Firmino Adão Canhoto

Moveis d’Arte Canhoto

Wood marquetry maker | Azueira, Portugal

Recommended by

CEARTE

The master of wood inlay

Firmino learnt the art of carpentry as a boy
His marquetry expertise is evident in his furniture
He enjoys passing on his knowledge to younger generations

Firmino Canhoto has dedicated his life to creating majestic wooden furniture inspired by Portuguese 16th to 18th century D. João, D. José and D. Maria (named after Portuguese Royalty) and Indo-Portuguese styles. Mastering every construction phase, Firmino is highly recognised for his marquetry and inlay ability, having won multiple national awards. An inspirational figure, he taught at Lisbon’s School of Conservation and Restoration, has been invited by institutions such as Fundação Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva to transmit his passion to young people and was one of the first teachers in ENCORE, the European network of higher educational conservation and restoration institutions. Firmino’s greatest joy was when his son João and daughter Carla joined as apprentices to follow his artistic carpentry path.

Interview

When did you decide to work with wood?: It was not a conscious decision. My parents lived next to a carpentry. As a baby, I heard the hammering and sawing of wood. As a child, I was fascinated by the smell of wood, and the sound of chiselling. After school, I would watch our neighbour wood master working.
What do you love about the furniture you make?: The artistic accomplishment of transforming a simple fragment of wood into an art piece with its complex shapes, smells and textures. Historically inspired pieces enable elaborate techniques such as marquetry, inlay and gilding to really stand out.
Which is a memorable piece built from scratch?: In 2017, I was asked to create a wooden desk in the form of the Royal Basilica of Mafra, one of Portugal’s most emblematic monuments and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took 32 weeks to make, using noble woods, silver and gold leaf. It shows incredible wood work techniques and prowess.
Do you enjoy working with your children?: This is the most precious gift. I have had the opportunity to share my skills with younger generations but nothing beats teaching your own children, working on a piece together, sharing new ideas, and knowing that my workshop will continue beyond my time.

Firmino Adão Canhoto is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1954