Maker Handmade: Maker Profile : Reissued

Jacqui Porter from Reissued is a Melbourne based Maker who, rather than making something from scratch, creates beautiful pieces by restyling and recreating furniture. You can always find one or two unique Reissued chairs or stools in Maker Handmade.

Who are the Makers behind Reissued?

Jacqui Porter is the creative mind behind Reissued Furniture and other things. Jacqui sources and restores the furniture, whilst Alex and George work on the re upholstery. Jacqui also sources sustainable contemporary or vintage fabrics for the furniture from around Australia.

Tell us about the process of creating your products, from concept to finish?

I love the idea of recycling and re-creating a piece of furniture that has already had a history. The creative process of re-styling a piece of furniture varies. Sometimes I fall in love with a piece of furniture or sometimes with a piece of fabric and so I begin at those points. I like to spend a bit of time with a piece of furniture before deciding what I want to do with it. Sanding the timber back on a chair or stool, and then oiling and waxing it helps you get a feel for the piece which allows you to be clearer about the fabrics that will really bring it to life. Similarly sourcing some beautiful screen printed fabric from a talented Australian designer and sitting with it in the studio, really allows me to be much clearer about the types of furniture that would enhance it. Working closely with George and Alex (the upholsterers) who have been in the trade for many years ensures that the upholstery work is done in a style suitable to the piece and with a high quality finish.

What’s in the name?

I hope the name expresses the idea of recycling and recreating. That is: a piece of furniture was issued once many years ago and now it is being issued for a second time but in a different way – i.e. Reissued.

What do you love about what you do?

I love the idea of recycling. I love exploring what a piece of beautiful contemporary or vintage fabric and a piece of sandpaper can do to a very tired and dated piece of furniture. It is very satisfying being part of this transformation.

What do you hope happens when you send your products out into the world?

I am forever hopeful that some people will appreciate the history, beauty and uniqueness of Reissued furniture and want a chair or a stool or both to be part of their homes. I am looking forward to going to a stranger's home and seeing a piece of Reissued furniture in pride of place by the fireside or under a wonderful painting or something like that.

The important details:

Prices vary depending on the piece of furniture and the fabric used. Jacqui also loves working on commission pieces