TIMBER ARTIST

LIONEL RICHARD JEFCOATE ( 1932 – 2018)

It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing in July of boatbuilder and master craftsman Lionel Jefcoate, aged 85. Based in Havelock in his later years, Lionel was a true gentleman and something of a legend in New Zealand’s boatbuilding industry, regarded as one of the country’s most talented and productive timber craftsmen.

Over his career he built 57 boats – in as many years – vessels of every size, shape and form. These were documented in a book he published – 57 Boats Later...

Many would argue that he was even better known for his extraordinarily detailed timber artefacts – pieces that typically exhibited his precision marquetry, inlays of multiple types of timber. Chests, bowls, tables – all were coveted by collectors and connoisseurs of timber artistry. A remarkable man, a remarkable talent, a remarkable legacy.