Your Parker Knoll has a long and distinguished pedigree and is amongst the very best of British made furniture.
Practically all Parker Knoll models are worth of rejuvenation, either with Tailored Covers or by Re-Upholstery. In fact some Parker Knoll models have become collectors’ pieces, particularly chairs from the 60’s, and there is a brisk trade in second hand chairs on e-bay.
The frame of your chair or sofa is almost certainly solid Beech with doweled joints which is why it’s lasted so long. (For a short period in the 60’s they did experiment with fibreglass and expanded plastic frames on shell chairs but these were short lived).
Important things you should know about your Parker Knoll:
Lynplan has had a very close relationship with Parker Knoll for the last 50 years or so and has unrivalled knowledge of the brand. Here’s some facts which will help you in either choosing a second-hand Parker Knoll to buy for later renovation, or in deciding whether to restore your favourite chair or sofa…
Genuine Parker Knoll furniture has the makers name on it. On early models it was stamped on the wooden side rails under the seat, on later models it would be found on a metal plate under the furniture or on labels sewn into the seat platform under the seat.
Model numbers will be found on all Parker Knoll furniture made after 1950 and before 2005. The numbers begin with PK, PKN or N. On early models it was stamped on the side rail under the seat with the makers name, and on later models on the metal plate under the furniture. (the only exception we know of was the ‘Florian’ ladder back model where some of the models were made without a number). Within a group (or series) of models there will be variations on a theme – e.g. with wings, with side panels etc. Generally one (series) model number covering the group was stamped on the rail e.g. 1016/9 which covers models 1016, 1017, 1018 etc. Lynplan has an illustrated identification guide which helps distinguish which model is which, when they are stamped with a series number.
Pre-1950 the chairs usually carried a patent number, (but this does indicate that every chair with a particular number is identical) but it does indicate a good piece of furniture which will be well worth conservation. Since 2005 following the Parker Knoll factory closure at High Wycombe and the move to production elsewhere, the furniture does not carry a model number.
Recliners - the Norton: The most famous Parker Knoll recliner was the Norton. Many thousands of these were made and for many people it’s not been surpassed for comfort even today. Particularly impressive was the robust mechanism made especially for Parker Knoll which still gives excellent service today. Unfortunately following the loss of the tools for making the mechanisms, they are no longer in production. Today Lynplan is able to offer a limited supply of refurbished mechanisms in the unlikely event that they are required when re-upholstering furniture.(The Norton name originated with the Cornwall Norton company taken over by Parker Knoll and which eventually became incorporated into the company as Cornwall Parker when it went public).
Recliners Parts and Electric: A limited supply of recliner motors, controllers and transformers are available from Lynplan's furniture parts site www.furnifix.co.uk . Like the Norton recliner above, replacement mechanisms are unfortunately not available.
Re-polishing wood: The show-wood is one of the most delightful features of the early Parker Knoll furniture. However if you are tempted to strip the wood yourself, stain it and re-polish it you are likely to be disappointed. The Beech was not cut with the direction of the grain in mind for polishing so the result will not look very good. You will find if you look carefully at the wood that most of the colour is in the polish itself, so although the grain is evident, it’s not prominent. To re-create the same effect you need to use a coloured lacquer which really needs to be sprayed on to get that lovely smooth polished effect. (At Lynplan this is how we re-polish the wood, after stripping it back completely, sanding then applying 3 coats of polish)
Penshurst Chair: this Queen Anne wing chair has been one of the most enduring of Parker Knoll designs. In production for over 50 years it has gone through many subtle changes which are reflected in the model number – starting with PK720, the are many extensions – PK 720/45 PK 720/2 PK 720 Mk3 etc etc. All these models are subtly different so if you are ordering Tailored Covers from Lynplan you need to check the model number carefully – each is priced separately on the price lists.
Tailored Covers are available for nearly all Parker Knoll models from Lynplan and can be sent throughout the UK, Europe and most of the rest of the world - Simply go to the Patterns & Prices link on the left to request fabric samples.
Re-Upholstery is available throughout much of the UK for Parker Knoll furniture – Simply go to the Patterns & Prices link to the left and enter your postcode to see if the service is available where you live.
Picture at top shows a Parker Knoll Penshurst chair Re-Upholstered in Ferndale fabric, colourway Terracotta
LEATHER REPAIRS
