Restoring Fler Chairs

By Frank Parker

Fred Lowen and Earnest Rodeck met on a refugee ship escaping Nazi Europe bound for Port Melbourne. Fred Lowen started work in 1942 as a fitter and turner but woodturning was his passion. The two commenced their business in 1946 under the acronym FLER starting in an old stable.

The business grew quickly as they engaged with Myer Emporium supplying modern designs with turned legs and Scandinavian influence. By the mid-late 1960’s Fler had manufacturing operations is several states. The massive demand for this style of furniture in Australia was created by the post-war residential boom in modern housing.

A couple were referred onto us as they had two Fler SC55 chairs produced in the late 1950’s and two E31 chairs from the 1960’s requiring complete restoration. They originally were purchased new by her parents but unfortunately were very poorly ‘restored’ by a supposedly reputable business in the 1980’s. Given this we had to completely strip the chairs back to the raw timber frames with the intention of restoring them to their original splendour.

With the frames completely sanded back the timber was stained Mahogany then three coats of clear lacquer. The cushion inserts were originally latex rubber however premium polyurethane foam encased with bonded polyester fibre is more durable and provides superior comfort. We re-upholstered the chairs in a velvet using the original finishing methods resulting in glowing fine lines.

Our clients were astounded with the result taking her back remembering the chairs in bygone years. This work also provides great pleasure for us as furniture manufacturers and restorers.

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