Research on upholstery work from a culturally historical and technical conservation perspective is a relatively new field. Previously the important aspects regarding furniture have focused on design and the work of joiners – rather than the upholstery work. This book is a result of the first international conference in Europe with focus on the upholstery history. The symposium addressed the conservation of upholstery work and the history of filling materials and techniques. The conference was held in Vadstena, Sweden and hosted by Linköping University.

During the symposium, a number of studies were presented and discussed. We now have the pleasure to be able to release the results of those studies in this book.

By publishing this material, it is our hope that The Forgotten History of Upholstery, will be a little less forgotten!

Table of Contents 

Karin Lohm Introduction pp. 6-7

Adrian Smith Impressions of the Conference pp. 8-9

Elizabeth Lahikainen Asking Good Questions pp. 11-16

Elizabeth Lahikainen Things to Consider: Ten Research Topics or Categories Used for Thorough Upholstery Treatment Decisions, pp. 17-29

Nancy Britton with Mark Anderson The Evolution of American Upholstery Techniques: 1650-1900, pp. 30-80

Heather Porter The History of Cushions and the Use of Feathers in Upholstery: 1580-1800 pp. 81-105

Anne Battram The Historic Use of Slipcovers pp. 106-117

Nancy Britton and Heather Porter Upholstery Springs: Their Introduction and Early Development in Britain and America pp. 118-147

Mats Grennfalk The Forgotten History of Upholstery in Sweden: with a Focus on 17th Century and Early 18th Century Furniture pp. 148-155

Xavier Bonnet Documentation: an Important Step Before Conservation pp. 156-169

Nicola Gentle A Review of Carriage Trimming in 19th Century England pp. 170-181

Martin Ciszuk The Reconstruction of a Mid-19th Century Brussels Carpet pp. 182-185

Joelle D J Wickens Documenting the Globe: Recording and Conserving Modern Upholstery Techniques and Materials Before They Disappear pp. 186-196

Agathe Strouk The Study and ConservationTreatment of an 18th Century Wheelchair pp. 197-209

Kirsi RumbinUpholstery Conservation – Foam Rubber and its Effect on the Textile Parts of the Chair 210-217

Gwen Spicer Extraordinary Findings: The Conservation and Investigation of an Italian Renaissance Dantesca Chair 218-231

David Bayne, Nancy Britton, Deborah Lee Trupin The ”Camelback” Sofa – an Example of Late 18th Century American Upholstery Techniques pp. 232-275

Kathryn Gill An Evaluation of A Portable X-radiographic Unit for the Examination of Fragile Upholstered Furniture Inside Historic Houses pp. 276-286