Heywood-Wakefield "M340C" Arm Lounge Chairs in Natural Lambswool, Pair

The design world is filled with competition and collaboration, both typically aid in the development of notable work and aesthetic evolution. In the year 1897 two successful companies and fierce competitors, Heywood Brothers and Wakefield Company, would merge to become the famed Heywood-Wakefield furniture company now known for it’s massive portfolio of highly sought after furniture. As with any agile company, the design of their products changed through countless style shifts during their time. It was in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s where we see Heywood-Wakefield experiment with forms inspired by the French Art-Deco. These pieces are rarely seen, such as this pair of sculptural “M340C” arm chairs which we have completely restored in our workroom.

The Object Refinery team stripped these chairs down to their frames for a complete restoration. We chose to apply a white-wash finish on the birchwood for a casual no-fuss look. The light wood frames are the perfect complement to the natural lambswool used on the upholstered seat and back. This special thick pile material is cloud-like and extremely soft to the touch. The wood frame cradling plush shearling cushions is material synergy at its best, creating a sculptural look which shows well from every angle.

These chairs have received a full restoration in the Object Refinery workroom. As these are pieces with age, occurrences of minor wear exist consistent with history. Each chair’s frame was refinished by hand and in addition to the new lambswool upholstery, each chair has received new foam padding as well. The result are chairs which have been updated in every way possible, preserved for at least another life.