Reclaim+Repair: The Mahogany Project

When the Museum of Vancouver offered us the opportunity to make use of an extraordinary trove of vintage mahogany harvested in Central America between the 1950’s and 1970’s, we knew we needed to find a special purpose for this exceptional material.

We agreed that not only did this beautiful wood deserve to be honoured with all the creativity and craft that we could bring to bear, but that it was important to understand and acknowledge the troubled history of resource extraction that was likely the context under which this precious resource was harvested.

Working with our friends at the Museum of Vancouver, we conceived the idea of Reclaim+Repair: The Mahogany Project, an exhibition that would call upon Vancouver’s diverse design community to create works of art and design made from this vintage hardwood. In addition, it was agreed that a substantial portion of the proceeds from the sale of these pieces would go to support indigenous-led reforestation initiatives in Central America.

The response from the design community to our call for submissions to The Mahogany Project was overwhelming. Sixty-five worthy concepts were submitted. Through a juried selection process, 31 artists and designers were chosen to create pieces. The result is an exhibition that not only shows the breadth of creativity and craft that characterizes Vancouver’s burgeoning design community, but helps deepen the conversation around the role of design in creating a more sustainable future.

Participating Artists and Designers: