Sydney Morning Herald / 1st April 2022 / Domain / Expert Tips by Aubert Furniture

Sydney Morning Herald - Domain
New life for Modernist furniture
Expert Tips by Aubert Furniture
1st April 2022

By Pauline Morrissey

In a world of fast furniture, where items are made and purchased to last for merely a season, there’s a certain style period that is continuing to provide a welcomed antidote – the much-treasured, and always timeless, modernist design.

Tracing its origins back to the early 1900s with the Bauhaus movement – a rebellion against the ornate flourishes and ornamentations of the designs that came before it – modernist furniture embraced clean lines, smooth surfaces and understated elegance.

Representing the artistic and functional vision of this time, modernism still very much holds pride of place in the modern home. Iconic pieces from the era include the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Charles and Ray Eames of 1956, the Noguchi Table by Isamu Noguchi of 1947, and the Saarinen Dining Table by Eero Saarinen of 1957.

Today, skilled and passionate restorers continue to cherish such pieces from this bygone era, offering their years of experience and giving helpful pointers, so that we too can help preserve the enduring beauty that is modernist furniture.

 

Expert tips - From Aubert Furniture

Growing up in a modernist home built by his father in the 1960s in Sydney’s South Coogee, Greg Aubert developed an appreciation for modernist style in his childhood, and later became a vintage furniture restorer and director at Aubert Furniture.

“Like many others, my parents had Fler, Parker and Chiswell furniture all around the house growing up, so modernist style has always held a special place in my heart,” Aubert says. “I’m not surprised it has remained very popular in mainstream interior design, as these pieces were built to last many lifetimes and [continue to] provide classic sophistication.”

“Like many others, my parents had Fler, Parker and Chiswell furniture all around the house growing up, so modernist style has always held a special place in my heart,” Aubert says. “I’m not surprised it has remained very popular in mainstream interior design, as these pieces were built to last many lifetimes and [continue to] provide classic sophistication.”

Having professionally restored antique and vintage furniture for more than 30 years, Aubert and his team have worked on all types of modernist furniture, from daybeds and TV armchairs to sofas and dining chairs.

He shares some advice when it comes to reviving your own dining chairs:

1. Use the same products when re-polishing

Most mid-century chairs were originally polished in hand-applied products like Danish oil, shellac and varnish. For this reason, try to use the same products when re-polishing chairs to retain the original finish and enhance the finish as it stands. Occasionally, the finish is too damaged, in which case, it’s best to dissolve the existing finish by fine-sanding the chairs, then traditionally re-polishing to restore.

2. Replace materials where needed

When reupholstering a mid-century dining chair or TV chair, look to replace the old webbing and foam, as they often become deteriorated or out of shape. Typically, steel springs can be retained and reused. Once the chair has been reupholstered, you can then recover it in the fabric of your choice.

3. Opt for woollen fabric

he biggest misconception is that any upholstery fabric can be used on a dining chair when, in fact, dining chairs require a durable fabric that can withstand years of use, spills and stains. With this in mind, we suggest choosing woollen fabrics, as these were used extensively on mid-century furniture due to their durability and natural stain resistance capabilities.

Photo supplied by Aubert Furniture

 

Click here to see the full article online

Keylargo Grass

Aubert Furniture - MCM Stock Fabric Range

Keylargo Grass by Warwick Fabrics

Textile info

A washable durable plain fabric. Keylargo Grass is less textured compared to many other mid-century fabrics however its beautiful colour tone works perfectly alongside mid-century timbers like teak, blackwood, rosewood and black bean timbers.

Collection
Keylargo

Brand
Warwick

Halo Easy Care, Oekotex Standard 100, Washable

Product Type
Heavy Commercial

Composition
100% Polyester

Martindale
160,000 Cycles

Click here for full specs. 

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Scorpio Basil

Aubert Furniture - MCM Stock Fabric Range

Scorpio Basil by Zepel Fibreguard

Textile info

Scorpio has an interesting random weave pattern with a strong vibrant colour tone and texture. Very durable and perfect for mid-century daybeds, TV chairs and dining chairs.

Collection
Scorpio

Brand
Zepel Fibreguard

Product Type
Heavy Duty

Composition
100% PL,

60,000 Martindale Cycles

Environment
Oekotex 100
ISO 14001

Click here for full specs.

