We are pleased to invite you to a unique chair restoration workshop, which will be held on November 13, 2024 in the Garden of Traditions in Jasienica. The workshop will be led by Ms. Katarzyna Brożek, a passionate furniture restorer who is eager to share her knowledge and experience. Therefore, we decided to ask her a few questions to get to know her story and inspiration better.
How did your adventure with chair restoration begin?
My adventure with the restoration of chairs and other furniture began, actually, when I started my adult life, and in a way stemmed a little from the need, a little from the desire to have something unusual and original. We moved into my grandparents’ old house, which had a whole lot of furniture. They not only had a soul, but were also a family heirloom. We decided to preserve them. And since they needed to be restored, I set about it myself, and little by little – gaining knowledge from books, magazines – and by trial and error I perfected my skills. Very soon I discovered that I love to do it, and it has remained so to this day.
Do you remember your first refurbished piece of furniture?
Of course! The first piece of furniture I refurbished was a bentwood kitchen chair. I remember that they had a beautiful blue and lavender color. In fact, I still have them to this day.
What restoration techniques do you prefer?
The choice of technique is always dependent on the piece of furniture I’m working with. I take a different approach to furniture made of high-quality solid wood or beautifully veneered, and a different approach to old utilitarian furniture from our grandparents, usually buried in attics. Still another look is required for furniture from the communist period or quite contemporary furniture, often made of veneered board.
What are the most common mistakes when refinishing chairs that can affect their durability or appearance?
First, improper preparation of the furniture. Often we are in such a hurry to get the final result that we skip this somewhat tedious, but very important stage of work. As a result, the paint or varnish may come off, which is very depressing. Secondly, the wrong choice of tools, which can hinder the work. Wrong choice of materials. It is worth focusing on the nature of our chair and think what effect we want to achieve and in what environment it should be placed, and only then make a choice of materials – paint, fabric. Of course, it is also important to make sure that the chair is properly stabilized, as over time some chairs become wobbly.
Do you think furniture restoration can help fight mass production?
Definitely yes. Furniture restoration serves many functions – it is a way to fight mass production, it affects the environment, the amount of garbage produced. I can safely say that it also has therapeutic functions. Self-made creative work relaxes and gives a lot of satisfaction.
The market is flooded with cheap furniture of poor quality, whose lifespan is limited to a few years. Thus, we are littering the planet at an alarming rate. A huge role in stopping this process is played by furniture manufacturers such as Paged offering high-quality products made of excellent raw materials and with universal design, which will serve not only us, but the next generations. Of course, trends change, but based on a solid foundation, we can adapt our furniture to current needs by changing the color, upholstery or selecting accessories. For this, of course, there is a need for consumer awareness, which in choosing furniture will be guided by durability and quality and the good of the planet, however pathetically it may sound. Therefore, it is important to educate and arouse awareness.
How do you approach preserving the distinctive details and finishes of chairs?
It depends on the particular piece of furniture. If I’m dealing with an uncommon piece with distinctive embossing, I definitely focus on restoring the original look. On the other hand, in the case of more versatile chairs, I allow myself more freedom and styling, matching them to the interior.
Why take part in a workshop?
The workshop is a great opportunity to learn practical skills, as well as create something unique and personal. Participants will have a chance to renovate chairs with their own hands under my guidance. This not only develops creativity, but also brings a lot of joy and satisfaction from creative work.
Event details
Join us and create your own work of art! Be inspired by Ms. Katarzyna Brożek experience and find out how rewarding furniture restoration can be. We look forward to seeing you!
