← Back to CollectionRESTORATION RECORD | THE-DMC-0042

1950s Duros Occasional Chairs

Set of two

Made in Woodstock, Cape Town in the 1950s, these Duros chairs retain their original maker's marks and the solid hardwood frames that have carried them through decades of use.

Pair of restored Duros dining chairs with timber backs and off-white bouclé upholstery

THE PAIR

Piece Details

ManufacturerH. Ospovat & Co. (Duros)

OriginWoodstock, Cape Town

Era1950s

MaterialSolid Hardwood

UpholsteryOff-White Bouclé

Maker's MarksOriginal marks intact on frames

TreatmentStripped, structurally reinforced, resealed and refinished

Treatment DateOctober 2025

ReferenceTHE-DMC-0042

At Auction

Currently consigned to Strauss & Co.

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Stewardship & Treatment

The Restoration

The frames arrived showing heavy wear and degraded varnishes. They were completely stripped back and fine-sanded to raw wood.

The core joints remained structurally sound. Traditional structural clamping was applied to reinforce minor micro-movements that had developed over decades of use.

The frames were then resealed and refinished, protecting the natural wood grain that gives the chairs their character. The seats and backrests were reupholstered in off-white bouclé upholstery, with the degrading original foam replaced by high-density sponge.

Historical Context

The Provenance

These chairs were manufactured in the 1950s by the Duros furniture company, based in Woodstock, Cape Town.

The original maker's marks remain intact on the frames, retained through the restoration process rather than removed or obscured.

In Detail

Details & Provenance

A closer look at the finished upholstery, construction and surviving maker's mark.

Front view of restored Duros dining chairs with off-white bouclé upholstery — FINAL RESTORED PAIR

Rear view of restored Duros dining chairs showing timber frames — REAR CONSTRUCTION

Close-up of off-white bouclé upholstery on restored Duros dining chair — OFF-WHITE BOUCLÉ

Original Duros furniture maker's mark on timber chair frame — ORIGINAL MAKER'S MARK

Conservation Documentation

The Record

Treatment was completed in October 2025 and documented under reference THE-DMC-0042.

The record covers the condition of the solid hardwood frames, preservation of the original maker's marks, and the structural and surface treatment carried out by The Heritage Edit.

The work was executed by Samantha Cass, Founder of The Heritage Edit.

The Lab | Solid Hardwood Stewardship

Care & Stewardship

Simple guidelines to preserve the reinforced frame and refinished timber of this piece.

01. The Timber

Dust with a soft dry or lightly damp lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners and strong household chemicals.

02. The Upholstery

Vacuum gently using an upholstery attachment. Blot spills promptly rather than rubbing. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, and use a professional upholstery cleaning service for deeper treatment.

03. The Environment

Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive heat and sustained damp conditions.