Last Fall my faithful upholsterer moved to West Virginia--leaving me without a trusted partner. I tried using his brother to reupholster these cool c. 1940-50 Billy Haines inspired pull-up chairs. I wasn't happy the first time they were delivered and sent them back. Below is the second attempt by "The Brother"--not quite right. Just look at that curvy line and uneven box cushion.
And besides, the fabric really doesn't have much character--extraordinarily blaaahhhh!
So I set about finding just the right fabric and a new fabulous upholsterer------and look at the results:
I was jumping for joy when Alex delivered the chairs this afternoon!! I never really quite know how a fabric will work with a chair until I see it in place. Choosing just the right fabric is a lot more difficult when you do not have a specific client in mind--you need to be a bit more conservative without being boring and the fabric must be appropriate to the era and design of the piece. This particular fabric is a very high end Italian "cut" chenille with a diamond pattern which Alex turned into a zig-zag around the box.
Notice how Alex perfectly centered the fabric on the chair and then note how the welt on the center section perfectly lines up at the front of the chair (this is only possible at the front of the chair because of the curve) with the diamond pattern of both the top seat surface and the zig-zags on the side of the "box"--this is not as easy job and it requires that the artisan (and these individuals are certainly artisans) be committed to the integrity of each piece. (Of course the insides of the chair seat are new foam--which has really gone up in price--and new padding.
I want to take them home so badly, but I have one insurmountable problem: two cats who would just love to make these chairs their own. Just imagine being a cat looking at that chenille: "Wow, now there's the perfect clawing post. AND IT IS ALL MINE"
I am so grateful to be assisted by my fantastic restoration resources--my life is infinitely blessed.
Thanks for visiting. Have a wonderful Spring Sunday.
I need a few sales tomorrow--maybe the chairs will find a new home??
Mary and Jones (& Cole)
