Tasmanian Blackwood from Britton Timbers was the timber of choice for a South Australian master craftsman who was commissioned for the installation of a massive 16-tonne pipe organ at the magnificent St Francis Xavier Cathedral.

The rare Canadian Casavant Freres pipe organ was originally built in 1927, and installed in a Montreal church where it remained for the next 70 years. The 3500 pipes, totally weighing 16 tonnes, were painstakingly dismantled, transported and re-built at the cathedral to complete a 9-year transformation.

Lex Stobie, a renowned South Australian master craftsman, was engaged to undertake the fit-out of the façade, case work and other associated cabinetry around this incredible instrument. He chose Tasmanian Blackwood timber as it was perfect in colour and grain for their application. Not only did the timber give the exact look they were trying to create – something modern in a uniquely traditional environment – but it was also available in all the required sizes.

Lex sourced Britton Timbers Tasmanian Blackwood through Philcox Timbers, a renowned South Australian timber wholesaler.

Image: St Francis Xavier Cathedral (Phillip Handforth)