Featured Restoration: The Archival Pilates Reformer
The Return to Life of an Original Clawfoot Reformer
“… for is not real happiness truly born of the realization of worthwhile work well done …?”
– Joseph Pilates, Return to Life Through Contrology
Joseph Pilates teaching on the clawfoot reformer in his New York City studio, 1956
Joseph Pilates teaching on the clawfoot reformer in his New York City studio, 1956
Joseph Pilates teaching on the clawfoot reformer in his New York City studio, 1956
The Original Clawfoot Reformer
This special, original Clawfoot Reformer is estimated to date back to 1929. In fact, thanks to photos in Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®, we know that this particular reformer was actually originally from that very studio at 939 8th Avenue.
Due to decades of water damage and decay of the apparatus and furniture inside Joe’s original Berkshires studio in the years before Sean Gallagher purchased it, this historical piece was in dire need of a refurbishing. This restoration marked an incredible moment in pilates history, and one of our most “worthwhile endeavors” so far.
Detail of a clawfoot on the reformer, painted silver by Joseph Pilates.
Details of the Wooden Frame
As all parts and pieces of the clawfoot reformer came together again to create a whole, we marveled at the balance of simplicity and intricacy of this ingenious apparatus that Joseph Pilates designed and built. Truths revealed themselves for the first time since Joe was alive- a reformer ready to share its story. To be able to practice the same exercises today that were done for many decades, by countless people, on this same machine was a truly powerful and spiritual moment.
The wooden frame of the reformer features Joe Pilates’ signature combination of dark wood stain and silver paint. Of course, the iconic claw feet were cleaned and restored to their former glory. We decided to keep the patina of the paint, wood stain, and even some of the scratches on it, as is to preserve history.
During the restoration we noticed distinct circular patterns scraped into the wooden frame around the eyebolts under the footbar. Upon further inspection and educated archival understanding, we concluded that the scrapes were due to the years and years of the strap being lifted over students’ feet for exercises such as Swan Dive on the long box, and Short Box seated exercises.
The rotating of the hook caused a mark on the frame that tells us a story of moments that time otherwise forgot. What’s equally as fascinating is the realization that Joe had the clips facing in rather than out, for that pattern to have been created.
Detail of a clawfoot on the reformer, painted silver by Joseph Pilates.
The Original Pilates Reformer Footbar
One of the most incredible elements of the restoration of Joe’s original clawfoot reformer was the re-installation of the footbar, the kickstand, and the flanges. During that process, we discovered a fascinating, small detail that was previously lost to time.
When it comes to apparatus, details like this are often best understood through witnessing the primary source mechanisms in action.
What a profoundly exhilarating discovery it was to notice that, through decades of the footbar being lifted and lowered by countless students of Contrology- and even by Joe himself- the edge of the kickstand wore a deep groove into the wood frame.
Not only that, but the upright position of the footbar was not square!
One of the most difficult tasks was to locate flanges to reattach the original footbar to the frame.
The original flanges were missing, but we had a lot to go on. The silver paint on the frame showed us the outer diameter, and the screw holes gave us information too.
However, it was much more difficult to source this particular size than one would ever imagine! As it turns out, pipe parts from the 1930s such as this are very scarce today, mainly because most people don’t save them for any reason when updating pipes. AND, this is not a standard size today!
Of course, we had great fun in the challenge of finding the exact size that Joe used- and of course we were eventually able to celebrate the successful reattachment of Joe’s original footbar on the reformer!
My favorite part about the original footbar? The worn areas on the tape where people placed their hands for so many years… a story told through rare primary source materials like this! Just incredible!
Detail of a clawfoot on the reformer, painted silver by Joseph Pilates.
Detail of a clawfoot on the reformer, painted silver by Joseph Pilates.
Detail of a clawfoot on the reformer, painted silver by Joseph Pilates.
A History of Original Reformer Upholstery: A Previously Unknown Story Told by Joseph Pilates
For at least two, maybe three, decades Joe Pilates used wooden, clawfoot reformers insides his studio with 100s, if not 1000s, of his students. Of course, the constant use meant that he needed to have the reformers reupholstered over the years.
Incredibly, during the process of preparing it for reupholstery, we discovered a previously unknown story that Joe Pilates told through upholstery remnants on the headrest.
Upon initial inspection, the headrest was covered in the 1950’s turquoise upholstery. But when we pealed that back, we found an older, dark green upholstery. And under that, the oldest upholstery was a dark brown. All saved by Joe, all in layers on the headrest.
Not only do these incredible artifacts tell us the story of colors that Joe had inside his studio, but they tell us so much more. The most fascinating part is how long he apparently kept the worn upholstery on the reformer before reupholstering it! The oldest piece is literally worn down to the wood!
Original Reformer Upholstery Estimated 1930s
Original Reformer Upholstery Estimated 1940s-50s
Original Reformer Upholstery Estimated 1950s-60s
Details of an Original Long Box
The upholstery on this original long box box is actually nearly perfect and did not need to be reupholstered. We also noticed that each handle only has 2 screws per handle, not four as they were meant to have. Joe clearly never even bothered using all 4 screws since no screw holes exist inside empty holes on handles!
The Search for Replacement Handle Hooks
After painstaking and diligent searching, we were able to source vintage coat hooks that appear to be nearly identical to the hooks Joe Pilates originally used on his clawfoot reformers.
What a labor of love it was to find the same design and size hook that Joe used, which we were able to discern based on archival photos and the shape and size of the paint lines around the areas where the original hooks were on this specific reformer.
Love the vintage patina on the hooks- look like they’ve always been there…!
Original Reformer Upholstery Estimated 1930s
Original Reformer Upholstery Estimated 1940s-50s
Original Reformer Upholstery Estimated 1950s-60s
The Final Restoration
After close to a year of patience and persistence, we were finally finished restoring the original clawfoot reformer. Pilates at The Pillow® 2023 marked its unveiling. Today, this reformer is on prominent display at Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Museum/Studio and can be viewed by appointment during open season. Additionally, the reformer is at every Pilates at The Pillow conference and plenty of time is allowed for everyone to try it for themselves and to personally experience its miraculous transformation.
Its truly incredible that this integral piece of pilates history not only still exists, but is still functional today with working parts. The genius of Joe is alive and well in this gorgeous apparatus.
Original Reformer Upholstery Estimated 1930s
Original Reformer Upholstery Estimated 1940s-50s
Original Reformer Upholstery Estimated 1950s-60s