Orkney Chair restoration and repair.

Having now located a UK supplier for Oat straw, we’re super excited to offer repair and restoration to Orkney chairs.

Orkney chairs have a rich history rooted in the Orkney Islands of Scotland, dating back to at least the 19th century, probably much earlier. Traditionally handmade by local craftsmen, these chairs were originally built from driftwood, which was scarce on the treeless islands. The distinctive high backs were crafted from oat straw or bent reeds, with seats being made from seagrass or cord were designed to shield sitters from cold drafts in stone cottages.

It is now an endangered furniture making practice with only a couple of people still making them - officially listed on the endangered heritage crafts list! If you’ve got one, think about consolidation, repair and preservation before it’s too late. Drop me a line with anything you might like to discuss about your chair.