My experience is unique in that I have spent almost none of my career working in the usual types of trim shops. I have worked for businesses that reproduced original interior kits or restored individual cars, and the occasional hot rod. If you are wondering what the difference is, I should say right away that it is much more what I personally add to it through my own ideas and observations of what works and looks best, but it is useful to know that most non-specialized shops have certain methods they use, and simply apply them to all projects. My approach is different in that if the project requires it, I will carefully recreate what was done originally. I will use the same method or as close to it as I can get, so that the result is identical or extremely close to the way it looked when it was new.  Note that Retro Art is only myself, and I do every part of the project. I do feel that by having control over every aspect of the work, the results are superior. I hope you agree!

Thank you for taking the time to read my page!

This is a six seat airplane, done in scottish Muirhead leather with matching vinyl on the side panels

This is a Saab 900 Turbo that the owner wished to change from velour to leather.  If you are a Saab aficionado, you will notice that it has the style of the velour interior which is different from the factory leather style, and has a nice Porsche like look when done in leather I think!

Here are some random airplane seats that I restyled, they are not just copies of the original upholstery, which is why I am including them.

NOTE that this series III Jaguar E type interior is a kit from BAS Ltd which I only installed

About the photos below - Just in case anyone is familiar with the particular cars in these photos, I want to make it clear that I am not trying to take credit for any part of the a project I was not responsible for, I am just trying to show the things that I have done in the past so that you will have a good idea of my abilities. Please note that although the work in these photos was done for other businesses, that photos shown were selected because all the pieces clearly visible were completely created, stitched and assembled by me.

seat upholstery in this photo is LeBaron Bonney's work. I tailored this top to fit the car while working with their information. However, I did make all the pieces of the top, stitch and install it.  I can make any kind of canvas top for you.

Model A phaeton with top tailor made by me with their information and seat upholstery made by LeBaron Bonney and installed by me

Here is a LeBaron Bonney top with side curtains that I fitted and made to go with it using their information. Side curtains really need to be tailored and made carefully, tried on the car each step of the way, if you want a really good looking and functional end product.

This car is a Cadillac La Salle done at a former employers shop. Please note that I was responsible for only the parts of the car that you can see in the photos. I was not responsible for the seat upholstery. I am only intending to show what I did on the project myself, which includes, headlining, panels on doors and walls, rear seat armrest and side panel area, and the front seat enclosure with the various compartments.

an example of pleated panels that I created for a '32 Ford hot rod.  Note that the point of these photos is only to show what I can do and is visible in the photo, and not to take credit for the entire project.

Here is a '56 Chevy that I did over ten years ago, with the exception of the carpet I believe.  It was my first "from scratch" custom interior, entirely created, stitched and installed by me. I was lucky enough to spot the car and its present owner on a warm summer afternoon at Hampton Beach!  I have to say they sure took good care of that white interior!