So, some disappointing news...
So, some disappointing news on my end. Seems the Sorensen range analine leather I purchased did not react as expected to the wetting and gluing required on the front of the chair. According to the upholsterer, who has been doing these chairs for 30 years, this is the first time he has seen such a reaction. As you can see there, is significant darkening in the areas that are the most stretched. Good news (if you can call it that) is that the upholsterer has agreed to purchase the Spinneybeck leather of my choice (at his cost) and re-do the chair. I think part of the reason they are willing to do this is because I sent them a sample of the Sorensen leather to test, prior to ordering the hides
So now, I've got to go through the leather choosing process, yet again and will have to wait for samples, the leather and the work to be completed. It is encoraging though to see my chair covered in leather-- the chair looks beautiful. All said, I commend the upholsterer for doing the right thing and agreeing to remedy the situation. I was despondent for a few days but am feeling a bit better now
So, anyone done one of these in Spinneybeck? Suggestions on leather type/color? I'm looking for something similar to the Sorrensen 😉
I know what you mean. I...
I know what you mean and I actually asked if they could possibly make the backmatch the front as it does not have the same darkening from the wetting and stretching. I fear the overall effect would be odd that way. The same would also need to be done for the cushion, I think. If I don't find a spinneybeck leather I like, I may consider it. My biggest concern though, is how it might age....
Maybe it would be worth a try.
Wetting and stretching the back and the cushion pieces that is.
Every hide ages in its own unique way, I think. It's hard, if not impossible, to predict how the chair might look in twenty years. I guess it would depend on a combination of factors.
But, still, evidence of wetting and stretching? How sexy is that?
Looks like the antiquing found on Edward Green calfskin shoes
This effect is done on purpose!! Seriously,I think you should keep it as is.Like I said,the antiquing is the final step which is done after every pair of shoes is completed.They are amongst the worlds finest,and your egg chair reminds me of this.Ttally unique!!
I am by no means a leather ex...
I am by no means a leather expert but its an aniline dyed leather with no protective "top coat" I suspect one could apply some type of leather cleaner or conditioner (maybe saddle soap, mink or neatsfoot oil, lexol etc.) and achieve some level of uniformity. If I were to have the chair like this, though, I don't think I'd even try to make it look more uniform. It like the look of mine better than the one in the background of the image....but that could be as much to do with the color choice. As a general rule, I prefer things with a bit of "character". This, though, almost seems like contrived character.... even though it was done in error.
hey jescord,
I think I was...
hey jescord,
I think I was the one who suggested the Sorensen leather a lonnng time ago. I considered both Spinneybeck and Sorensen before upholstering my own chair and went with Sorensen simply because Spinneybeck didn't have a similar offerings back then (2 years ago)and was more expansive. The Sorensen leather is much thicker and stiffer than the Spinneybeck Aniline and what my upholsterer friend called suitcase leather when he got it. He had some difficulties stretching the leather but did it to the best of his abilities and finished the project in a week. Mine chair also had dark areas from wetting, but some dissapeared after it is allowed to fully dry (we took a hairdryer to try to dry some of the areas) There are couple of spots however that stayed darker. Depends on where you will be using the chair, the leather slowly fades if it is exposed to a lot of sun, but also darkens somewhat under normal daily use. There weren't a lot of noticeble change in my chair in the first year, but I can def. tell a bit of difference now in the second year if I compare it with the original sample side by side. The dark spots actually faded (very slowly) and is starting to blend in a little with the rest of the chair. I would encourage you to keep the chair as is dispite its "flaws", it looks way more used/lived in than a brand new chair which would depict this particular chair much more honestly.
Hi jescord,
Do you have...
Hi jescord,
Do you have an email address I can reach you at? I think it's easier for me to email you the pictures than posting them on here. I just pulled my old samples out for my egg chair (I kept everything in a folder for references later.) Be sure to look into the Capri and Espana from Spinneybeck, they were in my final choices package. I think I almost went with Espana ES21 but just liked the feel of Sorensen that much more. Let me know!
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