Background Info and Provenance
(Written in 2015)
A PAIR single-seater Tessa T9 lounge chairs from the mid-1970’s. (Price is for 2 chairs.) The T9 model is possibly the rarest of all the T-series and in my opinion one of the best. I rate the T9 above the much-celebrated T4 series. The T9 is more comfortable than the T4. You’re well supported in the T9’s- the angles are great for comfort plus there’s plushness as well. This is a great sitting chair- perfect for conversation or watching TV. The T9 also strongly competes with the T4 in looks and for some people it surpasses the T4. The styling of this pair is more restrained and minimalist but this does not equal boring. Look at the curves- sinewy and flowing- the T9 has a style all of its own. It reminds me of a gymnast’s ribbon in motion. This to me it’s the epitome of stylishness and grace with confidence as well. These chairs won’t dominate your space allowing a more-balanced lay-out.
The comfort box is ticked- the looks box ticked- which leaves durability and investment. Another two ticks. Because they’re Tessa the durability of the construction is assured. Research Tessa on-line for a few minutes and you’ll see that Tessa developed its reputation because of top-quality construction. A pair of T4s retail for $4800 NEW today- Tessa can only ask such a sum because people know their furniture lasts…. Why am trying to convince you of this? Just look at the condition after about 40 years of use! The T9 is no longer produced and had a very short production run in the 70’s- T9’s are one of the rarest of all Tessa furniture making them a great investment. When researching this listing I found only one pair on-line but not for sale. They were in the sold inventory of an upmarket store in Melbourne.
And yet there’s even more positives. The covers zip off so they can be put in the washing machine. Wool and fabric upholstery would be a good choice here. (Just return the covers to the cushions when they’re still damp to prevent shrinkage.) These covers also make re-upholstery easy. Simply take the old covers with new fabric to anyone with a sewing machine. The ladies who sit in the back of dry cleaning shops doing alterations could even do these (or people who sew curtains). The chairs don’t even need to leave your house. This means re-upholstery at any time is cheap and easy.
Buying vintage furniture that has already stood the test of time is, in my opinion, the best way to invest in your home and reduce your carbon footprint. Tessa has told stories for about 50 years and will continue to tell stories well after you and I have left. (This description was written in 2017. Any values given apply to 2015 and may have since changed.)
Ref- about 1801
Condition and Dimensions
This PAIR is vintage (mid to late 1970’s) but overall in excellent condition for their age. The timber frames are brilliant. They’re solid and resilient with NO breakage, NO cracks around any joint, NO movement in any joint, NO repairs- they’re extremely sturdy and strong. Cosmetically the timber frames present very well- they’re about 40 years old so have minor signs of age and use but nothing that’s noticed.
The cushions show how much use they’ve had. (Quite a lot.) There are NO signs of pets or cigarette smokers- NO smells- the cushions are not dirty or unusable in my opinion. The cushions are however completely worn along the front edge. The front edge has splits exposing the cushion and most of the fabric in this front area is fragile from wear. The rest of the cushion covers are in very good condition though. This is wool which is some of the highest quality upholstery you can buy. It’s holding up well for 40 years of constant use. The covers are old but funny enough look pretty good and if you’re going for a bohemian look or even in a library I think the character of the upholstery looks cool. However in a chic apartment living room re-upholstery is necessary- a cheap and easy exercise. You can choose any fabric you want- you don’t have to put up with my choice. Spend the money on a quality fabric- a nice wool in taupe, wheat or charcoal would be sensational on these and would be soft, homely and inviting to sit in. Off-white leather would also be stunning.
The webbing under the cushion has been recently replaced- normal for 40 year-old webbing. I don’t know the quality of the webbing chosen by the previous owner but it’s doing the job and should keep going for years to come. Some people want more support in a chair- if this is you simply add extra webbing- something with less “give”. (You can buy webbing with a larger range of elasticity to suit your taste. Adding webbing would cost perhaps $25 or less if you have an upholstery stapler.
The internal cushioning is doing a great job. It’s in very good condition and provides softness and support (it’s certainly not hard). These are nice comfy chairs to sit in.
Timber slats in the backs are the highest quality you can buy (better than the netting on the T4). There will never be any upkeep needed with the backs.
There is the expected wear to the quilted cotton that covers the webbing beneath the seats- when the cushions are on this is never noticed.
Both chairs have the original Tessa TAGS.
The chairs both present extremely well (except for the wear with the upholstery) and will last the long-haul. The Tessa T9 single-seater chair measures 71cm across by about 73cm back with a height of 69cm. The seat height is 45cm at the front and the depth of seat is 50cm. (For freight- 0.7cbm.)
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