Parker Knoll Statesman a reclining chair for Peter
They say that time flies when you’re having fun. That is certainly the case for me, and my latest customer. Her story demonstrates just some of the reasons why I love my work so much, some of these include:
- Spending my days searching for and refurbishing design classics
- Working with amazing fabrics, and
- Sourcing and create wonderful pieces for lovely people.
The brief; find and create a reclining chair for Peter
Based in Dublin, Charmagne found me through a Pinterest search, she wanted inspiration for a vintage recliner and found the Parker Knoll Statesman that I restored in soft grey with orange buttons. To quote Charmagne verbatim: ‘I knew then that you were the man for the job!’
She got in touch, as she was looking for the perfect reclining chair for husband Peter’s 40th birthday. Peter was born in the 70’s, and so it only seemed fitting to find a chair that like him was made in the same decade. It had to look just as good now as it did when it was first made. Not only this, it had to wear tweed very well – like Peter.
It’s not so hard to find a chair that will stand the test of time. If you look at mid-century designed chairs, they are so well made that they are still copied today, so I sought out one of my favourite makers – Parker Knoll. So often, some TLC, new seat padding and contemporary fabric will make an old chair into a veritable 21st century statement piece.
Peter’s reclining chair
With the brief in mind, and knowing that Peter’s granddad used to have a recliner, I sourced a Parker Knoll Statesman and footstool. The Statesman is a rotating, reclining dream. I first stripped back the old fabric and restored the solid Aframosa hard wood base. Next step was to replace the padding on both the footstool and chair. For this I used new A-grade foam and Dacron, and then added fire retardant wool interlinear to both pieces.
My favourite part is always the fabric. I worked with Charmagne to choose a contemporary tweed fabric by Flock designs. This is a bright and beautiful wool traditionally woven in Scotland on the isle of Bute. This fabric is one of a selection available by Flock to compliment its collection. The perfect compliment to bring warmth and texture to any interior.
The finished piece looks superb, and is now in its new home, waiting to be enjoyed. So that only leaves us to wish Peter a very happy birthday and happy reclining.
