About us

Our Story

The Original Chair Company began in 2006 in the heart of Perthshire, Scotland. I, Kate MacKenzie, founded the business out of a deep passion for chair design, interior design, and traditional upholstery—a love that has been with me for as long as I can remember. What began as a hobby fuelled by my admiration for antiques and craftsmanship soon evolved into something much greater, turning my vision into a career rooted in restoration and creativity.

what we do:

Quality Upholstered Furniture

Fabric Studio

Re-upholstery Service

Trade Support

Interior Design

Property Furnishing

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The Inspiration Behind The Original Chair Company- In the words of Kate MacKenzie, Director-

The story of The Original Chair Company began long before its founding—rooted in the warm, memory-filled spaces of my childhood. I spent many happy days at my grandparents’ home in Suffolk, a place brimming with character, craftsmanship, and quiet elegance. From the heavy window drapes to the linen-covered armchairs, polished silver, antiques, and dovetail-jointed woods, every detail told a story. That home sparked my love for interiors rich in texture, heritage, and meaning.

Among all the treasured pieces in their home, one stood out above the rest: my grandfather’s grand armchair. It was where we sat together—him sharing stories from his life, always with humour and kindness. My grandfather, Philip Arthur Angell, was a gentle soul, and that chair came to represent the comfort, warmth, and connection of those shared moments.

Years later, when he moved into residential care, we couldn’t bring most of the furniture with us. All he wished to keep was that cherished armchair—but sadly, it was too large to fit. So, I brought it with me instead. That chair followed me through every chapter—university, London, even Australia—and eventually found its place in our home in Scotland, where my husband Stephen now loves it as much as I do.

That armchair, and the memories held within it, became the starting point for The Original Chair Company—a celebration of heritage, design, and the meaningful pieces that make a house feel like home.

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From Passion to Purpose

The journey to founding The Original Chair Company began when I became a mum to my daughter, Poppie—named after my beloved grandmother. That chapter of life brought with it a quiet clarity: it was time to follow what truly brought me joy—working with antique chairs and the craft of upholstery.

Though I had previously been a teacher, in 2006 I took a leap of faith and started The Original Chair Company. In the very beginning, I worked from my garage, sourcing beautiful old chairs and restoring them by hand. Those early days hold a special kind of magic—I still remember the strings of Designers Guild fabric samples pegged like bunting across the ceiling, and the scent of French polish, wax, and sandpaper in the air.

As word spread and the business grew, so did the need for more space. I moved from one workshop to the next—each one a little bigger than the last—including a former agricultural bull pen. Every move marked a new chapter, with more chairs to restore and a growing client base who shared my love for timeless craftsmanship.

It was during these early years that I finally reupholstered my grandfather’s armchair. Its fabric was worn, one arm had broken, and the springs needed rebuilding. Restoring it was an emotional process—deeply personal and long overdue. I chose a striking elephant-patterned fabric that gave the chair a bold new life while honouring its story.

That chair remains at the heart of what we do: blending heritage with modern artistry, and turning meaningful pieces into something truly special.

Testimonials

We were so pleased with the sofa and chair that you did a little while ago, and the chair that you have just done has been greatly admired only this afternoon! The chair looks amazing, thank you for a first class bit of work. I am glad that the selection of the material has worked so well, it was a bit of an indulgence on my part but it has all come together thanks to your expertise – well done.

Malcolm Hutton

I LOVE THIS SOFA! I would highly recommend The Original Chair Company, the service was exceptional – very helpful and considered. The Sofa is beautifully crafted and even more beautiful than I hoped it to be.

Kristie Wilkinson

I am so pleased to have discovered The Original Chair Company. The sofa and armchair are of such high quality and really enhance the look of the sitting room in my new cottage. Thank you to Kate and Sarah for all your help and expertise. I may well call on you again for some interior design advice!

Chloe, Tumbridge Wells

We are delighted with the chair. I have used it and find it to be very comfortable. The whole experience from start to finish has been of the highest standard and we have no problem in recommending you to anyone looking to buy quality furniture.

Bruce Taylor

Thank you for an amazing experience from the choosing of fabrics, the professional advice and prompt delivery. We just love our large footstool and it is a great feature in our living area. Now, what shall we go for next?

Pauline Smith

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The Story Behind The Philip Arthur Chair

The restoration of my grandfather’s cherished armchair planted a seed—an idea that lingered with me for years. In 2024/2025, I brought that idea to life by reimagining the design and creating a new piece in his honour: The Philip Arthur Chair.

With its deep, hand-tied coil-sprung seat and elegant, timeless silhouette, this chair embodies everything we stand for at The Original Chair Company—exceptional craftsmanship, meaningful heritage, and heartfelt design. It’s more than just a chair; it’s a tribute to the stories, memories, and relationships that shape the spaces we live in.

Today, The Original Chair Company continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Whether we’re restoring a beloved heirloom or designing a new piece from scratch, our mission is the same: to honour the past while creating furniture that will be cherished for generations to come.

From those humble beginnings in my garage to a thriving showroom in Perth, it’s always been about breathing life and soul into every piece we touch—and helping our customers bring that same feeling into their homes across the UK and beyond.

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Craftsmanship at Its Finest

The Philip Arthur Chair is built to last—and to be loved for generations. Each chair features a solid hardwood frame, crafted with 30% more timber than is typically used in modern upholstered furniture. This added strength ensures both stability and longevity, setting it apart in quality from the very beginning.

At the heart of the seat lies a premium coil spring unit, chosen for its superior support and durability. For an authentic, traditionally upholstered finish, we hand-stitch a horsehair-stuffed front roll into many of our chairs—a time-honoured technique that not only enhances comfort but also provides further longevity allowing the piece to be reupholstered many times over without compromising its structure.

To complete the experience, a luxurious duck feather and down seat cushion works in harmony with the coil springs, offering exceptional comfort with every sit.

We’re proud to offer a 25-year guarantee on the frame and springs, a testament to the enduring craftsmanship behind every Philip Arthur Chair.

The latest model is shown here in Octavie Prairie by Manuel Canovas, paired with a feather-filled scatter cushion in House Velvet, Aubergine by GP & J Baker—adding a rich, elegant finish to this timeless piece.