Restoration?

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LIBBY'S BARREL-BACK PRIMITIVE CHAIR!

Libby wanted to restore a family heirloom to its original beauty and history as a Christmas present for her husband. The diminutive mahogany chair came to his family three generations ago, though no one knew the story. The family had never had the piece authenticated, and our best supposition is the piece is a primitive pre-Arts & Crafts piece, dating from the second half of the 1800's, with a definite oriental influence. No manufacturer's label was present.

Tack marks found during excavation suggested that the brocade was fourth generation upholstery; the lack of remnants of fabric suggested the piece had possibly been upholstered in leather, as stated by Libby. Worm tracks and chips in the frame were extensive, which would be preserved but sealed. The nature of the work will be restorative rather than conservative, due to extensive mold, rotting. We use it to explain conservation techniques and attitude, which were used with three exceptions:

	Staples were utilized in all areas except the jute webbing tacks, due to the fragility of the frame and the lack of funding to stabilize the old tack holes in all areas;
	The decorative nails of burnished brass with shiny copper plating in the center were new, as there were no older nails present to reproduce;
	The aniline-dyed leather upholstery was new, using modern methods.

Two breaks and repairs in the left-facing arm are apparent, far right, and the chair listed to the left, shown far left. L-brackets hold the legs in place, center left, and all four legs had numerous breaks and fractures, some of which affected the seat frame connection. The back was fractured, and the seat frame connection was compromised, and several minor but complete breaks were evident. Many of the prior repairs were done with oak.

All aspects of the excavation, woodworking, finish work, buildup, and upholstery were fully documented.

Click here to view the Christmas Chair Slideshow!

The slideshow will begin as soon as the page opens, and will run approximately nine minutes, though you may sign off at any time. It is formatted to be viewed by Windows Media Player.

To Contact MPF Conservation, click here!