Replacing the leather in an old car is a superficially attractive proposition. However, it often leads to disappointment. The car looses it appearance of age, and the new seats tend to be rather stark. It is not always possible to repair a seat so it is fit for use, but it should be considered before it is replaced. Splits can be repaired, lost colour can be reinstated, and a polish can be applied. Dressings should be used with caution as they can lead to wreakening of the leather.
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Part of the seat of the Weston Steam car in the York Museums Trust (York Castle Museum) shown on the home page. The right hand half of this flap, which hangs down in front of the seat, has had the lost colour reinstated. Splits associated with the damage have been repaired. |
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Part of the car seat from the blue Colibri car shown on the home page. The upholstery has split, but most of the leather is still present. Shown prior to restoration. | |
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The car seat from the Colibri car after conservation. The splits in the upholstery have been repaired, lost colour reinstated, and the small hole filled with new leather. The leather has then been polished. |
©2006 Sturge Conservation Studio