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Modern Classics

We consider the items on this page modern classics. If treated properly, these pieces will one day be the next valuable antiques. We recommend proper care and treatment. They are a part of modern history, representatives indicative of a period and movement.

There are issues involved in treating items when the manufacturers may still be making models like the ones made when the design first was in production; to read further about our ideas on these issues, read our editorial on "The Modern Classics" in our Articles & News page.

 

Arne Jacobsen Teak Ant Chair Ca. 1955

Our client bought her Ant Chairs in NYC with her husband when they were newly married, along with Jacobsen's Drop Leaf Table. In the move to Portland, the Ant Chair was deeply scratched, and the back was overly split and flexed. The original finish was cleaned and treated, and the grain was successfully raised. MPFC filled one loss in the scratched seat.
ARNE JACOBSEN ANT CHAIR CA 1955 RESUME

 

Arne Jacobsen Teak Drop Leaf Table Ca. 1955

Our client bought this table in NYC with her husband when they were newly married, along with Jacobsen's Ant Chairs. Upon moving to Portland, she inadvertently laid a wet potted plant on the table, spurring its need for treatment. Several other spots, stains and scratches were scattered around the surface, and we also conserved the top's loose hinges. The original finish was cleaned and treated, and is intact. The water damage to the top would only have been completely removed with refinishing, but we were able to move the grain enough to mitigate its visual impact, while saving the finish, and adding to the value of the table. Notice how the spot can only be seen from certain angles? This is due to the change in the grain pattern.
ARNE JACOBSEN DROP LEAF TABLE CA 1955 RESUME

Before Treatment, After Cleaning, and after Finish Treatment, above.
After Treatment, below.

Modern Brazil Wood Desk + Credenza

Our client's elderly father owned a collection of modern classics which had lived in the father's office. They were abraded, had numerous dings, ands were badly bleached by sun and caustic cleanings agents. The grain was open. Additionally, the father was now in a wheelchair and his daughter wanted the desk modified in a reversible manner to allow for his wheel chair to fit under it.
MODERN BRAZIL WOOD DESK &
MODERN BRAZIL WOOD CREDENZA

Before, above, and after treatment, below.

 

Two Wassily Chairs by Marcel Breuer

A modern family heirloom, these Wassily chairs have their original leather strapping. The strapping back, arms and seats needed to be repaired and reinforced, and the leather cleaned and protected; this allowed the original leather to remain intact, which allowed the piece to retain high value.

Before, left, and after treatment, right.

 

Crown Chair Ca. 1955

The chair was made in Los Angeles, California, by the father of our client, an upholsterer at the Crown Company. The original fabric was intact; MPFC salvaged some of it to make pillows for his son. CROWN UPHOLSTERY CHAIR RESUME

Before, above, and after treatment, below.

 

Apologies for the following files are missing!

Lunstead Copper Table

A modern family heirloom, made by Harry Lunstead from Seattle Washington. Acid etched copper top 48-inch table. We properly conserved the top which
had several bad scratches. LUNSTEAD COPPER TABLE

Before, left, and after treatment, right.

 

Eames Lounge Chair + Ottoman

The Lounge Chair and Ottoman were designed in Los Angeles, California by Charles and Ray Eames, and manufactured by Herman Miller. These were bought by a university professor early in his life, and now after retirement, they wanted them conserved for their use and to give to their children. Our clients could not afford to conserve the original forms at this time, and so saved them and ordered new.
MPFC repaired the broken frame and conserved the finish.

 

Mid-Century Modern Danish Chair

His grandfather's Danish modern chair was ripped and the upholstery was flat. We utilized appropriate materials in reconstructing the Danish chair in the the same manner as it was originally, and it is good to go for another 50 years!

 

Apologies for the following files are missing!

Two Paulin Chairs

Two Paulin Chairs needed full conservation: Innards were failing, the upholstery was in poor condition, and the finish was badly gouged, paint applied, and the finish was missing altogether in places. We conserved the innards, and restored the piece to its original beauty. PAULIN CHAIRS RESUME
Before, left, and after treatment, right.

 

Egg Chair by Arne Jacobson

A modern family heirloom, this early Egg Chair was destroyed by an untrained upholsterer who drilled holes through the back and placed buttons to hold the thick polyester woven cream fabric in place. MPFC restored the piece to its original condition using conservation techniques, appropriate materials, and approved upholstery.
EGG CHAIR BY ARNE JACOBSON RESUME

 

Mid-Century Modern Sectional, CA 1951

When purchased is was a short, right facing sectional unit with a footstool. The clients were tall, and wanted to find a way to keep the integrity of the original piece without permanently ruining its line. Mitchell reutilized all stuffing, found an inspired show cover for the piece, and created a completely removable cotton batting topper to give the lift the client's needed without harming the frame. Spring loaded clips attached to the inside frame secures the pillow topper.

Before, left, and after treatment, right.