“In 2015 Parks Canada in collaboration with The Confederation of the Arts,
commissioned our shop to recreate the furniture from Province House’s 1864 Confederation Chamber.” - Joe McAskill
with The Confederation Centre of the Arts, commissioned our shop to recreate the furniture from Province House’s 1864 Confederation Chamber,” says McAskill. “Province House was closed for extensive renovations and Parks Canada wanted the Island visitors to be able to experience the historical room. We reproduced the meeting table, twenty-six chairs, two settees, one armchair and the speakers’ chair.” They measured the original pieces and ordered the correct mahogany wood for the reproductions. After carefully building and carving the furniture, the pieces were set up for public viewing. McAskill explains, “One of the nice things about the display is that people can sit on the furniture and get pictures, something not allowed with the actual pieces.” Not all of their work is so glamorous. They are well known locally for repairing and finishing all types of furniture. “On the service side of the business we replace broken parts, reglue and modify tables and beds to suit clients’ needs,” he says. “Our furniture finishing department can refinish all types of furniture old and new. We do kitchen finishing, painting, and refacing to allow clients to update their kitchen and bath cabinets.” They also do commercial work for hotels and offices by refinishing furniture on location.
So much furniture comes from big box stores these days, but McAskill is able to offer something completely unique. “People want their furniture to express their taste and personality. You cannot always buy that off the rack,” says McAskill. “That is when we come in. We can start with a client or designer’s ideas and make exactly what they envision. They get to choose the wood, colours, upholstery, and the exact size to meet their room’s and personal, needs.” In addition to beautiful furniture, the folks at McAskill have a studio gift shop where they sell wood crafts as well as products made by over fifty different artisans. They also make beautiful wooden pens and invite you to learn to make your own. “We offer a woodworking experience that lets individuals or groups learn how to use the lathe and design and craft your very own pen,” he says.
▲ Wooden pens - learn to make one for yourself
McAskill Woodworking 26 Beasley Ave., Charlottetown 902.566.3416 www.mcaskillwoodworking.com
WINTER 2020 www.pei-living.ca
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