© 2011 Cathryn Peters
On this page of WickerWoman.com we will from time to time, run a slideshow and photos showing various steps and techniques used in the restoration and repair of antique wicker furniture.
This first slideshow features a Heywood Bros. and Wakefield Company (1897-1921) wicker sewing cabinet in need of some pretty extensive restoration.
Luckily this Victorian wicker sewing cabinet was still in its original condition of stain and varnish, making it more valuable than one that had been painted over its original finish. So after the repairs were made the newly added reed pieces were stained and varnished to match the original color.
The reed wicker on bottom shelf was completely destroyed and needed to be rewoven. To begin the restoration, my husband made a new wooden top and installed it. Then I wove the new wicker braid and also wove the wicker sheeting and applied it to the top.
The wicker braid was hand-woven using #3 round reed and the sheeting was handwoven also using individual 1/4″ flat-rattan reed weavers.
And to complete the restoration process, the entire piece was stained to match and varnished. Now the piece is fully serviceable and able to be enjoyed for many years to come!
Be sure to see my listings on the National Furniture Repair Directory™ in both the Wicker Repair and Seatweaving sections. And Contact me if you too, would like your antique furniture restored. Keeping in mind that I live and work in northern Minnesota and shipping could get costly!
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