There’s a lot that goes into bringing a vintage barber chair back to life. Stripping it to bare wood, reshaping each piece, hand-making the upholstery and even fabricating the buttons. Sean has done every step himself.
When I asked Sean what draws him to restoring antique barber chairs, his answer wasn’t about the craftsmanship. He told me he thinks about all the conversations, stories, and lives that have passed through that chair. Restoring it is his way of honoring its history and getting to add to it.
Watching the chair come back to life reminded me of why I admire how he works. He doesn’t rush. He doesn’t cut corners. Every part matters to him, and he gives each one the time and care it deserves. That same dedication shows up in how he approaches life and family.
Did you know? The first reclining barber chair with a hydraulic lift was patented in 1900 by Ernest Koken. His design revolutionized the industry, giving barbers more flexibility and control and set the standard for the chairs still cherished and collected today.
At Dapper Barber Club in downtown Springfield, we don’t just preserve the craft we live it. From the chairs to the cuts, everything here has a story. Come experience it for yourself.