PRESENZA - When Work Becomes a Trade
Antonio Galati, Cabinetmaker
Antonio
Galati,
Cabinetmaker

Cabinetmaking

Chest Photo: Steven Darby, CMC CD2004-0245 D2004-6089
Chest
Made by Tobia Londero
Canada
c. 1990
Walnut
Lent by Tobia Londero and Ivana Londero

Tobia Londero learned cabinetmaking from his father, Pietro Londero, who had been taught by his own father. He came to Canada in 1951, and worked as a carpenter and cabinetmaker at the Château Laurier (1955-1967), the Skyline Hotel (1967-1988) and elsewhere in the Ottawa region.
Chest (detail) Photo: Steven Darby, CMC CD2004-0245 D2004-6090
Chest (detail)

Low-relief tabletop panels Photo: Steven Darby, CMC CD2004-0245 D2004-6092
Low-relief tabletop panels
Made by Antonio Galati
Canada
c. 1968
Oak, mahogany
Lent by Antonio Galati

Antonio Galati learned cabinetmaking from his older brother in their hometown in Calabria. He came to Canada in the early 1950s and spent the first five years working as a carpenter before he could finally do what he loved: cabinetmaking. The panels on display here are part of a tabletop and depict an allegory of life: the sun surrounded by the species that its light and warmth enable to grow and mature.