Removing the armrests from a Resort armchair by Friso Kramer

For upholstery (restoration)

A lesser-known metal office chair by Dutch designer Friso Kramer we’re going to talk about, the famous“Resort” swivel chair, published by Ahrend de Cirkel in the Netherlands in the 1960s.

Although it’s not so easy to find, it’s rarely found in good condition, with the leatherette armrests often torn.

However, these parts need to be removed from the Resort chair’s structure so that the damaged fabric can be replaced, and perhaps also the foam covering the wooden base…

The inner part of the armrest hides the last screw in its center, so it’s essential to separate it from the seat. The two cylinders shown in the photo seem to make this impossible, so here’s the solution:

• After unscrewing the screws on the upper part of the armrest, carefully remove the armrest plate from its metal base…

• …it reveals two round metal parts (here, one is already disassembled).

• The small, flat piece of metal actually clamps the end of the rounded bolt that passes through the two cylinders under the armrest.
• Using a screwdriver, loosen the 4 small metal teeth around the round end.

• BE CAREFUL not to slip, it’s quite strong… I stuck the screwdriver in my hand!
• Once the teeth are slightly apart, remove the bolt by striking it with a nail punch.
• You can now release the armrest from its backrest structure.

• Don’t forget to put your parts away before you start packing!