{"title":"Storytelling Benches","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"giant-park-bench","title":"Giant Storytelling Bench — Reclaimed Welsh Oak","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Giant Storytelling Bench is a monumental outdoor bench hand-built from reclaimed Welsh oak fence posts — a piece of furniture that looks as though it has always been there, and probably always will be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEach bench is made from solid oak posts that once stood in Welsh fields and hedgerows, brought back to life as a gathering place for children, communities and anyone who needs somewhere to sit and hear a story. The posts are carefully selected, hand-fitted and fixed with solid joinery that doesn't wobble or splinter after two wet winters. Available in two sizes — Giant (190 cm long) and Large (160 cm long) — both tall enough at seat height to feel like a proper landmark bench, not a garden seat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFinished with three coats of Epifanes matt varnish for lasting outdoor protection. No paint, no stain — just the natural character of the reclaimed oak, sealed and protected for decades of outdoor use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGiant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Length 190 cm \/ Depth 70 cm \/ Height 110 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarge:\u003c\/strong\u003e Length 160 cm \/ Depth 65 cm \/ Height 100 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReclaimed Welsh oak fence posts\u003c\/strong\u003e — timber with history, given a new life as a landmark piece of outdoor furniture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo sizes\u003c\/strong\u003e — Giant (190 cm) or Large (160 cm), both built for schools, parks and public spaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThree coats of Epifanes matt varnish\u003c\/strong\u003e — premium exterior finish that weathers beautifully and lasts for decades\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolid hand-built joinery\u003c\/strong\u003e — robust, stable construction for permanent outdoor installation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBespoke options available\u003c\/strong\u003e — carvings, inscriptions, school names or symbols worked into the posts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eYour Version\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bench can be personalised with carvings, inscriptions or decorative details worked into the posts — a school name, a favourite phrase, woodland creatures, or any motif that matters to your community. Tell us what you're imagining and we'll tell you what's possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTypical lead time is 4–5 weeks, though we're flexible if you have a deadline. \u003cstrong\u003ePrices include VAT.\u003c\/strong\u003e Schools can order by purchase order — we'll supply our VAT number, bank details and address for supplier registration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSee also our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/harlech-castle-circular-bench\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eHarlech Castle Circular Bench\u003c\/a\u003e and our full range of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/storytelling-chairs\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003estorytelling chairs and benches for schools\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FreeRangeDesigns","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53500128264567,"sku":"FRD-BEN-WD-1357","price":2680.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0267\/7673\/1729\/files\/giant-storytelling-bench-7492629.jpg?v=1759412336"},{"product_id":"school-playground-buddy-bench","title":"School Buddy Bench — Hand-Carved Oak, 2–3 Seater","description":"\u003cp\u003eA hand-carved oak buddy bench for school playgrounds — with “Buddy Bench” carved into the backrest, leaves painted along the seat rail, and your school’s chosen motto or message at the centre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe buddy bench system works because it’s visible. Any child who needs company sits here; other children know to come and ask. It works not because it’s a rule but because it’s a place — and places need to feel right. The painted leaves, the carved lettering, the natural grain and colour of the oak make this bench feel like it belongs to the school rather than arriving from a warehouse. Every version is made with the school’s own details, and the bench becomes the kind of thing that gets photographed for the school newsletter and celebrated in assembly in a way a flat board on metal posts never quite manages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMade from locally sourced oak with three coats of Epifanes matt varnish for all-weather playground use, the Buddy Bench seats two to three children comfortably at 150cm wide. Schools can order on a purchase order. \u003cstrong\u003ePrices include VAT.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolid oak throughout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e“Buddy Bench” carved and painted text on the backrest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeaf detail and school motto or message painted along the seat rail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustom text and design worked out with your school\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree coats Epifanes matt varnish — fully weatherproof\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo to three seater, 150cm wide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for school playgrounds, gardens and outdoor classrooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandmade in Mid Wales\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eW150 × D60 × H120cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeat height approx 45cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eYour Version\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe work with schools on the design — the motto, the colours, any additional carving. Schools can order on a purchase order; we’ll invoice once confirmed. Typical lead time is 4–5 weeks. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eGet in touch to discuss your school’s version.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FreeRangeDesigns","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53500146549111,"sku":"FRD-BEN-WD-1281","price":1850.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0267\/7673\/1729\/files\/school-playground-buddy-bench-2-3-seater-8720972.jpg?v=1759412235"},{"product_id":"round-circular-storytelling-bench-schools","title":"Circular Storytelling Ring Seating — Douglas Fir","description":"\u003cp\u003eCircular storytelling ring seating hand-built from solid Douglas Fir — purpose-designed for outdoor classrooms, story circles, and school grounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Wakefield Council commissioned a set of circular ring seating for the grounds of Pontefract Castle in West Yorkshire, they wanted something that could hold a whole class and feel rooted in the landscape around it. The brief called for sturdy, weather-resistant seating that would serve the castle's visitor programme for years to come — and so this design was born. Each ring is built in solid Douglas Fir, with curved sections that slot together around a central space, drawing every child's gaze inward toward whoever is holding the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe frame is built from full-section Douglas Fir with solid hand-built joinery throughout, then sealed with Epifanes matt varnish — three coats — for long-term outdoor durability. The curved bench form is shaped to encourage eye contact and natural focus: no child has their back to the teller. Whether it's a class reading circle, a forest school session, or an outdoor performance space, the ring seating makes the act of gathering feel intentional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOverall diameter: approx 250 cm (contact us for custom sizing)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSeat height: approx 40 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAccommodates: 