The Jasper Chronicles: Rescuing the Spirit of the Lodge (JPL)

The Old Hickory Athabasca Swirl " before" we removed the layers of fabric

An original 1970's High back Old Hickory Furniture Commissioned piece for an exclusive cabin at Jasper Park Lodge

If these walls could talk, they’d have stories to tell. But in my home lately, it’s the chairs that do the talking.
Over the past few months, I’ve found myself on a mission: to curate and restore a piece of Alberta’s 'Crown Jewel'—the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (JPL). With the help of a digital historian and inquiries to the Jasper Park Lodge staff, I have been able to piece together the amazing history of these finds from lodge designs of years gone by. I’ve assembled a collection that spans several decades of mountain luxury.
This collection represents more than just decor; it is a timeline of the Canadian Rockies, from the hand-hewn birch of Gerry Ashcroft and the 1939 Royal Visit of King George VI, to the mid-century 'modernization' of the 1970s.
The majority of these pieces were 'rescued' from a local antique and repurposing store called Full Circle. They secured the contract to find new homes for JPL’s historic gems during the massive 2024–2026 renovation currently underway.
As much as I understand the need for a 'refresh,' there is a part of me that is genuinely sad to see the Lodge move toward a more contemporary look. But their loss has been my ultimate gain. I’ve managed to secure some truly amazing pieces from the Main Foyer and the Signature Luxury Cabins—pieces that aren't just furniture, but fragments of Alberta’s soul.
From the 'Class of 1972' stools to the rugged elegance of the High-Backs, these pieces have moved from the shores of Lac Beauvert to find a permanent home here with us. See these items below as we reveal the unique history and story behind each find; we will attach links so you can follow along!

1. The Foyer Greeting: The "Feather fabric" High Back













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2.  The Ashcroft Chair 















3. The Great Room Icon: Willow End Table Original JPL
















​4. The "Heritage Core": The Bear, Canoe, & Caribou Chairs












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5. The Dining Hub: The Arthur Price Console & Mirror





















6. The Work-In-Progress: The Old Hickory | Jasper Emerald Lounge Bar Stools


























7. Old Hickory Ladder Back Chair Circa Late 1950-1970's ( pictured here with the 1990's Fairmont Red/green fabric that would have been done in house at JPL) Read the Story 


































8. The Time Capsules: The Athabasca "Swirl" Old Hickory Stools . Read the story of the [1972 Athabasca Swirl Discovery] 






















9. The King's Seat: Two salvaged chairs from the Outlook Cabin commissioned as a set of 12 for the 1939 Royal Visit. 
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Above: Old Hickory Furniture, Authentic commissioned Feather Print Chair for Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in the 1970's

Above: Green Gerry Ascroft Chair . Commissioned artist piece by JPL

JPL: Bent Willow wood Table. Was once used in the Great hall at Jasper Park Lodge

Above is Our "Lodge Room" With elements from Jasper Park Lodge such as the Elk/Canoe Statement chairs . ( along with one of our Cocker Spaniel dogs 'Chester')

Above: Arthur Price Signature Console and Mirror. Commissioned in the 1970's for one of the signature cabins. 

Two of the old Hickory Chairs from the 1990's. Re finishing as we speak!

Above: An original Old Hickory stool from Jasper Park Lodge, the design dating back to the 1950s. It was reupholstered in the 1990s with Fairmont’s custom fabric (shown here). As this fabric is not original, the stool is now being recovered and refinished to restore a more authentic, rustic lodge feel.

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One of two original 'Athabasca Swirl' Old Hickory stools, commissioned by CNR in 1972—before the hotel was taken over by Fairmont. The original fabric was hidden beneath Fairmont’s generic 1990's upholstery (seen below), which unintentionally preserved it in pristine condition. I love the story behind these stools!