How do you clean the show-wood?

Use a soft cloth slightly dampened with water to remove surface dust. Dry it immediately with a second clean cloth. Apply a clear microcrystalline wax sparingly once or twice a year. Buff it out gently to build up a protective layer over the original finish.

I have an old settee with a sagging seat, but the fabric is in good condition, so can the base be fixed without recovering it?

Upholsterers can sometimes drop the bottom canvas and re-tie the springs from underneath. This method leaves the top fabric undisturbed while restoring tension to the seat. It depends on how the original webbing was attached to the rails. If the damage extends to the upper horsehair layers, the top cover will usually have to come off.

What is a camelback settee?

It refers to a specific shape where the top rail rises into a distinct curve in the centre. The design often features smaller curves over the arms, resembling a camel.

When looking at the underside of these seats, what kind of webbing should be there if the upholstery hasn't been modernised with foam?

Traditional upholstery uses wide strips of jute webbing tacked directly to the beech carcase. These strips are woven together in a tight grid to create a firm foundation. You might also see heavy linen twine holding copper-coated steel springs in place. None of these materials resemble the synthetic bands found in factory seating.

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Antique Settees

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Designed to hold two or more sitters in formal drawing rooms, an antique settee is a long upholstered or wooden seat featuring a back and arms, originally placed away from the immediate heat of the hearth.