Details
Specs

Inspiration

Solid. A dependable character of the highest sorts, the namesake of the Bertha chair is Bertha Wilson. The name came out of a conversation that the designer, Donna Wilson, had with Zita Cobb, founder of the Shorefast Foundation. “When she found out that I was Scottish and my last name was Wilson, she shared a story about the only other Scottish woman whom she had ever met who went by the name of Wilson – Bertha Wilson. A woman of modest means, she became the first female appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. It seemed like a fitting name for such a humble and modern chair.”

The Bertha chair is inspired by the vintage barrel chairs and rockers of traditional Outport design which turned disused flour barrels into a perfect perch that made the most out of something that would have gone to waste. The faceted back of the chair reflects the barrels and boat coopering with simple, solid planks.

There is nothing better to accompany the Bertha Chair than its sidekick, the Pouffe.

Fabrication

Made using ethically grown and regionally sourced birch by our craftspeople in the Fogo Island Woodshop. Available in a range of finishes including hand-rubbed Danish Oil which creates an amber rich depth and White Oil which neutralizes the amber tone for a raw matte look. Both absorb into the wood and richen the grain. A variety of coloured painted lacquers are available. Custom colours, sizing and stacking chairs are available on request.

The cushions and matching pouffe can be upholstered in the iconic Shingle-Shangle pattern, inspired by the hand-carved shingles on Brett House in Joe Batt’s Arm or in Kvadrat Divina upholstery. Both are 100% wool that is ethically and sustainably sourced, naturally stain resistant, and comes with life-long durability rating of 45,000 Martindale rub tests.

Made To Order 10-12 wks

Please select a wood or lacquer finish and upholstery option from our materials page. After confirmation of purchase, our team will be in contact with you to confirm your finish selections.

Materials Yellow Birch

Dimensions 760 L × 830 H × 800 W mm

Cut Sheets: Cut_Sheet_-_Bertha_Chair.pdf