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Bravo Sterling
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Octavia Flame
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Dynamo Dolphin
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Flynn Denim
Flynn Ocean
Flynn Silver
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Flynn Natural
Flynn Peacock
Flynn Teal
Flynn Teal
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Bolt Flax
Bolt Leaf
Bolt Peacock
Bolt Chilli
Bolt Ink
Bolt Charcoal
Bolt Jet
Bolt Alabaster
Bravo Pesto
Bravo Aluminium
Bravo Sterling
Octavia Moss
Octavia Flame
Octavia Lagoon
Octavia Petrol
Scorpio Ink
Scorpio Basil
Dynamo Teal
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Flynn Ocean
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Flynn Teal
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Scorpio Ink

Aubert Furniture - MCM Stock Fabric Range

Scorpio Ink by Zepel Fibreguard

Textile info

Scorpio has an interesting random weave pattern with a strong vibrant colour tone and texture. Very durable and perfect for mid-century daybeds, TV chairs and dining chairs.

Collection
Scorpio

Brand
Zepel Fibreguard

Product Type
Heavy Duty

Composition
100% PL,

60,000 Martindale Cycles

Environment
Oekotex 100
ISO 14001

Click here for full specs.

Example - Parker dining chairs Instagram

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Octavia Flame
Octavia Lagoon
Octavia Petrol
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Scorpio Ink
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Dynamo Dolphin
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Flynn Denim
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Flynn Natural
Flynn Peacock
Flynn Teal
Flynn Teal
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Bolt Dolphin
Bolt Flax
Bolt Leaf
Bolt Peacock
Bolt Chilli
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Bolt Jet
Bolt Alabaster
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Octavia Moss
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Scorpio Basil
Dynamo Teal
Dynamo Marine
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Bolt Peacock

Aubert Furniture - MCM Stock Fabric Range

Bolt Peacock by Zepel Fibreguard

Textile info

Bolt has a contemporary weave design with a natural linen look and boasts high durability. Popular for mid-century dining chairs.

Collection
Bolt

Brand
Zepel Fibreguard

Product Type
Heavy Duty

Composition
60% PL, 40% PP

100,000 Martindale Cycles
48,000 Wyzenbeek Double Rubs

Environment
Oekotex 100
ISO 14001

Click here for full specs.

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Bravo Sterling
Octavia Moss
Octavia Flame
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Scorpio Ink
Scorpio Basil
Dynamo Teal
Dynamo Marine
Dynamo Dolphin
Dynamo Shale
Dynamo Shale
Flynn Denim
Flynn Denim
Flynn Ocean
Flynn Silver
Flynn Natural
Flynn Natural
Flynn Peacock
Flynn Teal
Flynn Teal
Keylargo Grass
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Bolt Dolphin
Bolt Flax
Bolt Leaf
Bolt Peacock
Bolt Chilli
Bolt Ink
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Bolt Jet
Bolt Alabaster
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Bravo Sterling
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Octavia Flame
Octavia Lagoon
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Bolt Leaf

Aubert Furniture - MCM Stock Fabric Range

Bolt Leaf by Zepel Fibreguard

Textile info

Bolt has a contemporary weave design with a natural linen look and boasts high durability. Popular for mid-century dining chairs.

Collection
Bolt

Brand
Zepel Fibreguard

Product Type
Heavy Duty

Composition
60% PL, 40% PP

100,000 Martindale Cycles
48,000 Wyzenbeek Double Rubs

Environment
Oekotex 100
ISO 14001

Click here for full specs.

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MCM Stock Fabric Range

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Bolt Flax
Bolt Leaf
Bolt Peacock
Bolt Chilli
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Bolt Charcoal
Bolt Jet
Bolt Alabaster
Bravo Pesto
Bravo Aluminium
Bravo Sterling
Octavia Moss
Octavia Flame
Octavia Lagoon
Octavia Petrol
Scorpio Ink
Scorpio Ink
Scorpio Basil
Dynamo Teal
Dynamo Marine
Dynamo Dolphin
Dynamo Shale
Dynamo Shale
Flynn Denim
Flynn Denim
Flynn Ocean
Flynn Silver
Flynn Natural
Flynn Natural
Flynn Peacock
Flynn Teal
Flynn Teal
Keylargo Grass
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Bolt Dolphin
Bolt Flax
Bolt Leaf
Bolt Peacock
Bolt Chilli
Bolt Ink
Bolt Charcoal
Bolt Jet
Bolt Alabaster
Bravo Pesto
Bravo Aluminium
Bravo Sterling
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Octavia Flame
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Octavia Petrol
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Scorpio Basil
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Dynamo Marine
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Bolt Flax

