A return to elegance

A dusty country shearing shed isn’t the first place you would expect to find a glamorous set of 19th-century furniture. However, this was exactly where a stately chaise longue and two matching tub chairs were discovered at Dundullimal Homestead. It was a revelation that was easy to miss. After being stored away in the agricultural outbuilding for more than 30 years, the chaise longue and chairs were in extremely poor condition. The fabric stained and discoloured or stripped down to the timber frames, the three-piece suite was only an echo of its former graceful form.

Hidden beauty

Located in the rural landscape of Wiradjuri Country in Dubbo, the refined 1840s slab house at Dundullimal Homestead last housed the three items of furniture in the 1950s. Why the heritage seating was stored away in the shearing shed of this former working sheep and cattle property isn’t exactly clear. The most likely answer traces back to 1955 when the banks of the Macquarie River broke, reaching Dundullimal Homestead during one of the worst floods the region has experienced. After the flood the main home was abandoned until restored by the National Trust in the 1980s.

Thanks to generous support from the Dundullimal Dubbo Support Crew, the chaise longue and tub chairs have recently undergone a remarkable restoration, returning to the drawing room of the historic property after 70 years.

Rewinding time

Restoring the suite to its original beauty was a project that required significant skill and precise attention to detail. Before conservation work began, extensive research into the original upholstery techniques and fabrics of the time was undertaken. Using traditional methods ensured the process would be as historically accurate as possible however it required specialist knowledge. Tasked with the delicate job of bringing the century-old furniture back to life was furniture conservator Ian Thomson and expert upholsterer Carlos Rodrigues.

The restoration began with stabilisation of the timber framework. 19th century techniques were then employed including horsehair padding, tied springs and new webbing. Finally, period-appropriate castors were added and deep buttoning created for a luxurious padded surface.

Material gains

When it came to choosing the fabric, the setting of the drawing room at Dundullimal Homestead was an essential consideration. Hung with ornate heritage wallpaper, a compromise between a material that aligned aesthetically with the place yet remained true to the era of the furniture needed to be found. The answer lay in a deep emerald-green cotton. Contrasting striped corded piping was then used for an eye-catching finish.

A grand comeback

Rescued from a state of ruin, the magnificently restored chaise longue and chairs are installed once more in the drawing room of Dundullimal Homestead. Offering a captivating glimpse back in time, the furniture demonstrates the value of conservation in enabling future generations tangible insight into our shared past.

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