They may have used small dowl rods or biscuits to join the chair. Which usually means a void/rebate is created and then a proud piece glued into the void. (Think male/female sockets etc). So you may be able to gently tap (rubber mallet, not metal hammer) to get the pieces apart. Use fabric or thick wadding or sponge to protect your timber when you whack it.

Oh I have not even touched the surface of fabrics that are available and beautiful. But, best to qualify further if you are recovering or buying new chairs before we get too excited or caught up in the beauty of the products. I love fabrics and the chemistry and technology that goes into modern day fabrics would astound most people. I'm not even talking about the residential fabrics like the Robert Allen collection I showed you. I'm talking about the fabrics for the hospitality and medical care industry. Now if you are interested in MODERN look fabrics I would send you to Maharam to look at their 20th Century Modern collection. Some of those are the real deal by Eames and Girard. Anyway, when you get further along in your plans then I can give better input.

Thanks for that AJ Interiors. Yes we have painted chimney breast (white- same as walls) We have a bought a huge dark grey mirror (metal) which has a slightly industrial feel but also in a traditional French style shape (I'm not describing this very well!) the two combinations will hopefully work well in a tradition villa, giving it a modern look. But we really need an injection of colour to lift everything. Am looking for some copper/metallic bedside lights. Quite like this copper lamp from Citta . https://www.cittadesign.com/home/living-room/lamps-light-shades/guarida-table-lamp-wmetal-shade-IIE0005

These chairs are easy to recover and the range of fabric available today gives you plenty of choice. I say go for it. If you don't feel up to it yourself get an upholsterer, but plenty of YouTube tutorials about.