One winter morning, while walking through a flea market, I noticed an antique walnut chair, dating back to before 1860. Its asymmetrical back and period charm immediately caught my attention. For a small amount, I took it, confident that this was not just furniture… but a piece of history.
This chair has been through a lot of trials and tribulations, but I felt like I could restore it to its former glory.
With every step we took, I felt his true self returning.
The condition left much to be desired: horsehair upholstery, tired springs, shortened legs, damaged varnish… but I saw only potential in it.
Together with my partner, a carpenter, we strengthened the joints, lengthened the legs, removed hundreds of hand-forged nails, and carefully repaired each piece with respect.
No shiny varnish: I chose a colorless restorative oil that allows the wood to “breathe” and tells its story.
And the fabric? Modest, elegant, true to its era.
Rope belts, springs, plant fiber upholstery: everything has been restored according to ancient tradition, step by step, by hand.
Today, this chair stands proudly in my living room. It is no longer just a functional object… it has a soul.
Restoration is not just repair. It is listening to the past, honoring ancient craft traditions and giving the object a second chance, full of love and history.
