A very special commission
A very special commission
It is always such a privilege to be asked to create something with such special meaning and this commission certainly tugged on our heart strings.
The Challenge
The Challenge
Our lovely client wanted a bespoke bench created as so to celebrate the lives of her parents and provide a place of contemplation. It was important that we use as much reclaimed and recycled materials where possible but of course the finish had to be first class as well as of a unique design... Oh and there must be curves!
So we brought the client to the workshop and set about refining the brief by showing her the different materials that we could use including an old teak bench that we knew from previous projects had amazing timber hiding under the surface.
What we did..
We knew the potential of using the old bench as a base but sometimes the client needs help to visualise and understand what the finished product will look like... and this is exactly what we did.
At every stage the client was invited to share in the process by way of regular progress updates, pictures and invitations to the workshop to discuss the next steps.
And so we set about the dismantling and stripping the old bench into its component parts and sanding to bring the wood back to standard. Always ensuring the client was happy with our interpretation of the brief and the curves of course!
With the creation of an extra chunky frame the bench slowly started to evolve and with the addition of a reclaimed piece of oak at the front and a solid elm panel in the centre it was almost complete and ready for provisional sign off of the design by the client.
Then the really tough bit... deciding on the colour!
We are so used to clients requesting a walnut or oak stain on their benches. So when our client decided upon antique pine we were pleasantly surprised. It produces such a warm and welcoming finish to the hardwood and after three coats of a five year stain and a wax polish the bench absolutely beam and radiates so much joy!
The Results..
But the project most certainly doesn't end there...
Once the bench was complete, the memorial plaque was fitted and the bench transported to a specially arranged place at the clients local church. Long steel feet were fitted and these would be sunk into the ground and set in concrete for security before a layer of stones added to finish the installation.
