Skills extraordainaire
New book, ‘Historic Furniture of Prince Edward Island’, concludes P.E.I. cabinetmakers were some of the best
When author James W. Macnutt began researching and identifying Island heritage furniture for a new book, he didn’t know how his findings would stack up against chairs, tables and desks made in other places.
Four years later, he’s pleasantly surprised.
“What is absolutely astonishing to me, as we look back now at what we’ve discovered, is the extraordinary skill of 19th century cabinetmakers in this province,” says Macnutt.
“It’s of the highest order. So the depth and quality of the material produced here can hold its own to virtually any pieces made elsewhere.”
It’s one of the conclusions reached in “Historic Furniture of Prince Edward Island”, a new book authored by Macnutt with photography by Maurice Roy and additional research and images by Dr. Don Stewart. The book will be launched Sept. 14 at Beaconsfield Carriage House, 2 Kent St., Charlottetown at 7 p.m.
Take for instance the late Georgian Gothic Revival pine bookcase (circa 1840) at the top of page 153. It was purchased in Charlottetown from a family with deep roots who came originally came from Ireland.
“It can easily be contrasted with Island crafted pieces,” says McNutt, pointing to the 1860 Victorian Gothic Revival bookcase at the bottom of the page that came from Eastern Kings County.
Produced by the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation, the 352page hard cover book is the first comprehensive survey of P.E.I. historic furniture. Containing 750 colour photos and field note sketches, the rich volume describes and analyzes a wide range of Island-made and imported furniture, covering 200 years of Island history.
“What makes this book special is it covers a cross section of the higher-end formal furniture made by trained cabinet makers, country furniture made by competent joiners and primitive furniture, which was made by the early settlers, just to get by,” explains Maurice Roy.
Reflecting on the time, effort and the work that has gone into the book, a wave of appreciation comes over him.
“I feel grateful to the
province for having investing public funds into this. I’m grateful for the associated staff and the private collectors who prized these wonderful treasures over the years,” says the team member whose idea inspired the project.
“There is a need for a book like this, in terms of generating an interest and inspiring people to start collecting what they both have the need for as well as the greater contributions to the history of Prince Edward Island.”
Dr. David Keenlyside, the executive director of the foundation, is in awe of the new book.
“There’s been a lot of effort by a lot of people, with Jim and Maurice bringing their expertise to it. As an archeologist, the great thing about this book is that it has a lot to do with material history collections, something that we just don’t have the facilities for. So it’s a real point of access.”