28 —- Wednesday. March 10, 1999 — North Shore News

Repr

Barb Lunter
Contributing Writer

ductions
Crafted with care

Cabinet maker’s company continues to grow

As he established a oval following, the
demand for his product increased and a need
tor a retail outlet was obvious,

ONE of the North Shore’s best
kept furniture secrets is tucked
away at Lonsdale and Ist Avenue.

New Werks mas is owned and operat-
ed by Victor Burkley who specializes in
antique reproductions, custom designs and

jor architectural accessories

Victor joined forces with an antique
wholesaler to offer original and reproduction
pieces to a growing clientele.

He recognized the potential for high
demand in lower Lonsdale — *North Shore's
Antique Row” — so he started his own store
called New Werk:

In the past year he has opened a larger and
newer workshop on E tin’ North

Each piece is hand-crafted specifically for

the work from architects
and interior designers, to
provide clients with

the right solution” for
complete rooms and pro-
jects.

Burkley obtained his
cabiner making certificate
in 1988 as a traveler's
cheque for his trip through
Europe.

In case he wanted to
extend his stay, he would

“I can’t think of
a more satisfying
line of work. I
meet the greatest
people and we
produce
heirlooms that
will be passed

Vancouver to supply his store.
AH of Burkley’s pieces are made

in the time honoured tradition of

quality carpentry.

Fach piece is painstakingly

assembled with careful attenti

to detail.

Burkley has used the extensive

network of local craftsmen in the

Lower Lonsdale area to create
unique pieces with stained
nd iron works.

The evolution of Burkley’s busi-

ness has him spending much of

his time visiting prospective

clients, counselling them on cus-

have a source of income.

His trip lasted two
years, until he returned to
Toronto to create a com-
pany that restored heritage
homes.

He returned to school to finish his studies
in architecture, graduating from Carleton
University in 1994.

He then packed all his belongings into his
van and, Juckily for the North Shore, headed
west.

Once here, he traded his computer in for
hand tools, turned to his woodworking for
income and joined two furniture retailers who
saw the potential in offering custom antique
reproduction furniture to their clients.

His first shop was 12 feet by 16 feet in
North Vancouver.

quire « about our “Faux for fan” pa
‘beginning ‘April: i :

down for
generations”

tom work, creating working
drawings, and organizing a large
production of custom works.

He continues to maintain a
“hands on” approach with cach
and every piece and still goes home covered in
sawdust.

Clients don’t have to be architects or
designers to work with Burkley — they start
by bringing him photos or magazine clips of
things they like, then look at his catalogue of
his wonderful creations for inspiration.

When asked what he enjoys most about his
craft, Burkley retlects:

“T can’t think of a more satisfving line of

work. I mect the greatest people and we pro-
duce heirlooms that will be passed down for
generations. That gives me an immense sense
of pride.”

yu

>» Gury

ory
IDG

aaQyo

suo jN

yor

uUOt

dahion

Garden Accents

WEWS photo Paul McGrath

VICTOR Burkley works from the ideas of his clients to create antique furniture
reproductions and custom designs through his Lower Lonsdale shop, New
Werks.

Pott sso nora ene

C) Warssing Rock
{3 Rock Grete/
Hect Shield
_) Valves
Cl Hose & Reqetator
C) Wheels
Ci Igniter

{J Rotisserie

* SOWYAHL

weoenerenencncwercnerenanrcnenncced