Restoring Fler Furniture

By Frank Parker

Fler Furniture Reupholstered Perth
Fler Furniture Reupholstered Perth

Background of Fler Furniture

Fler Furniture was founded by Fred Lowen and Earnest Rodeck in 1946 and ran through until 1968 producing iconic designs now referred to as ‘mid-century’ furniture. Featured in this article are the Fler D71 ‘Norsk Divan’ and the E71 chair purchased from a Perth furniture retail store in 1960.

Our Clients Furniture Request

Our client contacted us saying she had furniture purchased by her parents in 1960 from a Perth furniture retailer. This furniture was then given to her daughter by the grandparents when she set up home then her daughter had the furniture re-upholstered in the late 1980’s. When this furniture was re-upholstered the upholstery design was altered and finished to a very poor standard. Her mother recently took back this furniture and wanted it restored to original condition and finish.

The divan and chairs were completely disassembled including the timber frame components.

The timber components were sanded back with the oversized fixing holes and dents filled with two pack resin then reassembled using a crosslinking PVA.

The frames were then stained to the original timber tone and three coats of 30% gloss lacquer was applied then finished with a rub of superfine steel wool.

New cushion inserts fabricated from premium foam with polyester overlays now conformed to the original dimensions. The fabric selected by our client was a sage velvet having a semi-crushed effect with the upholstery also detailed to the original finish.

The Restored Mid-Century Furniture

The result spoke for itself and our client was absolutely delighted with her restored mid-century furniture taking her back to childhood days.

See more of our high quality furniture restorations.

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    Tessa Furniture was originally known as Twen commencing manufacturing in 1968 then adopted the name Tessa in 1970. Tessa was formed by Fred Lowen, his brother Howard Lindsey and design technician Sigi Danielzik. Prior to this Fred Lowen had undertaken furniture with Earnest Rodeck in the mid 1950’s having formed FLER which was sold in 1967. Tessa expanded operations during the 1970’s to become a national business with international links.  

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    We were contacted by a client saying they had rescued a Tessa lounge suite requiring restoration. Upon initial inspection it was obvious the lounge suite had been re-upholstered involving poor workmanship and damage. Our clients decided to progress with the job which was going to be a complete restoration.

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    The chair seats were fitted with a superior grade elastic webbing and the frames laminated with high-density foam padding. Polyester filled channelled and quilted back cushion inserts were fabricated along with polyester wrapped laminated premium foam seat cushion inserts.

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    • Frank and his team were extremely thorough, and the restoration is a masterpiece


      So pleased to have made the decision to trust Parker Interiors with the restoration of our ugly duckling Tessa suite I rescued from it’s inevitable fate. Frank and his team were extremely thorough, and the restoration is a masterpiece. The photos speak for themselves, I am so pleased with the outcome. Thank you, Frank.

       
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      Thank you for re-upholstering my two Van Treight chairs which I purchased in 1978 as a surprise for my husband, Professor Bob Reece’s study here in Fremantle. Along with purpose built Jarrah book shelves and a restored Jarrah desk from the Fremantle wool store building, they created a perfect space for his work. Your restoration with the exquisite William Morris fabric has restored the chairs to their former glory. Thank you. 
       

       
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