I recently bought a Bertoia Bird chair - 1960's - in untouched original condition. Unfortunately it was kept in a warm house and the foam has completely perished. The cover is in perfect condition and I am even thinking of having a new cover made with a more interesting fabric, (sorry to the purists). Does anyone know where I can get just the foam for the chair and ottoman without having to buy a cover as well?
Launchpadlondon
Did you find a source for foam for your bertoia? I have looked, even contacted Knoll but Knoll said that I needed a full new cover, as fabric is bonded to the foam surface. Note that the older covers for the bird chair and ottoman have an different edge seam detail from the new ones. I've never come across a knockoff cover manufacturer. Let me know.
I've seen quite decent...
I've seen quite decent covers made for diamond and bird Bertoias, Saarinen womb, and Eames dining chairs by a good upholsterer. If the foam is crunchy it can be scraped off the original cover and new foam can be bonded with spray contact glue--usually the foam is sewed IN the seams (then trimmed close) along with the fabric to keep it from shifting, so an industrial sewing machine is necessary. Or if new fabric is desired, the old cover can be used for a pattern. Knoll will of course be willing to sell you a new cover--I've occasionally seen Knoll covers on ebay as well. Have your upholsterer study the old cover and copy it. Contact a good local vintage store and see if they will give up the name of the upholsterer they use.
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