Aubert Furniture - MCM Stock Fabric Range

Bolt Flax by Zepel Fibreguard

Textile info

Bolt has a contemporary weave design with a natural linen look and boasts high durability. Popular for mid-century dining chairs.

Collection
Bolt

Brand
Zepel Fibreguard

Product Type
Heavy Duty

Composition
60% PL, 40% PP

100,000 Martindale Cycles
48,000 Wyzenbeek Double Rubs

Environment
Oekotex 100
ISO 14001

Click here for full specs.

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Bolt Flax
Bolt Leaf
Bolt Peacock
Bolt Chilli
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Bolt Charcoal
Bolt Jet
Bolt Alabaster
Bravo Pesto
Bravo Aluminium
Bravo Sterling
Octavia Moss
Octavia Flame
Octavia Lagoon
Octavia Petrol
Scorpio Ink
Scorpio Ink
Scorpio Basil
Dynamo Teal
Dynamo Marine
Dynamo Dolphin
Dynamo Shale
Dynamo Shale
Flynn Denim
Flynn Denim
Flynn Ocean
Flynn Silver
Flynn Natural
Flynn Natural
Flynn Peacock
Flynn Teal
Flynn Teal
Keylargo Grass
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next arrow
Bolt Dolphin
Bolt Flax
Bolt Leaf
Bolt Peacock
Bolt Chilli
Bolt Ink
Bolt Charcoal
Bolt Jet
Bolt Alabaster
Bravo Pesto
Bravo Aluminium
Bravo Sterling
Octavia Moss
Octavia Flame
Octavia Lagoon
Octavia Petrol
Scorpio Ink
Scorpio Basil
Dynamo Teal
Dynamo Marine
Dynamo Dolphin
Dynamo Shale
Flynn Denim
Flynn Ocean
Flynn Silver
Flynn Natural
Flynn Peacock
Flynn Teal
Keylargo Grass
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Bolt Dolphin

Aubert Furniture - MCM Stock Fabric Range

Bolt Dolphin by Zepel Fibreguard

Textile info

Bolt has a contemporary weave design with a natural linen look and boasts high durability. Popular for mid-century dining chairs.

Collection
Bolt

Brand
Zepel Fibreguard

Product Type
Heavy Duty

Composition
60% PL, 40% PP

100,000 Martindale Cycles
48,000 Wyzenbeek Double Rubs

Environment
Oekotex 100
ISO 14001

Click here for full specs.

Related Products

MCM Stock Fabric Range

Bolt Dolphin
Bolt Flax
Bolt Leaf
Bolt Peacock
Bolt Chilli
Bolt Ink
Bolt Charcoal
Bolt Jet
Bolt Alabaster
Bravo Pesto
Bravo Aluminium
Bravo Sterling
Octavia Moss
Octavia Flame
Octavia Lagoon
Octavia Petrol
Scorpio Ink
Scorpio Ink
Scorpio Basil
Dynamo Teal
Dynamo Marine
Dynamo Dolphin
Dynamo Shale
Dynamo Shale
Flynn Denim
Flynn Denim
Flynn Ocean
Flynn Silver
Flynn Natural
Flynn Natural
Flynn Peacock
Flynn Teal
Flynn Teal
Keylargo Grass
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next arrow
Bolt Dolphin
Bolt Flax
Bolt Leaf
Bolt Peacock
Bolt Chilli
Bolt Ink
Bolt Charcoal
Bolt Jet
Bolt Alabaster
Bravo Pesto
Bravo Aluminium
Bravo Sterling
Octavia Moss
Octavia Flame
Octavia Lagoon
Octavia Petrol
Scorpio Ink
Scorpio Basil
Dynamo Teal
Dynamo Marine
Dynamo Dolphin
Dynamo Shale
Flynn Denim
Flynn Ocean
Flynn Silver
Flynn Natural
Flynn Peacock
Flynn Teal
Keylargo Grass
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Bolt Jet

Aubert Furniture - MCM Stock Fabric Range

Bolt Jet by Zepel Fibreguard

Textile info

Bolt has a contemporary weave design with a natural linen look and boasts high durability. Popular for mid-century dining chairs.

