Re-upholster Chess Lounge Furniture

By Frank Parker

Chess Lounge Furniture originally commenced operations in the early 1970’s as BGF Furniture being a business partnership between Stan Bishop, Rod Grayson and Charles Farmer. Several years after commencement Charles Farmer left the business and it became Bishop & Grayson Furniture then in the late 70’s Rod Grayson left the business and it became Bishop Lounge Furniture. In the mid 80’s Stan Bishop retired and his foreman Paul Demopolis with his wife Glenis took over the business under the name of Chess Lounge Furniture. Paul and Glenis retired in about 2010 and ceased operations.

Throughout the history of this business from BGF Furniture to Chess Lounge Furniture they manufactured custom made mid-range furniture. This furniture was always soundly constructed and represented good value for money.

Our clients approached us wanting to re-upholster a three seater purchased from Chess Lounge Furniture in the late 1980’s. This settee was part of a co-ordinated lounge suite including two wing back chairs however they were downsizing and had decided to only keep the settee.

The upholstery was completely removed from the timber frame, new seat springing and back webbing was fitted along with new high density body padding. All the cushion inserts were replaced. The seats were polyester encased premium cushioning and the backs were polyester filled channelled and quilted inserts. Our clients wanted to slightly modernise this settee so we eliminated the skirts replacing it with a padded border and replaced the black nylon glides with Jarrah turned feet. The fabric selected was a contemporary design lined yet printed with a traditional colour pallet. The result was a settee with a new lease of life retaining its character in a new setting.

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