Condition on arrival

This beautiful early twentieth-century office chair arrived in our workshop after decades of hard use. Its frame was loose, with wobbly joins affecting its strength. The woodworm damage was severe, with some of the largest worm holes we had ever seen. The original shellac finish was flaking off, leaving the surface dull and patchy. Several poor-quality repairs had been attempted in the past. One armrest had been replaced with spruce instead of beech, and it was badly damaged and out of place. The swivel and tilt mechanism had seized completely, meaning the chair could no longer function as intended.

Our restoration process

• First, we dismantled the chair completely so we could work on every part thoroughly.
• Next, we restored the swivel and tilt mechanism by soaking it in oil, wire-brushing away grime, then degreasing and respraying it to bring back smooth movement.
• After that, we made a new beech arm support to replace the poor-quality spruce one, ensuring it matched the rest of the chair.
• Then, we secured all loose joins to give the frame back its strength and stability.
• Once the structure was solid, we stripped away the old, flaking finish to reveal clean timber.
• Meanwhile, we treated the woodworm holes, filled damaged areas, and plugged all counterbored screw holes with matching timber.
• As a result, each repair could be sanded flush to create a smooth, seamless surface.
• Finally, we prepared the feet and all surfaces for the finishing process by sanding them carefully.

Finishing touches

With the repairs complete, we turned to the finishing process.

First, we dyed the wood to recreate its original warm colour and ensure an even tone across the chair.

Then, we applied three coats of satin lacquer. This gave the piece a durable, protective finish and a soft, elegant sheen. As a result, the chair is now strong, smooth, and fully functional.

The final result is a stunning early twentieth-century office chair that showcases its craftsmanship while offering comfort and style for modern use.

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