Carved Lions Head Chair

[kodydog]

I just finished the coolest chair. Large barrel type with carved wood all over the place. The thing is so deep, when your sitting in it, your arms stuck out at 90*. It has two lions heads where your hands rest and carved wood up the front of the arms, across the top of the arms around the wings and atop the back. Every joint was loose and that meant a major knock down. The old glue was (I'm guessing) horse hide type. The only thing that would clean the joints off was a wood rasp.

On top of that there were 3 layers of fabric that needed to be striped off. The chair is over 150 years old and had never been taken down to the frame. It also has coil springs in the seat and back.

It took 8 hours, about 15 clamps and MANY extra corner blocks to put the frame back together. Its solid as a rock now.

The owners started striping it down then decided to have us finish it. I wiped it down with Mohawk penetrating stain then sprayed it with clear lacquer. The fabric is a beautiful light colored tapestry with red fruit and green leaves on it. The owners picked it up Wednesday and were beside themselves with joy. They are both over 6' tall so the chair fits them nicely. They said they bought the chair for $50. Nice find.

[MinUph]

So where are all the pictures anyway?

[kodydog]

Yeah, I know. I was going to take pics Thursday but the lady called Wednesday morning and asks if she can pick it up that afternoon. I was about 4 hours from finishing up and told the boss to have her come in about 4:00. Sorry no pics.

[SteveA]

Just a suggestion for going over an old finish.  If you knew it was shellac - lacquer is OK - otherwise it's safer to use an oil based clear spray finish. That chair finish may have been varnish.   Oil base spray takes longer to dry but compatibility is important.  Send pictures !
SA

[Mojo]

I have a deep passion for furniture like this. I have seen some amazing examples of wood carving on large wooden chairs that were over the top ornate. Lions heads, dragons, etc. I have never seen them in someones home but rather in museums, etc.

I always had this dream of making one but I am NOT a wood carver. :)

I would LOVE to own this one. Done up with a red velvet cusion:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/155230609/antique-furniture-ornate-wooden-bench?ref=sr_gallery_3&sref=sr_d82da435a88674f75d6545a43bfdcfdab671b38bcab0a708bdce5b2c740b788b_1381592151_14180829_wood&ga_search_query=ornate+carved+wood&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

A nice chair: http://www.rubylane.com/item/482733-GFx2e2623/Antique-Chair-Carved-Antique-Arm

Had to post these pictures since Ed got my brain moving on these fine chairs. :)

Chris

[SteveA]

Oak is my favorite -  this chair came from a garage sale - $ 200.00 - could not refuse


SA

[SteveA]