Iron-Back

A deep buttoned, iron back Victorian nursing chair - £1,500 or near offer... The legs are hand french polished. The price includes some castors - I'm just waiting for these to arrive.

Another ebay find. On first inspection it was perfect for my final project for the show in June. When in my hands and during ripping down I realised that at some point this chair has been sitting somewhere damp. I should have known by the smell of stables when it was sat in the back of my car for over three hours… As soon as I picked it up I realised I was dealing with an iron back.. another skill to add to my list. The chair had been lovingly stuffed with straw at some point which was home to some animals I didn’t look at long enough to find out their species.

Bar the legs, the bottom of the frame is completely rotten and is being re-made. The front legs are mahogany and the back are beech. I am completely restoring the legs and searching for some suitable castors. The iron back is riveted and of good quality. I sand blasted and powder coated a lovely yellow.

The iron back is now fully upholstered in Celia Birtwell fabric and is looking great. I love it – but must let it go – any takers?

There is a silver box upholstered into the chair containing swatches of the old fabric and photographs of my work.