Original idea
There are lots of reasons to look for a new line of work – but it was a favourite old chair that led Kate Mackenzie along a new career path, writes Susan Welsh
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AS A child, Kate Mackenzie liked nothing better than to while away the hours sitting on her grandfather’s knee, while he sat in his huge armchair.
The armchair, which dates back to the 1880s and now takes pride of place in her family home, was the key to Kate giving up her job as a teacher to launch her own business, The Original Chair Company.
“I have always had a passion for chairs, particularly those of a different style and period to now,” explained Kate, from Perth.
“That, together with a love of antiques, encouraged me to turn what started as a hobby into a career.”
Kate designs timeless bespoke furniture, constructed by teams of contracted skilled craftsmen and using only the finest materials and fibres. She also sources and upholsters antique chairs, sofas and chaise longues, and provides a finder’s service for clients seeking a particular style.
“One of my earliest memories is sitting on my grandfather’s knee while he sat in his favourite old armchair, a chair which I absolutely loved,” said Kate, 38. “When he moved into a residential home I was given the chair.
“It survived my student days and literally travelled the world with me, but then it started to fall to pieces; the arm had fallen off, and the whole chair needed restoring.
“I went on a few courses to learn how to re-upholster chairs and managed to bring it to life again.”
Meanwhile, Kate worked as a teacher, but spent her free time at auction houses and sales, looking for unusual and one-off pieces which she then brought back to life.
“After my daughter Poppie was born I worked part-time as a supply teacher which I didn’t find particularly rewarding compared to working full-time,” explained Kate.
“I decided this was the ideal time to set up on my own, it was a make or break decision really.
“I got a business plan from the bank and with a very small sum of money, just enough to get me started, I worked from home, converting the garage into a store and work room.
“The timing was right as there is a big interest in period furniture, particularly in this current financial climate.
“People want quality furniture and they want pieces which will last for years.
“A lot of the furniture I sell is Victorian – the way the Victorians made furniture was fantastic.
“If these pieces are looked after properly, with traditional upholstery, you will end up with a beautiful piece that will last for decades, unlike modern sofas and chairs.”
Kate’s business is now extremely well-known, and although it’s based in Perth, her clients, who range from owners of stately homes to those who simply want a favourite chair brought back to life, come from all corners of the UK.
“I try to offer a very personal service, and showcase some of the pieces in my own home,” said Kate.
“I like to think of it as a unique service as clients spend hours here, looking at different types of furniture and fabrics.”
The furniture is built by skilled craftsmen, using fine materials and fibres. Kiln-dried birch or beech wood is used for the custom made frames.
Joints are crafted by hand and to exact specifications and a combination of jute webbing and springs are used for optimum comfort.
The top fabric is hand-cut to the correct pattern and then hand-finished into place on the frame.
Kate also offers a bespoke service where the craftsmen can modify any of the frames to suit individual requirements.
“I no longer do the re-upholstery myself but have an excellent team of contracted traditional furniture makers, French polishers and fabric specialists who I work very closely with, which allows me to concentrate on sourcing specialist pieces and designing new classical furniture which looks good in a traditional or contemporary setting,” said Kate. “For anyone thinking of doing what I did and turning a hobby into a career I’d offer this advice: Be prepared for long hours and to sleep and breathe the business.
“It is hard work and there are long hauls but it is rewarding.
“Focus on customer service as it’s good to be remembered as the person who always goes the extra mile.”
For further information visit the website, www.the originalchaircompany.co.uk
