French late 19th Century gilt chair in original tapestry. Original seat cushion missing, traceable by “well” area to support position of feather cushion. A reinforced or stitched edge is visible to the seat. The Gilt wood work in need of revival, otherwise the frame is structurally sound.
French late 19th Century gilt chair
 French late 19th Century gilt chair
As a none-sprung seat this chair requires a foundation of close webbing and heavy hessian. Loops of twine/stuffing ties are inserted with a low but dense layer of horse hair to wings, arms and back. The shape is refined to a lower level towards the finished edges.
French late 19th Century gilt chair
 French late 19th Century gilt chair
After the horse hair shapes are built a layer of wadding is applied to all areas, with calico being secured over this to achieve a final shape. The various fabric component parts – arms, back, wings and seats are tacked and cut over the rails ready for the external closing and cushion making.
French late 19th Century gilt chair
 French late 19th Century gilt chair
With all the internal parts secured the seat is lightly stuffed so not to lose the well for the cushion. The seat fabric is reinforced by quilting, with the front seat platform being hand sewn in place.
French late 19th Century gilt chair
 French late 19th Century gilt chair
Machine sewing the seat cushion borders. The client decided, although modern in nature, that piping was the best option keeping the finishing elements simple and also strengthening the seams.
French late 19th Century gilt chair
 French late 19th Century gilt chair
The finished chair with feather cushion showing the edge detail of braid to complement the silk fabric. French late 19th Century gilt chair