This chair is elegantly clothed in a signature textile design by Carla Pyle. Inspired by nature, silk aspen leaves meander across the back and seat, recalling the shimmering grace of an aspen grove in summer.
A snippet of history on this mid-century furniture line:
There are certain furniture collections that are sought after by collectors long after they are available at retail. One of those is Drexel Heritage’s Precedent by Edward Wormley.
Wormley’s signature style embodied the essence of modern design combined with tradition. During a time of growing modernism, Wormley was able to interpret the modern into a style that became uniquely predominant throughout the forties, fifties, and sixties. No one else during this time was able to create such a fresh and modern outlook, while preserving cherished elements from the past.
In 1947, Wormley brought his creative talents to Drexel Heritage to create Precedent. The collection was called Precedent because “it promised to set so many bright new standards in contemporary living.” It featured superb joinery and beautiful woods such as bleached mahogany, silver elm and beechwood. Wormley created 100 pieces for Precedent, priding the collection with convenience, style, fine craftsmanship, and a great value for every home.
Wormley believed that modernism meant freedom—”freedom to mix, to choose, to change, to embrace the new but to hold fast to what is good.” Wormley’s pieces became necessities for a conservative, up-scale and comfort-seeking customer who loved the versatility his designs offered. His work was featured in the Good Design show at the Museum of Modern Art during 1951 and 1952. Today, his work can be seen in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Museum of Decorative Arts in Montreal and inside the homes of many avid antique collectors.
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From the Living Home Furniture site:
Comment from Emily Z (Mar 31, 2017) –
Hi, Carla. I’m a big fan. Loving this piece. What did you use to restore the wood? I ask because I’ve recently inherited a whole Precedent dining set and the wood finish on my set looks just like your “before” photo. Any and all suggestions you can provide as to tricks on reupholstery are most appreciated. I am a Teacher’s Assistant in an upholstery class in California, as well as an avid student. Thank you kindly! -Emily Z.
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Hi Emily,
It’s so nice to hear from a fellow admirer of mid-century fine furniture! The faux finish on the wood was in rough shape – it was sanded down and finished with several coats of natural tung oil (not the kind with petroleum distillates), and a top coat of beeswax.
The upholstery on the seat is pretty straightforward, which you’ll see when you take it apart – the padding wraps over the front, and the back corners are notched. The back was a little tricky to figure out at first. If I remember correctly, there are two nails protruding down from the inside top rail that fit into holes in the top of the back piece. When taking it apart, there should be screws up through the bottom rail into the bottom of the back piece – remove these first, then pull out and down to remove the back.
Working with this silk was a challenge because there was very little space to ‘hide’ my work, especially on the back piece. I found myself re-setting staples that I could see when I set the back in place. A medium weight fabric would be more forgiving.
I hope this helps – good luck with your project!
Carla