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ANTIQUE
UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE FABRICS AND FINISHES
The fragility of some fabrics and
changing styles and tastes over the years, has meant that many
upholstered pieces of furniture no longer have their original
upholstery some may have been reupholstered more than once. If
this is the case, there will be tack marks where the material
was attached to the frame.
Trimmings
(fabrics and finishes) were an important feature of antique
upholstered chairs, and they, too, varied in style from period
to period. This needs to be considered when reupholstering
chairs and sofas since a piece reupholstered without attention
to all details can be jarring and aesthetically
unappealing.
Seat
types can be a useful guide to dating: drop-in seats first
appeared in the late 17th century and coiled springs in the
1820s; stylistic devices on the frame are also helpful
clues.
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Antique Upholstered Fabrics
(Textiles) |
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If antique upholstered
furniture is to be used, it is often necessary to re-cover
a piece. When to reupholster tends to be a matter of
personal choice: one person may be happy to live with
original upholstery, whatever its condition, for as long
as possible, another may not. For an important piece of
furniture, it is advisable to seek conservation advice,
although this may limit usability. It is important always
to choose a suitable period-style fabric when
reupholstering.
Frillges were particularly
popular as a decorative edging ill the 17th and 19th
centuries, generally less so in the 18th.
Gimp: Braid or gimp was
used to Cover the upholstery nails of chairs or settees.
Leather is probably the
oldest "fabric" for covered seating antique
upholstered furniture, although most early leather
upholstery has not in good condition.
On fabric covered chairs,
gimp or nails were used to cover the upholstery nails and
as decorative features. |
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