How do I care for antique leather?

Antique leather benefits from regular dusting and occasional treatment with appropriate conditioning balms to maintain its flexibility. Avoiding direct sunlight prevents the hide from drying out or fading. Hand-dyed finishes require gentle handling to preserve the colour depth achieved during restoration.

What is hand-dyed leather?

Hand-dyed leather involves applying colour by hand to raw or stripped hides, allowing artisans to build up rich tones such as whisky brown or deep green. This method highlights the natural grain and texture of the material. Many restored pieces utilise this technique to replicate or refresh traditional patination.

How can I date an older sofa?

Dating relies on examining the framing timbers, upholstery techniques, and overall silhouette, such as Victorian serpentine fronts or Regency carved details. Hardwood choices like mahogany or walnut often point toward specific nineteenth-century periods. Internal stuffing materials like horsehair and coil springing also help narrow down the decade of manufacture.