Esther's Red Mahogany Arm Chair

Well there is quite a story that comes with this project.  I received this chair in it's destructed state shown and it was accompanied by a small bolt of fabric that Esther wanted it to be covered in.  The previous upholsterer, yes I said previous, was not able to finish her chair, and so it was passed to me. He had purchased not enough fabric and mended her chair in ways that were unfix able.  Not knowing at all what it used to look like, or if I could accomplish this, I dove in. Right away I was confused, I did so much research to see what this chair looked like before. I sat for a whole day online searching for a chair similar to this and finally got a hold of old photos from Esther to see the "chair" when it was a chair.  From the looks of it though it was going to be beautiful when finished, it just needed a little love. We didn't do to much to the wood, it was in decent condition, minus a few nicks, but nothing that a good cleaning wouldn't brighten up. I also re-sprung the seat for a tighter feel and so that the underside doesn't look to be dragging.  The back needed some extra support, so I added jute webbing for a sturdier back.

Once I figured it out, I had a good time putting together the puzzle blind. Adding yard after yard of cotton and poly batting, it was starting to look like something. I was hesitant in the beginning about the fabric choice, but in the end, it goes so well with the piece and brings it back to a the Victorian period. The red mahogany wood is gorgeous and the carved details are amazing. I am very pleased with this project and so will Esther.  She finally gets her chair back!! And I can say now that even though this was difficult, I am happy to have helped Esther out in her predicament and turn this chair into a beauty once again.

Here is a photo from awhile back before the chair was re-done, remember, I never saw it in this condition, It was handed to me as just the frame.