Margaret - The Victorian Drop-Arm Sofa

Hello Friends

Allow me to introduce you to Margaret, the Victorian Drop-Arm Sofa

Margaret with her old, baggy clothes on.

I like to give the pieces I work on names so I can talk to them while I'm working....well...it's a lonely old job upholstery you know!  Margaret got her name because she's so heavy - the Iron Lady.

Margaret's owner has had her for over 40 years and she holds sentimental value.  However, she faced a dilemma.  She could buy a new sofa for less than it would cost to restore Margaret.  This is an issue that presents itself time and time again in my line of work.  With sofa's going out the doors of big warehouses for under £500 it's often cheaper to replace rather than re-cover.  However, that new sofa will last a fraction of the time a traditionally upholstered piece will last, so it's the old adage 'Buy cheap, buy twice'!

As you can see from the picture, Margaret was looking a bit worse for wear.  Her piping was ragged and her drop arm was looking decidedly saggy.  All in all she was ready for a makeover.

Things were not much better inside!  Springs were held together with shoelaces and there was a big crack in her frame.  Someone's been having a good old bounce on this sofa!

The best solution to this girl's problem is to start again from the beginning.

New stuffing for the arms

Nice new scrolls

Negotiating the mechanism of the drop arm was tricky - but I managed!

I'm so pleased the client decided to keep Margaret and bring her up to date.  She now has a solidly constructed, comfortable and stylish sofa that will last years and hold many memories.