How do I care for leather upholstery?

Feed the leather periodically with a suitable conditioning wax to keep the hide supple and prevent cracking. Avoid placing antique seating near direct heat sources or strong sunlight. Dust regular crevices gently with a dry cloth and address spills immediately with a soft, damp cloth without harsh detergents.

Are these chairs suitable for daily desk work?

Many of these pieces, particularly desk chairs and reading chairs from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, were built for extended sitting. Their ergonomic proportions suit modern study spaces. Check the seat height and depth relative to your desk before purchase, as older dimensions can sometimes run lower than modern office standards.

How can I tell a Georgian chair from a Victorian copy?

Look closely at the secondary woods underneath the seat and inside the frame, as Georgian pieces typically utilise oak or pine internals characteristic of the period. Tool marks and construction methods offer further clues to the workshop era. Revival pieces from the late 19th or early 20th Century often feature machine-cut elements or timber patination that differs from genuine 18th Century output.