This stool is in the manner of those dating to the reign of Loius XVI and has been refurbished. I bought this stool knowing that the cover was stained and in need of a clean. Upon removing the cover I found another one (no doubt original to the stool) which too was badly stained. The pattern on this early cover clearly indicated that this stool is late 18th century or early 19th century in date

There was no calico covering to the original horsehair filling. As I am always keen to keep items as original as possible I collected all the horsehair and put it inside a muslin bag to enable it to be washed. I asked the Upholsterer to use the dried horsehair so that this stool is as original as possible 

It was clear that there was some movement in the joints of the stool that needed to be addressed before the stool could be  professionally upholstered. All the joints were separated and it was clear when this was done that very little glue had been used when this stool was constructed, a lot of faith having been placed in the tightness of the tenons 

The joints have been re-assembled using traditional animal hide glue meaning that with the application of heat someone in the future will be able to take the joints apart and carry out another restoration

I have left the gilding on the wood much as I found it rather than adding new gold leaf. The red pigment placed on the stool prior to the gold leaf, can still be seen in places. This means that the wooden frame of this stool looks its age, as it should do

The Upholsterer has added new webbing, a calico cover for the horsehair and applied the new fabric and braid

This a super looking stool which is now very solid. There was a very slight warping of the timber frame when I acquired this stool which meant that one of the legs was slightly higher than the other three. This is still the case. I could have solved this problem by having a gap in one of the joints to enable the leg to be pulled downwards but it seemed more appropriate to concentrate on making all the joints secure. A felt pad under one leg would restore the stability  

Dimensions:

Width:38cms

Depth: 28cms

Height: 20cms

Postage is just to the UK mainland with delivery via UPS but personal collection from Buntingford (East Herts. SG9 is most welcome)

Please see my other items which are predominantly 18th and 19th century in date