Restoring a Resort armchair: how do you remove its armrests to replace their upholstery?
The Resort swivel office chair, designed by Dutch designer Friso Kramer and produced by Ahrend De Cirkel in the 1960s, is a relatively uncommon model.
In particular, it is difficult to find an example whose armrests are still in good condition. Their leatherette covering is often torn or worn, while the foam covering their wooden base may need replacing.
Before reupholstering, the armrests therefore need to be removed. But their fastening system holds a small surprise: one screw remains hidden inside each armrest.
The difficulty comes from the two metal cylinders located under the armrest. They seem to prevent any separation between it and the chair’s structure.
Here are the different disassembly steps, photographed in our restoration workshop.
Start by unscrewing the screws on the upper part of the armrest. Then carefully unclip its upholstery from the metal base to access the internal mechanism.
This operation reveals two round metal parts. In the following photographs, one of them has already been disassembled.
A small flat metal piece holds the rounded end of the bolt that passes through the two cylinders located under the armrest.
Using a screwdriver, carefully spread apart the four small metal teeth that hold this end in place.
The following photographs show the mechanism and the different steps for releasing the bolt.
Warning: the small metal teeth are particularly stiff. Hold the part firmly without placing your hand in the path of the screwdriver, and protect your hands and eyes. During this operation, I actually drove the screwdriver into my own hand!
Once the teeth are slightly spread, you can free the bolt using a suitable nail punch, proceeding carefully.
The armrest can then be separated from the backrest structure. The previously inaccessible screw can be removed to complete the disassembly.
This operation illustrates the technical particularities that can be encountered when restoring Dutch industrial furniture. Behind the apparent simplicity of the Resort chair’s lines lies an assembly system that calls for methodical disassembly.
Our vintage furniture restoration workshop works on creations from different eras. Also find in our selection a Reform table by Friso Kramer or his drawing or workshop stools, another example of his approach to industrial furniture.
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