Two by two!

Always lovely to create.

In March I was lucky enough to come across these chairs. Even though space in the workshop is at a premium, I had to say yes and give them a chance of a new home.

They had seen a good life! The old leather was brittle, torn and couldn't be saved. The stuffings were dirty and the wood was very grimy.

This was my first 2020 'lockdown' project. Commissions have been quiet, but I'm so lucky to be able to keep working, sharing the space, so part-time - two days in, two days out for the duration to date.

So I spent a day stripping three of the four chairs, (the ones with fine cylindrical front legs). And a second day nourishing the dried out wood and gluing a couple of loose joints.

Then came the fun bit, building up the stuffings. I used foam and wadding with a top layer of fire retardant 100% wool interliner. This fulfils legal requirements to make the chairs fire resistant.

The oak wood responded well to the oils, polishing and buffing, revealing a warm honey colour.

I chose to cover two of the chairs in a #HouseofHackney floral Opia in Midnight - a black velvet background with vibrant orange and cream blossoms. I'd bought a metre because I love its vibrance, its almost 3D appearance. The outside back has been upholstered in complimentary yellow wool on one, and grey velvet on the other - there's only so far a meter of an expensive fabric goes!

I'm guessing, but I think these are mid-century made solid frames - ubiquitous in restaurants, bars and homes before formica and easy to clean vinyl took over. This pair of chairs will work in many settings - hall, office, bedroom, kitchen or dining. They deserve a noteworthy place because they are now luxurious, interesting and most important, comfortable.

This set of two chairs is for sale:

Height: 79 cm

Width: 48 cm

Depth: 54 cm

£325 for set.