Agree with jen046 about Kvadrat/Maharam. They produce original Alexander Giraud fabrics, many of which were originally designed about the same time as your chair. They can be pricey but you wouldn't need as large amount for armchairs as you would for a sofa and thus maybe you could splurge???

Also I would steer clear of patterns because you want the design of these chairs to sing without any distraction.

What a great find blenderdesign, very envious! They would look great in tan leather which would compliment the room nicely.

Having said that, if you were staying true to made local and made in Australia - A Sunburnt Country Fabric Range would be really fitting to tie into the story - Grace Garrett's fabric range draws inspiration from indigenous tribal markings, landscapes, flora and fauna. Some fabulous prints and colours available:

http://gracegarrett.com/collections/a-sunburnt-country-fabric-1

I'm really interested in seeing what you end up doing with these.

Thanks for all your comments. We've decided to go with a soft tan leather and will probably cover just one of the chairs initially (we have two of them). I'll post a photo when it's reupholstered, which will be a few weeks away yet. Looking forward to breathing new life into the chair. It's so comfortable and we love that it's locally made.

Thanks Macu Design for the fabric link - some really beautiful and unusual designs, love the Australian inspired patterns and will keep them in mind for cushions and maybe wallpaper.

Meilin42, I agree. The lines of the chair are beautiful and would be overwhelmed with patterned fabric.

We looked at the Kvadrat/Maharam fabrics, great options, but couldn't decide on a colour! Very tempted by the citrus, deep purples and teal, but as upholstering is so expensive, we've opted for a classic leather look.

Sorry to have missed the discussion. Fantastic chairs, what a find. I'm sure you'll post the results, I'd love to see the makeover.

Thanks for the reminder! Here are a few photos of the chair with it's new soft tan leather. We're really happy with how it's turned out. The upholsterers did a fantastic job and the colour and material choice works well with the design.

Stunning job, I like you sculptured dog as well, looks like a cool pad you have there

Oh that looks way better than I could have imagined. Yes, the upholsterers did an amazing job. Kudos to them, thanks for the share.

Hi Jane, I have the same chairs and upholstered them in a red/orange corduroy. But yours look fantastic too.

By the way were you aware that these chairs were made for the old QLD Parliamentary Annexe Building? They were put into the rooms with Ottomans for the out of town members. Mine had a sticker underneath stating that they were property of the QLD Government. I picked mine up from kerbside collection. and then did the research through QLD Parliament.

Thanks for the background info. We had seen a couple of these chairs and ottomans in burnt orange come up for sale that were out of The Lodge, so knew that there was a parliament connection, but had no idea that they were actually designed for a local parliament building. Love hearing their story, thanks. We're always on the look out for a matching ottoman. Lucky find picking up yours from a kerbside collection.