Good Questions: How Do I Identify and Refinish a Le Corbusier LC2?

Hi there. I have a Le Corbusier LC2 that I would like some info on and to partially refinish myself. I can tell from the condition that it is easily over 25 years old and there are no markings/stickers that say who made it...

...The bottom support (wide cusion under the 3 seat cushions) is segmented and contoured similar to the new ones made by Cassina but there is no engraving under the arm. Anyone know how to tell the origin?

In terms of the refinish, I can paint the frame myself but need a source for upholstery quality foam and Pirelli webbing. Also, the leather still feels nice but the color is a bit off in a few places. It's definitely full aniline as there is no peeling on the surface and the color permeates the leather. Is there something that would help even out the color that's not just a 'paint on' finish? Thanks!

-Matt

Can anyone help Matt?

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Comments (9)

You're going to paint the frame? Isn't it chrome?

posted by Anna at D16 on August 13th 2008 at 10:19am
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For the leather, I'd take to to a professional to restore and re-dye the covers.

I'd do the same with the frame - taking it to a professional to be replated or powder-coated as appropriate.

Finally, I'd have an upholsterer provide new cushion inserts - These need more than just foam, but also a down-wrap or possibly even innerspring cores depending on how firm and resilient you want your seat and how long you want it to last.

posted by bepsf on August 13th 2008 at 10:24am
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I would love to know more about the rocking chair in your photo. It looks like it is super comfortable to rock in.

posted by Signe on August 13th 2008 at 10:28am
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Signature under the arm or lift the cushions the lining is marked Cassina. LC products can be ordered with matte black - gloss black (basalte) - gloss grey - gloss light blue - gloss green - gloss bordeaux - gloss ochre, frames. So if you want you can always powder coat the frame.

http://www.cassinausa.com/corbusier.html

posted by ENTENZA on August 13th 2008 at 10:28am
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I'm still with Anna, you're going to paint a chrome frame?

posted by amt230 on August 13th 2008 at 10:50am
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oh, and I too am a big fan of that rocker. nice.

posted by amt230 on August 13th 2008 at 10:50am
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From the pic, the frame looks to be black, not chrome.

The rocker looks like a Hans Wegner.

posted by Shawn on August 13th 2008 at 11:06am
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I just bought a rocker (on Craigslist) that is extremely similar to that one, but I seriously doubt that mine is a Hans Wegner. The only distinguishing mark is a "Made in Yugoslavia" stamped into the wood. But I wanted to ask - how do you take care of the rope parts? I'm planning to try refinishing the wood, but I'm not sure what to do about the rope. It's not bad enough to completely re-do, and I'd like to make it last.

Sorry I don't have any input on the sofa!

posted by Antonine on August 13th 2008 at 12:52pm
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Leather is a tricky thing to smooth out from my own research... even the paint-on type finishes aren't so smart because they will probably rub off on your clothes. Maybe it just needs cleaned? I've used lexol products with great success, the cleaner is great and the conditioner really made my worn leather soft and a slightly darker, rich look. If you're set on dying I've seen kits, but I've been afraid to try them... personally, I like the un-even leather look as long as it's not obviously stained and gross. If it were me, I'd leave the natural wear as is - even the frame finish, and just fix the structural. Good luck!

posted by MattPDX on August 13th 2008 at 5:24pm
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