From an earlier age Peter was drawn to making functional wooden objects. Knowing he wanted to carve a career from working with wood, Peter completed the two year cabinet carpentry program at Dartmouth Vocational School. From those early beginnings he followed his passion to The Joinery Shop in Halifax working with some of Nova Scotia’s finest cabinetmakers. This was an invaluable experience of sharing ideas, learning and being inspired by others that gave a strong foundation to Peter’s woodworking skills. He has also won wide acclaim for his custom furniture and craftsmanship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David took another path, moving to Antigonish in the mid-seventies and turning to woodworking from his love of the Keppoch Mountain forest around him and a strong desire to work from home. He started producing small functional wooden items that he marketed at local craft shows which Peter also contributed to from his Halifax location. In the early 80’s Peter moved to Antigonish to start MacLean Brothers Woodworking.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In their 35 years together Peter and David have turned their talents to varied woodworking endeavours –custom furniture, cabinetry, furniture repair, millwork, giftware/kitchenware and corporate gifts. They created a line of kitchenware items sold across Canada exhibiting at artisan craft markets and wholesale gift shows. Their kitchenware line became known for their use of Bird’s-Eye Maple from Nova Scotia. Acquiring this wood from local sources enabled them to utilize live edge boards custom sawed to produce truly unique one of a kind pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In May, 2016 Peter had a one man show at the St FX Art Gallery titled "Woodworks". As well, David and Peter have exhibited at the Nova Scotia Designer Craft Council Artisan Xmas Show for many years. In 2011 they were chosen for Best Booth Display and Best New One of a Kind Product. A large collection of MacLean Brothers work is well appreciated by patrons of The People’s Place Library in Antigonish. This project provided Peter and David the opportunity to collaborate with artisans from other mediums.

Artful functionality is a trademark of their designs. Emphasis is always placed on using the beauty of wood to create something functional, aesthetically pleasing and a pleasure to use.

From the beginning Peter has always worked on designing and making varied furniture pieces sold at craft shows and directly from the shop. Often customers were intrigued by Peter’s craftsmanship and design but requested to have their own distinctive pieces created.  He has worked closely with clients across Canada to fulfill their visions of tables, chairs, cabinets, benches and speciality items such as chess tables and music stands.  His willingness to tackle and excel at complicated design projects, sensitivity to the fine nuances of wood grain and figure, attention to line and balance are evident in every piece he creates.

 

"One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is creating something that you will use, enjoy,
cherish and pass on for generations"
 
I welcome your enquiries.