19th-century armchairs reupholstered at Château de Chamerolles

14 November 2022

 

At Château de Chamerolles, we are privileged to have a rich collection of items dating from the 16th to the 21st century. Our collections are regularly supplemented either by purchases (auctions, purchases from antique dealers or collectors) or by deposits (long-term loans).

 

In 2019, a private individual (who remains anonymous) donated to the château two armchairs, in the style of Henri II (?), dating from the 19th century. These armchairs, decorated entirely with faded and damaged floral covering, were stored in anticipation of the opening of Mr. Lambert's future office, a completely new room which should be accessible to the public by 2024.

Description of the armchairs

Armchairs with short backs, upholstered in a floral fabric on a red background. The top of the backrest is sculpted with plant growths at the back. The ends of the armrests are decorated with leaf scrolls. The feet are sculpted as lion paws carved in wood. On the rear of the backrest, at seat level, a number of remarkable grimacing bearded faces reveal old traces of gilding.

What happened next

The armchairs were restored this autumn and their appearance has been transformed. The aim was to completely reupholster these armchairs (seat, backrest, rear of backrest) in golden yellow velvet with a matching braid. Le Voltaire, upholsterer of Saint-Jean-de-Braye, once again worked in close association with the château for this project.

In Mr. Lambert's future office, these two armchairs will be presented with their backs (for public view) facing the desk. This will help recreate the atmosphere of the castle at the end of the 18th century, such as the Lambert family, who owned Chamerolles at that time, would have experienced it.

Please be patient a little while longer, and by 2024, you will have the opportunity to see this new exhibit on your visit route. Our teams are already working on this beautiful project, which will combine significant research work, requests for donations, restoration, acquisitions, works, security, decoration and cultural mediation