Anyone know of a good and reputable source for upholstery leather in the US. I'm restoring an Eames Lounge and Ottoman (c. 1977) and am trying to find leather to match. I have contacted my local HM rep. and find the re-upholstery charge of $570+ per cushion a little steep! I have also contacted Edelman (HM leather supplier) and am trying to see what else might be out there. Thanks!
Damn
I guess you missed this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/25-pcs-Eames-Herman-Miller-Leather-Skins-670-lounge_...|66%3A2|39%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50
For good reason
The re-upholstery charge is steep for good reason - those curves are a pain in the ass to sew. Even on the Plycraft chairs where the leather is just stapled onto the shell I had trouble and had to re-staple a few times.
As for where to get leather you can try Kyson leathers on eBay. Be warned - they usually have leftovers from the auto industry, so the coating is very heavy/plasticy. You can also try finding Spinneybeck leathers on eBay. I found a Volo hide for cheap (colors were a little limited) through Silverstone Fabrics.
Good luck!
and definitely post before and after pics 🙂
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/silverstonefabrics78__W0QQ_armrsZ1
Still...
a lot of money compared to what I'll be spending at a local upholsterer. I understand it's difficult work, but I think HM could give everyone a break now and again. It's a little outrageous to charge 1/5 the total cost of the chair just to recover, not even replace, one cushion. As a future designer I can appreciate and respect the markup given to classic designs and designers, I just don't think it should apply to replacement parts as well. Anyways I could go on for days about that...
I'll post before and after pics soon (hopefully). Thanks again for the help. That was helpful link LucSum. Dangerous, but helpful.
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