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Lightweightladylefty

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Morris chair restoration

2041
6
Morris chair restoration
Morris chair restoration Morris chair restoration Morris chair restoration Morris chair restoration

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

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6 Comments

Brian commented almost 5 years ago

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

Lightweightladylefty commented almost 5 years ago

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

RobsCastle commented almost 5 years ago

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

Lightweightladylefty commented almost 5 years ago

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

Wheaties - Bruce A Wheatcroft ( BAW Woodworking) commented almost 5 years ago

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

Wheaties

Lightweightladylefty commented almost 5 years ago

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

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