What is a club fender?

A club fender is a structural brass frame with upholstered top rails designed to sit around a hearth. It provides both a protective barrier for the fire and low bench seating. These pieces typically feature leather or velvet pads supported by spindles or solid brass columns.

How do I identify a Howard and Sons chair?

Howard and Sons chairs are distinguished by specific nineteenth-century proportions, low profiles, and specific upholstery styles. Many bear maker marks on the castors or legs. They frequently appear in calico or traditional ticking fabrics ready for top covers.

Are these seats comfortable for daily use?

Most of these pieces utilise traditional sprung upholstery and deep padding designed for domestic comfort. Leather and fabric finishes provide durable surfaces for regular sitting. Library armchairs and club sofas are engineered specifically for extended periods of reading or resting.

How should I care for brass and leather?

Brass components require occasional dusting and gentle cleaning to maintain their metal finish without stripping patination. Leather upholstery benefits from conditioning balms to prevent drying and cracking. Harsh chemical polishes should be avoided on both aged metal and antique hides.