How do I clean needlepoint upholstery?

Needlepoint requires gentle surface cleaning with a soft brush to remove dust from the wool fibres. Avoid heavy moisture or chemical solvents that might damage the historical threads and internal stuffing. Professional textile conservation is recommended for older tapestries showing deep staining or structural weakness. Regular gentle vacuuming through a mesh screen protects the delicate wool stitches.

Are these chairs suitable for daily seating?

Most nineteenth and twentieth-century examples function well for regular sitting when the frame joints and internal webbing are sound. Heavier library and open armchairs offer robust support for everyday use. Smaller nursing chairs and delicate French salon pieces suit lighter seating duties. Check that the walnut frame remains rigid before placing the chair into daily service.

How can I tell a French chair from an English one?

French chairs often display carved Louis XV revival or chateau styling with flowing cabriole legs and exposed walnut frames around upholstered panels. English pieces more commonly follow George I, Georgian, or Victorian stylistic conventions. Proportions and carving motifs also separate the regions, with French frames favouring asymmetrical floral sweeps. English designs tend toward structured scroll backs and bolder timber turnings.

What is the difference between a nursing chair and a salon chair?

Nursing chairs feature lower seats designed for comfort during domestic tasks, often paired with an upholstered scroll or spoon back. Salon chairs stand higher and were built for formal entertaining in reception rooms. Occasional and reading chairs offer broader proportions for relaxation. Each form serves a distinct function within period domestic interiors.