Suicide Blonde Ltd

Previous work on a Pair of Wingbacks.
First stage: Stripping!

A Pair of MARCEL BRAUER Armchairs, Model B3, AKA "The Wassily" (after Kandinsky!) totally reconditioned by my own hands.
The leather was rotting, including the threads, the frame was all rusty, and pieces were hanging loose.

With a background also in leather working, I specialise in hand stitching in the same way Saddlers make saddles, hence the action of such sewing is called "Saddle Stitching".

I washed the leather, cleaned it with specialist balms, gave it back some colour with heavily dyed leather cream, and protected it with a special balm.
This takes time between each phase: you want the leather to dry thoroughly (as not to rot again) before applying any product to the leather. But also, you have to use specific products that will allow for the leather to "breathe", again for it not to rot.

I also cleaned the aluminium frame removing all traces of rust.
The frame afterwards looked almost new.
I also repaired the frame which was coming apart.

And then, I replaced the cardboard that was sandwiched between the layers of leather, and started to hand stich the leather back together.
then I did apply each pieces to the frame and hand stitched them on.

And there you have them: two beautifully restored MARCEL BRAUER Armchairs, not perfect as you can't erase the damages caused by time and use, but enough to make a difference whilst salvaging the original leather.

Two Pairs of Chairs, including one Armchair repaired, reconditioned and re-upholstered by myself for a client.

The frames were taken apart, completely stripped and then stained again in a flat matte wax finish.
Some new frames were made also by myself for the drop-in seats which were in turn upholstered traditionally with mixed animal hair.

The gorgeous top fabric, reminiscent of the pre-Raphaelites is called Ruskin, in a Duck Egg hue and is from JUST FABRICS.

You have some drop-in seats or dining chairs in need of TLC: get in touch! Happy to discuss your needs and quote you for the work.

A Pair of Regency Armchairs which were in a dire state, (see last pic!), re-upholstered and recovered by myself for a client in a vibrant velvet fabric from Art of the Loom.

Instead of re-upholstering the armchairs from the frame up, this time some of the original upholstery was kept and mended instead, whilst new materials were added and strength was given by adding new stitches to the arms, back and seat.

Do you own some antique chairs or armchairs that need some attention? Do not hesitate to contact me for advice and a quote: 07949 973792 , [email protected]

A Karl Dittert for Stoll Giroflex, a 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Conference ArmChair renovated and re-upholstered by myself for one of my returning clients.

The Faux leather was replaced by a lush Mohair Fabric from Maharam .

A lovely little Rocking Chair was given a new lease of life and the TLC it rightly deserved.
I am quite picky when it comes to the projects I work on and most come to me from friends, neighbours and friends of friends, or upholstery colleagues' recommendations, which I am always grateful for.

This little Rockin' Chair was very special as it belonged to the Grandmother of my client. It had been sitting in a corner for years and was crying for attention and finally take its place of pride after a total revamp.

The wooden frame had been repaired with two unsightly very large metal braces, so these were removed, the frame was taken apart and put back together, the wood was stripped and given a beautiful stain and oil over courtesy of Superb products from , Sourced from All Finishes .
Amazing softest finish making it very tactile and most enjoyable for the chair to be sat on.
New springs were installed, new foam, new fabric, and a 100 % Linen top fabric from https://www.linenfabrics.co.uk finished the new look of this dear little chair.

Always a privilege to be entrusted with heirlooms.

One of my biggest challenges I have found so far, is that most people find it difficult to get their head around the fact that I have a multidisciplinary background and find it challenging to label my work and understand what I do or can do (or can't!).

With a background in classical music as a musician, rock/Hip-Hop/R&B/Acid Jazz/ Rare Groove as a Concert Promoter/PR, followed by a stunt in Interior Design, I opted for a return to studies enrolling at Central Saint Martin's (short Course) and LCF to learn leather Accessories Design/Making.
With a new love found for studying, I wanted to play with fire for a bit and learned silversmithing with two different teachers over the years, designing and making Jewellery pieces, a little bit macabre, with a touch of gothic.

With a love for Antiques (my home is 99% furnished with those!), it was only a natural progression I would turn my hands (and brains) to learning traditional and modern upholstery at an AMUSF Accredited school in London East End.

So, my work is the direct result of all those skills colliding, intersecting and merging together.

Here is an example of my leathercraft skills coming totally on point when I cleaned, reconditioned and completely hand-stitched four W***Y RIZO for CIDUE (circa 1970) for a client.
These were in a very poor state when they came to me, but left with a facelift ready to face what life would throw at them, being fully protected from potential spillages.

Favouring Instagram over FB, I have slightly neglected my business page here.
As I am catching up, I will be posting some of my favourite jobs in the past years.
I hope you will enjoy looking at the photos as much as I have appreciated working on the varied type of chairs and armchairs over the years.
Always happy to consider commissions, so feel free to inquire, and thank you for following my work.