In the wake of the 2023 film ‘Napoleon’, the RSN Embroidery Studio restored the embroidery on two Napoleonic chairs.

The client purchased the two chairs from an auction house, and they came with a provenance suggesting that Napoleon himself owned them, and they were in his home. The border and central design were embroidered in a silver gilt, on a silk velvet. Considering the age of the embroidery, it was in relatively good condition with only sporadic purls missing from the padded cut work. However, the silk velvet had completely worn through in many places and on one chair the central motif had completely detached itself from the fabric around it.

The velvet was matched to the original and, in conjunction with the client, a fine cotton velvet was chosen. This will have greater longevity than a silk velvet. Before the transfer, the pieces were lightly surface cleaned to remove any dust, dirt and debris. The embroidery was removed from the original velvet and transferred onto new velvet, making sure that the positioning was the same as the original. The team took copious measurements and diagrams to ensure this was achieved. Once the pieces were stitched into place, they were edged with a self-coloured thread to blend it with the new velvet. Once completed, the client used their upholsterer to restore the chairs and mount the embroidery onto them. Now complete, the chairs have returned to glorious pieces of furniture they once were.

Image credit: Ogled Antiques

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Contact the RSN Embroidery Studio Team or visit the website today for bespoke embroidery commissions, restoration and conservation services.