destination.

Thanks for looking!
Practical Upholstery
The #1 blog in all of blogdom for
Small town American upholstery shops!