vintage Shaw-Walker office chair

This office chair dates to the 50s and was made by Shaw-Walker.  The vinyl upholstery and maple arm rests had seen better days.

Nini from Home Anthology consulted with me on fabric choices.  We tried a bunch of different things that were nice enough, but when she put this Eames “Small Dot” fabric next to the metal and wood, we both went, “Aaah!” 

Disassembly was easy enough with a screwdriver and socket wrench.

The arm rests were really beat up!  Worn finish, scratches, grime.

Lots of sanding and a couple of coats of polyurethane later, they are lookin’ good.

The aluminum frame had both grime and some dark gray discoloration.  The grime cleaned off but the discoloration will need more multiple buffing with compounds, so I left it.

The aluminum had a beautiful smooth gloss when cleaned up.

I especially loved the back detail on the frame.