A Day at Old Chairs, Co. Clare

Learning the Art of Restoration, One Thread at a Time!

On a recent visit to Old Chairs, we had the privilege of spending the day with Nigel and Pepe, two craftspeople whose knowledge, patience, and passion for restoration felt like a masterclass in heritage itself. Surrounded by wood shavings, well-worn tools, and pieces of furniture waiting to be brought back to life, we were reminded that true craftsmanship is not rushed. It is learned, practiced, and passed on.  We were educated like scholars, fed like kings and treated like friends.

The Craft Behind the Beauty

Nigel and Pepe who are married, introduced us to the traditional techniques that have preserved furniture for centuries. We learned about French polishing, a method that uses shellac to build up a rich, deep finish by hand, which is a process that requires patience and rhythm rather than force. Each layer is applied with care, creating that unmistakable warm glow seen on antique pieces.

One of the most fascinating moments was learning where shellac actually comes from. It is derived from the resin secreted by the lac beetle, often processed from crushed deposits left on tree bark. There is something humbling in realising that such a refined finish begins in nature. It is these small details that make you look at furniture differently.

The History of Caning

One of the highlights of the day was learning the art of hand caning.  Caning dates back centuries, with its roots in Asia where rattan was first used for its strength, flexibility, and natural beauty. By the 17th century, caned chairs became highly fashionable across Europe, particularly in England and France, replacing heavy upholstered seats with something lighter, breathable, and elegant.

The technique itself is intricate. Each strand of cane is carefully woven through drilled holes in the frame, building up a distinctive six-way pattern that is both strong and surprisingly comfortable. It is not simply decorative. It is structural.

Sitting there, weaving strand by strand, you gain a real appreciation for the skill involved. It is slow, methodical work, but deeply satisfying. There is a rhythm to it, and once you find it, the chair begins to come alive beneath your hands.

Bringing It Back to The Lansdowne

Back at The Lansdowne, we are now looking at our furniture with fresh eyes.  Rather than replacing pieces, we are slowly working our way through the smaller, more manageable items, giving them the care and attention they deserve. With Nigel and Pepe’s guidance, each piece becomes an opportunity to preserve a little bit of history. It is not about perfection. It is about respect for what came before. Every mark, every joint, every layer of polish tells a story and an opportunity for Patrick and I to add our own history to The Lansdowne Kenmare.

A Craft Worth Preserving

Nigel, who authored the book Maintaining Longcase Clocks, brings with him a depth of knowledge that goes far beyond technique. It is about understanding how things were made, why they were made that way, and how to care for them so they last for generations to come, and that, perhaps, was the greatest lesson of all.

In a world that moves quickly, there is something incredibly grounding about slowing down and learning a craft that cannot be rushed. If we can recommend anything to add to your bucket list, this is a weekend we would highly recommend. You come away with not only a new skill, but new friends!

We are very grateful to Nigel and Pepe for sharing their time, their knowledge, and their passion with us.

And this is only the beginning https://www.oldchairs.ie/