Collection
Bolt

Brand
Zepel Fibreguard

Product Type
Heavy Duty

Composition
60% PL, 40% PP

100,000 Martindale Cycles
48,000 Wyzenbeek Double Rubs

Environment
Oekotex 100
ISO 14001

Click here for full specs.

Related Products

MCM Stock Fabric Range

Bolt Dolphin
Bolt Flax
Bolt Leaf
Bolt Peacock
Bolt Chilli
Bolt Ink
Bolt Charcoal
Bolt Jet
Bolt Alabaster
Bravo Pesto
Bravo Aluminium
Bravo Sterling
Octavia Moss
Octavia Flame
Octavia Lagoon
Octavia Petrol
Scorpio Ink
Scorpio Ink
Scorpio Basil
Dynamo Teal
Dynamo Marine
Dynamo Dolphin
Dynamo Shale
Dynamo Shale
Flynn Denim
Flynn Denim
Flynn Ocean
Flynn Silver
Flynn Natural
Flynn Natural
Flynn Peacock
Flynn Teal
Flynn Teal
Keylargo Grass
previous arrow
next arrow
Bolt Dolphin
Bolt Flax
Bolt Leaf
Bolt Peacock
Bolt Chilli
Bolt Ink
Bolt Charcoal
Bolt Jet
Bolt Alabaster
Bravo Pesto
Bravo Aluminium
Bravo Sterling
Octavia Moss
Octavia Flame
Octavia Lagoon
Octavia Petrol
Scorpio Ink
Scorpio Basil
Dynamo Teal
Dynamo Marine
Dynamo Dolphin
Dynamo Shale
Flynn Denim
Flynn Ocean
Flynn Silver
Flynn Natural
Flynn Peacock
Flynn Teal
Keylargo Grass
previous arrow
next arrow

 

Bolt Ink

Aubert Furniture - MCM Stock Fabric Range

Bolt Ink by Zepel Fibreguard

Textile info

Bolt has a contemporary weave design with a natural linen look and boasts high durability. Popular for mid-century dining chairs.

Collection
Bolt

Brand
Zepel Fibreguard

Product Type
Heavy Duty

Composition
60% PL, 40% PP

100,000 Martindale Cycles
48,000 Wyzenbeek Double Rubs

Environment
Oekotex 100
ISO 14001

Click here for full specs.

Related Products

MCM Stock Fabric Range

Bolt Dolphin
Bolt Flax
Bolt Leaf
Bolt Peacock
Bolt Chilli
Bolt Ink
Bolt Charcoal
Bolt Jet
Bolt Alabaster
Bravo Pesto
Bravo Aluminium
Bravo Sterling
Octavia Moss
Octavia Flame
Octavia Lagoon
Octavia Petrol
Scorpio Ink
Scorpio Ink
Scorpio Basil
Dynamo Teal
Dynamo Marine
Dynamo Dolphin
Dynamo Shale
Dynamo Shale
Flynn Denim
Flynn Denim
Flynn Ocean
Flynn Silver
Flynn Natural
Flynn Natural
Flynn Peacock
Flynn Teal
Flynn Teal
Keylargo Grass
previous arrow
next arrow
Bolt Dolphin
Bolt Flax
Bolt Leaf
Bolt Peacock
Bolt Chilli
Bolt Ink
Bolt Charcoal
Bolt Jet
Bolt Alabaster
Bravo Pesto
Bravo Aluminium
Bravo Sterling
Octavia Moss
Octavia Flame
Octavia Lagoon
Octavia Petrol
Scorpio Ink
Scorpio Basil
Dynamo Teal
Dynamo Marine
Dynamo Dolphin
Dynamo Shale
Flynn Denim
Flynn Ocean
Flynn Silver
Flynn Natural
Flynn Peacock
Flynn Teal
Keylargo Grass
previous arrow
next arrow

 

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