Stripping back the Edwardian spoon back chair
Firstly, we remove the old and damaged studding and strip the chair right back to the wooden frame. We remove all the old tacks and staples. Next, we examine what is left including the webbing. We remove it too, as it is worn and sagging and will not provide the support this spoon-back chair requires.
Fixing the frame
The central strut which supports the back of the chair is snapped. Therefore, we replace it with a new piece of wood, carefully shaped and fixed firmly in place. There are minor cracks so we fix these with wood glue and clamp the frame until hardened. Then we strip back the show wood and sand it, we decide to leave the colour in the indent to create a pleasing contrast.
Webbing the Edwardian spoon back chair
We re-web the chair using a handheld web stretcher and traditional jute webbing. Next, we tack a layer of hessian over the webbing to create a platform for the stuffings of foam, woollen felt, calico and wadding. It is absolutely essential that all upholstery meets the fire safety standards so we are always very careful to make sure that all upholstery fabrics used are fire retardant.
Wonderful top fabric
The client chose a wonderful Belle Époque final fabric for this small but beautiful spoon back chair. Positioning this lovely fabric is essential for the final finish for this chair. It is a bold but beautiful design and so we measure carefully where it is to be hand cut. We fix it in place, adjusting constantly for the correct fit. Then we do the same with the back fabric, making sure that it is shaped and fitted exactly. We stretch and adjust the fabric until we are content with the position of the design.
Finishing touches
Lastly, instead of studding, we use braiding which we glue and tack into place to finish the edges, front, back and sides. Calico covers the underside of the chair to complete this Edwardian spoon back chair.
This is just one of the many chairs, benches and stools which we have reupholstered recently. Click on the link below to see some of our other projects.