We just picked up this set of gorgeous Wegner chairs. Debating whether to have them re-caned or upholster instead. I have seen this model chair with upholstery where the seat construction is different: there are teak sides and the seat sits between them. I've also seen them upholstered (with what the seller claims to be "original upholstery") where the fabric wraps externally around the the seat frame the same as this cane does. My GUESS is that those were originally cane or cord, and someone converted them to upholstery. Does anyone know for sure?
If we decide to upholster, what would be the correct way to construct a platform? Pirelli/Fagas straps? A rubber sheet? Something solid?
Updated to add: apparently this chair was made in 2 styles with upholstery, both with the external teak frame and in the same manner as the caning. I found an original ad from Povl Dinesen catalog showing it.
So if we decide to upholster rather than cane, does anyone have information on how the seat is constructed?
Thanks!
There is a lot of study into darkening/coloring cane from makers of bamboo fly rod. Apparently the darkness of old bamboo/cane is from oxidation. They use potassium permanganate, which is a powerful oxidizer to darken the bamboo. Supposedly you can get a honey color with one application and up to a dark mahogany with six applications. You are basically just expediting the natural oxidation/aging/darkening process, not adding a color over top.
I have not tried this, but it sounds to me like it would get you exactly the aged cane you want. I would apply the potassium permanganate to the strands of cane then weave, I think. And I would be very curious to see some photos of the process.
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