Category Archives: Moosejaw Woodworks

Dom Bridges’ Victorian Sea Bathing Machine to be shown on George Clark’s Amazing Spaces Tonight

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Our big job over summer 2015 was Dom Bridges’ Sea Bathing Machine.

Based on the Victorian changing huts that protected ladies’ modesty when they were getting changed for a swim in the sea, this is essentially a wood fired sauna on wheels. It will live on Margate beach and be available for the public to hire for a massage and a sauna. A tractor tows it to the water’s edge so that you can use the sea as a plunge pool.

Victorian Sea Bathing Machine, Margate, Commissioned by Dom Bridges of Haeckels, designed by Chloe Young of Re-Works Studio and built by Moosejaw Woodworks, as shown on George Clark's Amazing Spaces

Victorian Sea Bathing Machine, Margate, Commissioned by Dom Bridges of Haeckels, designed by Chloe Young of Re-Works Studio and built by Moosejaw Woodworks, as shown on George Clark’s Amazing Spaces. Reworks Studio Ltd

A partially crowd funded project, it was commissioned by Dom Bridges who owns Haeckels, a natural fragrance and skin care brand based in Margate, and designed by local architect Chloe Young of Re-Works Studio. We worked closely with the design team and metal worker to make this original concept a reality.

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Where our Reclaimed Pine Once Grew

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Whilst preparing our reclaimed pine timber for a Cath Kidston cash desk, Rob found this stamp on the reverse of what we know as ‘Pine Roof Board’.

Pine - Bullcrest B.C. ASTEXO Canada

Bullcrest B.C. ASTEXO Canada

Until recently, pine roof board used to sit under and support the slate roofs of our early 20th century housing stock.

The stamp shows clearly that the board originates from British Columbia, Canada and, as a pine, could be one of a number of species that grow in the area. However the stamp also gives clues as to when and where the tree was harvested.

ASTEXO PINE

ASTEXO stands for Associated Timber Exporters of British Columbia which was formed in 1919 as a co-operative clearinghouse for 30 independent sawmills for the sale of lumber to Vancouver wholesalers and exporters.  By 1928 this entity became the Seaboard Lumber Sales company and, at some point, the ASTEXO tradename would have been superceded.

Hillcrest almost definitely denotes the Hillcrest Lumber Company, formed in 1917. Its mill at that time was located in Sahtlam, Vancouver Island. Here’s a fascinating link with many photographs of this very mill: MOFM – Hillcrest Photos

So there’s an undeniable link between Moosejaw UK and the Canadian pine forests we’re named after!

‘Dwelling’ by Krijn de Koning at Turner Contemporary & Folkestone Leas Caves

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Dwelling - Krij de Koning Maze, Folkestone Leas

Entrance to Krij de Koning Maze at Folkestone Leas
Photo Credit: Matt Holter

We have constructed two identical structures for Dutch artist Krijn de Koning‘s ‘Dwelling’. One is installed in the courtyard of Turner Contemporary as part of their ‘Summer of Colour’ series of exhibits.

The second structure features the same layout on display at the gallery but is fitted into a cave at Folkestone Leas. This is part of the Folkestone Triennial Art show. Both structures are open to the public until November 2nd.

The pieces are both titled ‘Dwelling’ and they resemble multi-coloured mazes which intersect the containing spaces of the courtyard and cave respectively. Ideal for exploring, clambering on and jumping out to go ‘Boo!’ We recommend a visit!

Dwelling - Krij de Koning Maze, Folkestone Leas

Inside Krij de Koning’s Maze at Folkestone Leas
Photo Credit: Matt Holter

We had considerable input from artist Krijn de Koning, including a scale model of the courtyard structure. From this we were able to plot the walls and build them all during 3 weeks in July.

Despite having the same appearance externally the pieces differ considerably in terms of construction. Fitting the construction to the cave walls was a particularly intense challenge but we were pleased with the results.

You can see more photos of the Dwelling construction and installation process on the Moosejaw Woodworks Facebook page and learn more in the video below.

If you get a chance to visit either the installation at the Turner Contemporary or Folkestone Leas, we’d love to hear your feedback in the comments!

Welcome to the Moosejaw Woodworks site

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Welcome to the new Moosejaw Woodworks website!  We’re pleased and proud to announce the launch of the new site and look forward to showcasing even more of our high-quality woodwork in due course.

In the meantime, follow us on Facebook to get the latest news and updates from us.

The new Moosejaw Woodworks Website

The new Moosejaw Woodworks Website