Chair restoration techniques with Chris Hyde
14th September 2024
Learn the fundamental skills required for wooden chair restoration.
This concise day course provides a hands-on introduction to the fundamental practical skills for restoring wooden chairs. Each participant will bring a restoration project* that requires minor / reasonable repair work for allowing them to go through the full finishing and aftercare process.
Each participant will learn a range of restoration methods techniques for assessing chair structure, repairing joints, reassembly, refinishing, and addressing issues like wobbling or broken parts.
At the end of the day, participants will have completed small restoration repairs and gained a foundational understanding of the chair restoration process.
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
• Workshop safety briefing
• Assessment of condition to plan your restoration.
• Disassemble of furniture structure.
• Repair and reproduce missing or broken components.
Reinforcing loose or broken joints
Repairing cracked or broken parts (like legs, arms, or rungs).
Techniques for replacing or patching damaged wood sections.
• Reassembly - use of clamps and alignment tools.
• Addressing wobbling or instability issues.
• Repair and reproduce missing or broken components.
• Restore the finish on your piece of furniture.
How the course looks…
Chris will use a variety of experiential learning methods which includes group instructions, demonstrations, and one-to-one craft coaching. There will be drink refreshment provided during the day. We will stop and talk together over a picnic lunch.
The teaching of this Craft course is practical, and you will leave the course feeling good about your personal achievements and the newly made craft connections.
What to bring…
Please wear stout shoes and clothes that are not too loose or baggy and are okay to get a little messy, aprons are provided.
- a pen and notebook / camera
- a picnic lunch
- reading glasses if required
Who is this course for ….
All abilities welcome. Suitable for beginners and intermediate.
About the tutor: Chris Hyde
Chris is a trained craftsman, a cabinetmaker and antique restorer who led the renowned Rycotewood furniture craft education department in Oxfordshire for 25 years. He is passionate about sharing his broad technical skills and knowledge along with a belief that craft, creativity, making and repair are good for our wellbeing, personal growth, and our communities.
*Project selection guidance
Participants to send a photo of their possible projects prior to the day.
Furniture examples of chair restoration projects might include – wooden parts of upholstered frames, antique and mid-century chair examples. (as this is a day course upholstery is not taught).
Cost: £100 - 8 places available
Age: 18+ (or 14+ with a participating adult)
Venue: Sylva Wood Centre, Oxfordshire, OX14 4QT
Tutor: Chris Hyde
When:
Saturday 14th September 10.00 AM through 4:00 PM
Location:
Sylva Wood Centre
Little Wittenham Rd
Long Wittenham
OXFORDSHIRE
OX14 4QT
Contact:
Phone: 01865 408018
Email: joe@sylva.org.uk