Inspiration

Fogo Islanders know that nature knows best. Trees grow the strongest, sturdiest curves as they emerge from under the ground and reach up into Newfoundland’s unforgiving wilderness. Boat builders use the natural curves of juniper trees to create the structural ribs of their punts: the small wooden fishing boats that were once the traditional workhorses of the inshore fishery.

French-Canadian designer Elaine Fortin was inspired by this intuitive intelligence and using the same method, she created the Punt Chair. Each chair is crafted to last generations of use. It holds the memory of those who use it and carries forward the history of the tree used to make it and a centuries-old knowledge of outport woodworking, ingenuity, and boatbuilding heritage.

See the Punt Chair at the Royal Ontario Museum's Canadian Modern exhibition through July 30, 2023

Fabrication

Juniper timbers are harvested once a year during late fall, and then rest for months until the right moisture level is reached before being shaped by the craftspeople of Fogo Island Workshops. Because the roots have a natural curve, no bending or joinery is required during the construction process. This ensures a structural integrity designed to last generations of unforgiving use. The soft juniper wood with develop a surface patina overtime, holding the memory of those who use it.

The curved backrest and seat can be painted with our coloured lacquer or oiled to show off the beauty of the wood and extend durability.

Punt Chair

Origin	Newfoundland & Labrador
Designer	Élaine Fortin
Lead Time	Inquire on current leadtimes
Material	Juniper
Finish	Danish Oil or Danish Oil and Coloured Lacquer
Dimensions	540 D x 430 W x 800 H mm

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Punt Chair

$6,500

Origin	Newfoundland & Labrador
Designer	Élaine Fortin
Lead Time	Inquire on current leadtimes
Material	Juniper
Finish	Danish Oil or Danish Oil and Coloured Lacquer
Dimensions	540 D x 430 W x 800 H mm