1885 Charles Tisch Sofa

A very rare 1885 sofa by Charles Tisch, one of three known to exist, with its frame and bronze inlay repaired and its upholstery rebuilt by hand.

Era

1885

Maker

Charles Tisch

Work

Frame and bronze inlay repair, traditional upholstery rebuilt by hand

Materials

Tied springs, burlap, Spanish moss, wood wool, horsehair (original, restored), muslin

Only a few of these sofas were made, and only three are known to exist. This one has inlaid wood and bronze detailing and gargoyles carved from purpleheart. Its seating materials had been changed over the years, and earlier attempts at repairing the frame were poor.

Most joints had been “repaired” with improper dowels and excess glue. Kim cut them away, fitted new dowels and glued the frame back together. Serious damage to an arm was repaired with epoxy, and the loose inlaid bronze ribbon, bordered with ebony stripes, was repaired and polished.

The upholstery was rebuilt the traditional way. The arms were padded with Spanish moss and horsehair over stitched edge rolls. The springs were tied the English double-return way and covered with burlap, wood wool edges and the original 140-year-old horsehair, restored and laid back in under muslin. The work ran from summer 2023 to May 2024. “Finally, completed!!!”