Barbara Sieber-Vandall

Ox & Bear

Upholsterer

©Klemens König Photography

Combining form and fabric

Barbara's creations combine design and craftsmanship
She enjoys the challenge of creating shapes
She originally trained as an architect

Interest in the icons of design has always accompanied Barbara. As she says: "My interest has always been in modern furniture design, as the designs created between the 1930s and late 1960s continue to shape our times." After completing her architectural studies she found a way to combine her interest in design with craftsmanship and, under the guidance of an upholstery master, she completed her training as an upholsterer. Each piece of furniture is approached with great attention to detail and made according to the original design. For Barbara, every piece of furniture tells a story that we become a part of. Her many years of experience and expertise are appreciated on the international scene.

Interview

©Marion Luttenberger

©Klemens König

Why did you turn towards craftsmasnhip?: The motivation to take up one's own initiative – for someone who was already fully engaged in their professional life – it was the desire to explore the original pieces and work on them by my own hand.
Do you master any specific techniques?: I master the classic and modern methods of upholstery. In classical upholstery, a lot of work still uses laced feathers, Afrik and horsehair and the cushions are shaped with glaze stitches. In modern upholstery, new material possibilities such as foam and fleece are used.
How do you approach complex restorations?: For pieces which have been badly damaged, it is necessary to dismantle them before renovation, which is documented step-by-step with photographs. If the furniture has had repair work, an in-depth research is performed to find the original construction.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: In the combination of old techniques and new materials or new techniques and old materials. The challenge of creating forms and bodies makes me curious and satisfied.

Barbara Sieber-Vandall is a rising star: she began her career in 2017 and she started teaching in 2021