Furthermore, the
book describes the complexity of materials—leathers, silks, laces—and
range of skills (upholstering, tufting, stitching and binding, cutting
enameled leathers, making leather sockets, welting, fabric selection,
etc.) required for this branch of the carriage trade. It also includes
recipes for cleaning, oiling and blacking leather, polishing metals
and restoring ivory, among others. For conservators, restorers and
dealers in antique furniture (especially upholstered 19th century
furniture), this is an indispensable guideline and instructive manual
for the upholstery trade in general.
Tool collectors
will benefit from the descriptions and illustrations of trimmers'
tools such as stuffing sticks, round knives and shears. In her forward
to this reprint edition, Merri Ferrell (former curator and carriage
historian) compares the book to “the thrill of opening the door of
a Brougham to discover a world of upholstered damask, coach lace,
mirrored vanities and pleated headlining.” Let The Carriage Trimmers'
Manual take you back to that fascinating time as it brings a long-forgotten
trade back to life.
