Nick Dennis
WCHA UK
Some of you would have seen the piece I wrote for the Spring 2026 edition of Wooden Canoe Journal titled "The Aristocrat, An Architect & The Birchbark Canoe". This is a follow on to that article.
Over the first weekend of June we had a UK Chapter meet on the Thames in Oxfordshire. For many years since the passing of the Architect, his birchbark canoe has been hanging in the boathouse suspended in slings over the water. The intention was for it to be restored but family stuff and other commitments resulted in the project falling further down the "Todoit" list. Having restored one of Henri's canoes recently (a sister canoe to the Architects) I offered to take it on and get the canoe usable again. I met the Architects son on Saturday night and he was unaware that the canoe still existed and naturally when I explained what I proposed he was both emotional and delighted as are the current custodians.
We got the birchbark out of the slings and replaced it with my Peterborough Cedar rib; that frees up space for me to work in my garage but also keeps a canoe hanging in what would have been a vacant space full of nice memories.
Above the birchbark, below my 1900 Peterborough Cedar Rib squatting for a while.
Henri uses barks of different shades and hues. Mine is quite pale whilst the Architects is quite dark
Here are my pair nestling up together on the Thames at the weekend.
Strapping on ready for the journey to Norfolk.
Once home I can the Architects canoe a wash and scrub down with a soft brush and some mild soapy water to remove years of grime and a fair bit of Robin poop. It was soon looking better.
I have yet to do a full assessment but clearly some tape and gum repairs and renewals will be needed along with sorting out loose lashings. I will immediately treat the worm infestation then do a greater assessment.
You are welcome to come along for the ride to see how I get on. My intention is to have the canoe done for a Thames Regatta in early August at which I know the Architects son and family will be present so it may be a pleasant surprise for them to see the canoe in a usable condition again.
Now where's my gum pot?
Nick
Over the first weekend of June we had a UK Chapter meet on the Thames in Oxfordshire. For many years since the passing of the Architect, his birchbark canoe has been hanging in the boathouse suspended in slings over the water. The intention was for it to be restored but family stuff and other commitments resulted in the project falling further down the "Todoit" list. Having restored one of Henri's canoes recently (a sister canoe to the Architects) I offered to take it on and get the canoe usable again. I met the Architects son on Saturday night and he was unaware that the canoe still existed and naturally when I explained what I proposed he was both emotional and delighted as are the current custodians.
We got the birchbark out of the slings and replaced it with my Peterborough Cedar rib; that frees up space for me to work in my garage but also keeps a canoe hanging in what would have been a vacant space full of nice memories.
Above the birchbark, below my 1900 Peterborough Cedar Rib squatting for a while.
Henri uses barks of different shades and hues. Mine is quite pale whilst the Architects is quite dark
Here are my pair nestling up together on the Thames at the weekend.
Strapping on ready for the journey to Norfolk.
Once home I can the Architects canoe a wash and scrub down with a soft brush and some mild soapy water to remove years of grime and a fair bit of Robin poop. It was soon looking better.
I have yet to do a full assessment but clearly some tape and gum repairs and renewals will be needed along with sorting out loose lashings. I will immediately treat the worm infestation then do a greater assessment.
You are welcome to come along for the ride to see how I get on. My intention is to have the canoe done for a Thames Regatta in early August at which I know the Architects son and family will be present so it may be a pleasant surprise for them to see the canoe in a usable condition again.
Now where's my gum pot?
Nick
