In 2008 we funded a conservation project to conserve (mend and protect) a fantastic piece of furniture with roots firmly embedded in Leeds’ history. This chair belonged to Edmund Bogg, former Chief of Leeds Savage Club, having been presented to him in 1904.
Without this vital work, the chair would not be on display today (at Leeds City Museum). The conservation project itself involved;
- Replacing the webbing.
- Refitting the old springs and replacing the Hessian covering.
- Reused old horse hair, bulked up with new, was added to both the seat and back and stitched in. This was then covered with fire resistant calico.
- New cotton wadding was added and the chair was re-covered with a supple leather which was chosen as it would give an antique look that would match with the original covering of the chair.
- Finally the chair was finished with “antiqued” brass nails. (These were used in preference to brass plated iron nails since they would not rust and leave marks on the leather and the antiqued finish, though rather contrived, would blend in better to imitate the original finish than would bright brass nails which the chair would have had originally.)
- Work to the oak frame, which was in a very poor state, was carried out resecuring the inner rail,
All of the materials used in this process were carefully considered to ensure they were in keeping with the original and would be the most enduring over time. With thanks to Edmund Czajkowski & Son, specialist conservators from Lincolnshire.
Before and After…
