Antique Restoration
Antique restoration is one of my specialties. Working with a delicate 150-year-old Victorian settee requires specialized knowledge to properly repair a damaged frame, rebuild a double-stuffed horse-hair seat, and restore the furniture to its original state. I incorporate the same upholstering methods that were used when the furniture was first made.
I do not use screws, nails, or metal brackets to repair antiques. Frames are often completely disassembled, old glue is removed from the joints, and broken dowels are replaced. Damaged frame parts are glued, clamped, and reinforced with wood splines, new dowel-pins, and new glue-blocks fitted where appropriate.
The original seat springs, back springs, and padding are always reused unless it is requested that they be replaced with contemporary materials.
My restoration methods include the following:
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8-way hand-tying of coil seat and back springs |
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Expert repair of broken and damaged frames (including dry-rot) |
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Hand-folded diamond tufting |
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Rebuilding of double-stuffed seats using the original horse, hog, and cattle hair, or natural vegetable fibers such as Spanish moss, tow, coconut fiber, and excelsior |
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Construction of new double-stuffed seats using equivalent original padding materials consisting of a blend of horse, hog, and cattle hair, with a top layer of cotton batting |
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Covering of restored seats, backs, and arms in a utility muslin before applying the upholstery fabric or leather |
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Frames trimmed with decorative scroll gimp and solid brass nails or double-welt fabricated from matching or contrasting fabric |
Below are a few examples of family heirlooms and period piece furniture I have restored for my customers.
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Click on thumbsnails to enlarge image.
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| Spanish Diner Before |
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| Spanish Diner After |
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| Dining Chairs Before |
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| Dining Chairs After |
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| 1908 Task Chair Before |
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| 1908 Task Chair After |
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| Sofa-bed Before |
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| Sofa-bed After |
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| Channel Chair Before |
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| Channel Chair After |
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| Channel Sofa Before |
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| Channel Sofa After |
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| Corner Chair Before |
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| Corner Chair After |
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| French Chair Before |
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| French Chair After |
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| Spanish Chair Before |
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| Spanish Chairs After |
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| Victorian Side Chair Before |
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| Victorian Side Chair After |
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| Plain-Back Victorian Sofa Before |
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| Plain-Back Victorian Sofa After |
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| Thrown Chair Before |
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| Thrown Chair After |
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| Victorian Tufted Settee Before |
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| Victorian Tufted Settee After |
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| High-Back Victorian Arm Chair Before |
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| Victorian High-Back Arm Chair After |
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| Tufted-Back Victorian Sofa Before |
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| Tufted-Back Victorian Sofa After |
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| Victorian Side Chairs Before |
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| Victorian Side Chairs After |
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| Wing Chair Before |
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| Wing Chair After |
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| Victorian High-Back Arm Chair Before |
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| Victorian High-Back Arm Chair After |
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| Victorian Desk Chair Before |
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| Victorian Desk Chair After |
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| Victorian Arm Chair with Needle Point Fabric |
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| Victorian Rocker with Needle Point Fabric |
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| Oak Rocker in Black Leather |
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| Provincial Loveseat |
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| Antique Morris Chair |
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| French Loveseat |
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| Traditional Arm Chairs |
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| High-back Rocker |
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| Cockfighting Chairs |
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| French Arm Chair |
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| French Occasional Chair and Stool |
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| Provincial Arm Chair |
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| Lincoln Rocker |
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| Victorian Tufted Chaise Lounge |
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You are here → Antique Restoration
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