top of page

Upcycling & Rescuing Our Vintage Furniture: Embracing the Bagpuss Spirit of Revival

Updated: Aug 14, 2023

Bagpuss, the feline star of the beloved 1970s British TV series, was my ultimate childhood hero.


The whimsical premise of the show revolved around Emily, a resourceful young girl who had a knack for discovering lost and broken things. She would lovingly gather these treasures and entrust them to Bagpuss and his friends, who would work their magic to fix and restore each item to its former glory.

That saggy, old cloth cat, baggy, and a bit loose at the seams, still holds a special place in my heart.


But there was more to Bagpuss than meets the eye. He was a trendsetter, a pioneer of repurposing and reviving old, forgotten things long before it was cool.


And in the world of furniture upcycling, we can learn a thing or two from his wisdom.


Upcycling and Repurposing Vintage Furniture isn't Just a Fad - there's a cultural issue at stake too.

Just like the broken and discarded finds featured in Bagpuss, our heritage furniture deserves a second chance to shine.


These pieces carry the weight of history, embodying the craftsmanship and artistry of bygone eras.

But all too often, they are either destroyed or in danger of being whisked away to distant lands, leaving a void in our cultural tapestry.


Isn't it time for us to channel our inner Bagpuss and save our precious heritage from vanishing forever?


Picture this: a vibrant art deco armchair, once the centrepiece of a 1950s jazz club, longing for a new stage to show off its sexy curves and charm.


Or a mid-century modern sideboard, with its sleek lines and retro allure, craving a new style and a new home where it can play on nostalgic vibes and spark a few oh-so-sophisticated conversations.



Don't discard. Rescue, Revive, Upcycle!

These furniture gems are more than mere objects; they have stories to tell, secrets to reveal and memories to share............


But worry not, my fellow heritage enthusiasts!


We have the power to change the narrative.


Let's embark on a journey to rescue and revive these treasures, infusing our homes with character and embracing our design heritage.


In a world dominated by mass production and soulless replicas, we must seek out the local heroes who understand the value of our heritage furniture.


At The Furniture Artists Collective, we hold that mission close to our hearts.

We're a vibrant community of professional furniture upcyclers and designers who are deeply devoted to our craft.


Together, we're a growing family of artisans dedicated to preserving our heritage pieces.


. As guardians of the past, we bring new life to forgotten treasures and pay homage to the craftsmanship of yesteryear.



Whether you see a piece you instantly fall in love with or prefer to make your own discoveries remember this.

As you embark on your furniture-hunting adventures, let your inner Bagpuss guide you.


Explore vintage shops, flea markets, and hidden vintage emporiums tucked away in quiet corners of your town. Celebrate the quirks, imperfections, and unique personalities of each piece you discover.


Embrace the beauty of nostalgia and let it weave its magic into your living space.......


Image courtesy of Amy Edwards Home - Southampton UK. Connect with Amy here


Imagine the thrill of finding a lovingly restored Victorian dressing table covered with delicate lace doilies if granny chic is your thing, ready to hold your precious trinkets and maybe a love letter or two.....


Heritage Furniture Deserves to be Cherished

By embracing our heritage furniture, we connect with the past, pay homage to the original creators, and become a part of a legacy that needs to be cherished.


So, furniture aficionados, let us heed the call of Bagpuss and honour our design heritage.


Whatever led you to this blog, I hope you're feeling inspired. Actually, forget that. I hope I've lit a fire in you!


This is a call to everyone of us, as creative enthusiasts, devoted consumers, or crazy vintage nuts like me, let's ignite a movement that rescues and revives our cherished heritage.


Together, let's keep the ethos of Bagpuss alive and ensure that our heritage furniture continues to captivate and inspire generations to come.


Because, after all, there's no time like the present to shine a spotlight on the beauty of the past.




Enjoying the blog?

Want to know more?


Join the Movement!

The Furniture Artists Collective is an inspiring community of independent creatives and skilled artisans united by their love for innovative and sustainable furniture and home decor.

We stand firmly behind businesses that share our core values and actively work to foster their growth within the industry.

Our mission is to shape the future of furniture and home decor by promoting eco-friendly practices and celebrating the beauty of sustainable design. Together, we breathe new life into cherished family heirlooms and vintage finds through the art of upcycling and restoration.

Be part of our inspiring journey and subscribe to our blog for the latest updates, trends, and stories that fuel creativity and sustainability in the world of home interiors.


Visit Our Directory of Artisans here... Connect with talented furniture artists near you, and support their passion for creating one-of-a-kind pieces.


Explore our Shop Page. Immerse yourself in a world of exquisite refinished furniture and artisan home decor - handcrafted with love.


Calling All Furniture Artists, Upcyclers, Designers, and Hand-made Home Decor Professionals!

Find out how you can collaborate with us and expand your creative horizons here...


115 views0 comments
bottom of page