Reviving Wickerwork

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31363, 8 May 1967, Page 2

Reviving Wickerwork

(By

STELLA BRUCE)

Bentwood furniture and wickerwork are still riding along with the surprisingly longlasting art nouveau craze.

What is astonishing is that you can sttil pick up bentwood and wicker chairs—very pleasant objects in them-

selves, regardless of whether they are fashionable—-in sec-ond-hand shops at highly reasonable prices. But, and not surprisingly when you realise a lot of this furniture dates back half a century, a bit of “first aid” is often needed. If the chairs have been painted they are probably chipped, and certainly dirty. Rub bentwood furniture down

with fine glasspaper and sponge with soapy water.

Basketwork should be scrubbed gently with a soft brush. Try not to get the wicker too wet

If you want to paint the furniture, a push-button aerosol can is far superior to paint-pot and brush—as long as you spray lightly. Spray enamel now comes in black, white, silver, gold and at least a dozen other colours. There is also transparent sealer in aerosol form. A word of warning: use the spray in a well-ventilated room. If possible wait for a fine day and do the job in the garden.