This restoration pictorial will show the restoration of Victorian chair sent to us from a client living in Seattle area. This client purchased the chair from a thrift shop for five dollars. When she purchased the chair she had no idea that it was a late 19th century Victorian chair worth many times over what she paid.

 

 

 

The first step after unpacking the chair was to strip the chair. Here you see a picture of the chair. It is mixed woods with walnut being the primary wood. The upholstered seat which was not original has been removed by Mike Ruelle.

So many times you will see a fabric seat covered over hole to hole caning. The reason for this is simple, it is difficult to find a restorer who specializes in this area. Here at Ruelle's we are blessed with a Master Weaver, Deb Ruelle. This chair is hole to hole caning and in this pictorial we will show you some of the caning steps of the chair being performed by Deb.

 

Here is Master Restorer Robert Lugo hand stripping the chair. Hand stripping is the preferred method of stripping as it does not raise the grain or destroy the patina (acquired age) of your heirloom. After the chair is stripped it is neutralized with mineral spirits.

 

Here is restorer Justin Ruelle sanding the seat which had many holes all which were filled with Famowood walnut wood filler. Justin will spend many hours getting the chair to have a soft, smooth feel.