Steven Stairs Walnut Desk Set - PEI Fine Wood Craft

A fine example of work by Canadian woodworker Steven Stairs when he was still a student at Holland College School of Visual Arts is now for sale. Part of their annual PEI Art Auction, Gallery 18 is offering a beautiful 4 piece desk set.

Bob Doddridge - A Legacy in Wood

Award winning chair designed and created by Bob Doddridge (wood) and Ian Scott (leather).

The legacy of Bob Doddridge, former Holland College School of Visual Arts wood instructor Bob Doddridge who died in 2005 remains a significant part of the arts and cultural development of Prince Edward Island. His life as an college instructor had a significant impact on his students at a time that the crafts industry was just emerging on PEI. His knowledge and “can do” attitude have been sited by industry leaders as having a major impact on their determination to succeed in a field where few had prospered previously.

Bob's commitment as an artisan himself during his teaching career and in retirement showed his students that understanding construction techniques while being of great significance, that it was the hands-on aspect of achieving high quality finished work that was the end goal.

His daily work ethic was exemplar in many ways and showed his almost undivided attention to detail and to practicing his craft.

Award winning chair designed and created by Bob Doddridge (wood) and Ian Scott (leather).

This collection of images are an indication of the beautiful work that Bob created and which still graces homes, offices and public building. Enduring - strong - natural wood - created to last and continuing to serve, these are words that describe Bob's work and also reflect his outlook on his work.

 Chair designed and created by Bob Doddridge.

 Assorted items by Bob Doddridge.

Lectern by Bob Doddridge.

Chancellor's chair UPEI -  by Bob Doddridge.

Crest of UPEI - carved by Bob Doddridge.

Bob Doddridge at work.

Mural for Canadian Coast Guard College designed by Henry Purdy, carved by Bob Doddridge.

Statue designed by Henry Purdy, carved by Bob Doddridge.

Bob Doddridge - Memorial Trees in Trust

Diane and Jacques Gaudreau of Gaudreau Fine Woodworking Artisans have made a donation in memory of former School of Visual Arts wood instructor Bob Doddridge. They writes "We invite anyone who wishes to dedicate a piece of island forest as a memorial to Bob to please visit: Memorial Trees in Trust."

Well done Diane and Jacques.

Prince Edward Island Sketchbook

When Henry Purdy, the director of Holland College School of Visual Arts, published Prince Edward Island Sketchbook in 1981, four of the subjects of sketches in the book were instructors in the school.

Trudi Walker - Weaving Instructor

Ron Arvidson - Clay Instructor

Ian Scott - Leather Instructor

Bob Doddridge - Wood Instructor

Remembering Bob Doddridge (1942-2005)

Bob Doddridge, Master Woodworker (1942-2005)
By Ian Scott, published in The BUZZ

The recent death of Bob Doddridge, marked the passage of an era for fine craft on PEI. His waterfront studio in Charlottetown, was the source of some of the finest woodworking Islanders have seen, while his influence on students and heritage conservation is equally of the highest order. As a furniture maker, his commissioned work is treasured in public buildings, churches and private collections locally, as well as every province of Canada.

Bob arrived on PEI in 1969 to work with PEI NewStart, a job training program in Montague. He played hockey with the Montague Vikings, and made lifelong friends before going to graduate school in 1971.

I met Bob when we both became instructors at what was eventually called Holland College School of Visual Arts. From 1974 to 1998 he shared his love of woodworking, and passion for high quality design with an entire generation of Island woodworkers. Working every evening and weekend he also remained a prolific craftsman. His finishes allowed full expression of rich natural wood colours with oil-based finishes creating silky smooth surfaces.

Raised in Sillery, a suburb of Quebec City his early success in hockey continued through all his university years. He was leading scorer for Ryerson in Toronto, while graduating in Furniture and Interior Design in 1964. In 1969 he earned a BSc, while on an assistantship at the State University of New York at Oswega, and he completed a Masters in Industrial Arts Education from Ball State University in Indiana in 1972.

After several early renovation projects with friends, Bob tackled the complete restoration of 66 Great George St. which was in a dilapidated block of Charlottetown in 1976. He was one of the first to realize the potential of recreating high quality living spaces within the historic downtown. Creating two attractive units, he lived in the upper apartment, with a Scotch dormer overlooking Province House and the waterfront. The building is now part of the Inns on Great George.

Lacking workshop space, Bob moved to North River Road, renovating again, and created a new waterfront studio surrounded by nature.

Retiring from the College in 1998, he continued to create presentation awards, furniture and large carvings. His work was exhibited during the 70's, 80's and 90's, winning awards, but the testament that will likely remain even stronger is his influence on woodworkers in raising the level of craft design on PEI.

Diagnosed with lung cancer, even when hospitalized in the fall, he was determined to return home daily, where he could assist with completion of the final commissions he had started. It was only after these were completed, that he slipped away on October 30th at the age of 63.

The legacy remains of well designed, substantial creations with the natural warmth of wood revealed - reminding us of values Bob held high. The impact he had will ensure that the name Doddridge will continue to represent the finest of 20th century work, in the enduring way that Isaac Smith's buildings or Mark Butcher's furniture speak of excellence from the 19th century.