Morris chair restoration

1791
6

After completing my bathroom vanity and cabinet, I decided to work on a simple, quick project. Was I ever mistaken! What I thought would be just retying a few springs, replacing a spindle, regluing the carved additions to the chair feet, and reupholstering two cushions turned into a major project.

Had I known then what I know now, I may have simply discarded the chair . . . but it was my grandparents’ chair and has sentimental ties so I pressed on through the long, tedious project. (I don’t know the full history behind the chair but Dad, who is 102, doesn’t remember a time when they didn’t have it. I think it may have been old when my grandparents got it.)

As you can see, I really haven’t changed a lot over the years!

I am quite delighted with the final results, but couldn’t afford to support myself with a project like this. It took me all summer to complete!

You can check progress photos on my blog.

“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Benjamin Franklin

Nice restoration. Restoring furniture is not easy. It’s very nitpicky, detail oriented work that often balloons in scope. The couple of times I’ve tried it, I ended up with complete disassembly and regluing with several new parts I had to make. That doesn’t even take into account the sanding and refinishing which is a bear of a job when you have detailed relief like your chair has. A lot of effort for stuff that will never be seen and even more for the stuff that does get seen. Good job.

Losing fingers since 1969

Thanks Brian. I’m finishing up a frame now for the ancient photo of me snoozing in the chair. I used the old upholstery for the mat. Maybe I’m a little too nostalgic!

L/W

“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Benjamin Franklin

Hello L/W
I thought I had commented along the way but it seems i didn’t

A very good job and a well deserved snooze… tee hee!

Regards Rob

Thanks Rob. We’re enjoying it.

L/W

“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Benjamin Franklin

What a great job of restoration , I envy your patience and skills

Wheaties

Thanks Bruce. I borrowed a book from the library to discover (I think) that the chair was made in 1901.

L/W

“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Benjamin Franklin