Restoration
We are specialists in Howard & Sons restoration, having restored countless pieces over nearly four decades. We have a thorough knowledge of how these pieces were originally constructed and upholstered — which is more than can be said for many of the items we see come through our doors having been incorrectly restored elsewhere. Done improperly, re-upholstery can seriously diminish both the comfort and the value of a piece.
If you have a Howard & Sons piece — or any antique upholstered furniture — that needs restoration, we would love to hear from you. Please also visit howardsofa.co.uk, the blog of one of our colleagues, where you will find many more of our Howard & Sons restoration projects as well as pieces for sale at auction and privately.
Howard & Sons Bridgewater Armchair Restoration
This Bridgewater armchair arrived in a sorry state, requiring not just re-upholstery but significant frame and leg restoration.
With frame and leg work required alongside the full re-upholstery, this was a substantial restoration project.
With our skilled team, the chair is now stronger than the day it was made.
The legs restored to their original condition.
Original materials were reused and revitalised wherever possible, including the original Howard cushions, which were refreshed with our feather blower.
The finished armchair, fully restored and recovered in the client's own fabric.
Howard & Sons Castellane Sofa — Full Restoration
This Castellane sofa arrived having been previously upholstered incorrectly by another upholsterer — the arms in particular had been done in a way quite at odds with the original construction, which affects both the appearance and the long-term integrity of the piece.
Stripped back to the bare frame to start again properly.
Fully restored, re-using the original cushions with knife-edge finish arms as the piece was originally intended to be upholstered.
A Selection of Notable Pieces
A few more of our favourite Howard & Sons and related restorations — selected for their rarity, their beauty, or simply a particularly fine fabric.
Howard & Sons Corner Sofa
The closest thing to a Howard & Sons Bridgewater corner sofa we have ever encountered.
Lenygon & Morant Burlington Sofa
A rare example from Lenygon & Morant, the celebrated Mayfair firm that was closely associated with Howard & Sons in the early twentieth century.
Howard & Sons Curved Sofa
Howard & Sons Club Armchair
Howard & Sons Rocking Chair
A most unusual piece — the rocking mechanism is spring-based rather than the conventional rocker, in a design that appears to be borrowed from carriage suspension. We have never seen another quite like it.
Howard & Sons Ivor and Harley Armchairs
A pair of Howard & Sons armchairs — an Ivor and a Harley — restored together.
Howard & Sons Chesterfield
A Howard & Sons Chesterfield, recovered in a period-appropriate reproduction lining.
Howard & Sons Baring Sofas
Two Howard & Sons Baring sofas — shown before and after restoration.
Get a Restoration Quote
To discuss a restoration project, please contact us with photographs and a brief description of the work you believe the piece needs (e.g. re-cover, seat repair, frame work). We are happy to provide a no-obligation quote.
Tel: 01672 564326
Email: hello@blackbarnsofas.com