Q: Several years ago, I inherited a vintage Le Corbusier L4 Chaise upholstered in ecru canvas. It's exactly like the one on display in MOMA. The trouble is the canvas has gotten quite dingy over the years, making this lovely piece look, frankly, gross. I've considered getting rid of it, but it's an authentic piece so it's probably worth hanging onto if only I could clean it up.
I've looked around online and haven't found any advice about how to clean the canvas. Anyone out there have any ideas?
Sent by Kim
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If it's really vintage I'd say you probably want to have it professionally cleaned. The only other things I can think of (and I don't really know how the upholstery works on these chaises) is to put on a slipcover, or, can you take off the padded parts, store them somewhere to save them, and put replacements on the chair?
I would consult a high quality dry cleaner. Take the cushion in and see what they suggest. I imagine that the cover can be removed but they should know best which seam to open and how to restitch it.
Or, failing that, talk to an upholsterer and see what they suggest.
Since it is an original piece, your first step should be to contact The Fondation Le Corbusier. The foundation's job is to conserve and preserve Le Corbusier's legacy, so I'm sure that someone there can help you with information regarding the canvas and the particular care needed.
http://www.fondationlecorbusier.fr/corbuweb/morpheus.aspx?sysName=home&sysLanguage=fr-fr
Just a word of warning- your encounters with furniture conservators are going to be very costly. As a painting conservator we deal with furniture conservators and man, it's a pricey venture.
I'm just jealous. Which I had a LeCorbusier to lounge upon!
Um, yeah, you're going to want to hang on to that. Seconding the recommendations for asking a professional museum conservator.
If you do end up getting rid of it, please consider donating it to a museum or foundation rather than just putting it up on Craigslist - or if you do, make sure you sell to someone who will take care of it :)
Another catch- if you do have it conserved and in turn appraised and insured, you're going to inevitably, through the effort to preserve the piece as a work of art remove it from the realm of functional furniture to a degree. Really, will you be sitting, or allow guests to sit on a piece into which you've invested several thousands which is now appraised and insured...
All I'm saying is that your actions will dictate the future life of the piece... so before doing anything, perhaps it's wise to consider what you want out of the piece...
The cushion should have a zipper or flap in the back where you can slip the foam out. Once you freed it of its foam wash it in hot water and bleach and hang it dry (so it doesn't shrink). If you can't get it out call an upholstery cleaner. It should cost about 50-100 bucks for the house call.
Slightly off-topic: I have an LC4 by Cassina that needs a new leather or pony upholstered cushion. Is there a reputable source for such a thing? I see a million and one (dubious quality) reproductions of the entire chaise, but am at a loss as to where to get a quality version of only the cushion/upholstered top.
Throw a blanket on it until you can afford to have it professionally cleaned, and if it is in that bad of shape get it reupholstered, or give it me please.