20–30 children depending on configuration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolid Douglas Fir construction\u003c\/strong\u003e — strong, stable, naturally weather-resistant timber\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEpifanes matt varnish, 3 coats\u003c\/strong\u003e — premium outdoor finish for lasting protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolid hand-built joinery throughout\u003c\/strong\u003e — built to last on school grounds\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCircular configuration\u003c\/strong\u003e — draws focus inward, ideal for storytelling and circle time\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModular sections\u003c\/strong\u003e — can be configured to suit your space\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommissioned by Wakefield Council\u003c\/strong\u003e — proven in public heritage settings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eYour Version\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRing seating can be sized to your outdoor space — larger or smaller diameter, higher or lower seating, with or without a central feature such as a storytelling throne or carved totem. We can carve a school name, a motto, or a nature motif into the backrest. Tell us your space and your story and we'll design around both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTypical lead time is 4–5 weeks, though we're flexible if you have a deadline. \u003cstrong\u003ePrices include VAT.\u003c\/strong\u003e Schools can order by purchase order — we'll supply our VAT number, bank details and address for supplier registration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our full range of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/storytelling-chairs\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eoutdoor storytelling chairs\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/school-outdoor-furniture\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eschool outdoor furniture\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/giant-storytelling-bench\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eview the Giant Storytelling Bench\u003c\/a\u003e for a complementary piece.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FreeRangeDesigns","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53500180857207,"sku":"FRD-BEN-WD-1189","price":1290.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0267\/7673\/1729\/files\/circular-storytelling-ring-seating-round-bench-1214388.jpg?v=1759412111"},{"product_id":"friendship-bench-solid-oak","title":"Friendship Bench — Carved Oak School Bench","description":"\u003cp\u003eA hand-carved oak friendship bench for school playgrounds and gardens — built on the simple, powerful idea that any child who needs a friend can sit here, and someone will come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe friendship bench concept became part of school culture because it makes inclusion visible. It gives children a language — not a conversation they have to start, but a place they can simply be. These benches are commissioned most often by schools, PTAs and parents who want something the children will feel belongs to them: not a flat board on posts, but something carved and particular. The design — flowers, animals, story characters, a school motto — is worked out with the school, and the inscription comes as part of it. Each bench is different because each school is different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt from solid oak with three coats of Epifanes matt varnish for all-weather durability, the Friendship Bench seats two comfortably at 120cm wide and is made to live in the school garden, storytelling area or playground for years. \u003cstrong\u003ePrices include VAT.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolid oak throughout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBespoke hand-carved design — animals, flowers, story characters or your chosen theme\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePersonalised inscription included — a school motto, a named dedication, or whatever fits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree coats Epifanes matt varnish — fully weatherproof\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo-seater, 120cm wide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for school gardens, playgrounds and storytelling spaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandmade in Mid Wales\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eW120 × D60 × H130cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeat height approx 45cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eYour Version\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design is worked out with you — tell us the theme, the inscription and any specific carving requests. Schools can order on a purchase order; we’ll invoice once confirmed. Typical lead time is 4–5 weeks, though we can often accommodate end-of-term deadlines. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eGet in touch to talk through your ideas.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FreeRangeDesigns","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53500188459383,"sku":"FRD-OTH-WD-1092","price":1770.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0267\/7673\/1729\/files\/friendship-bench-cosy-2-seater-5559966.jpg?v=1759411994"},{"product_id":"ospreys-bench","title":"Ospreys Bench — Carved Oak, Dyfi Wildlife Hide","description":"\u003cp\u003eSome buildings are built for waiting — for the quiet vigil, for the patience that turns stillness into wonder. This bench was made for exactly that kind of place: the new photographic wildlife hide at Cors Dyfi Reserve, home of Wales's most famous ospreys.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe commission came from Emyr Evans of Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust — a returning client who had asked Free Range Designs to make a beaver storytelling chair for the reserve back in 2020. This time the brief was bigger: a full suite of furniture for a brand-new hide, with this bench as its centrepiece. At 195cm wide, it spans the back wall between two carved oak pillars, each topped with an osprey in flight — wings spread, talons ready, framing the live camera feed just as the real birds frame the sky above the Dyfi estuary. Carved into the back panel is the Cors Dyfi Observatory building — the distinctive silhouette that watchers have looked toward for years — and below it, a family on the boardwalk, taking their first long look at the horizon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRunning along the top of the back panel, in carved Welsh letters, are the words: \u003cem\u003eNid wy'n gofyn bywyd moethus\u003c\/em\u003e — \"I ask not for a luxurious life,\" from William Williams Pantycelyn's great hymn. It is a line that has meant different things to different generations in Wales, but in a wildlife hide at the edge of a Dyfi marsh, it means something exact: that the best things cost nothing but attention. When Emyr saw the initial design, his response was immediate: \"OMG — that is beyond amazing!!!! No amendments needed.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlagship bench for Cors Dyfi Reserve\u003c\/strong\u003e — purpose-built for Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust's photographic wildlife hide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCarved osprey pillars\u003c\/strong\u003e — two full ospreys in solid oak flanking the back panel, framing the live wildlife camera\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCors Dyfi landscape back panel\u003c\/strong\u003e — Observatory silhouette, boardwalk and family scene hand-carved in relief\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWelsh inscription carved along the top\u003c\/strong\u003e — Nid wy'n gofyn bywyd moethus, from William Williams Pantycelyn's famous hymn\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e195cm wide\u003c\/strong\u003e — monumental scale, seats four people; built to anchor a hide or large outdoor space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolid Welsh oak throughout\u003c\/strong\u003e, three coats Epifanes matt varnish for lasting outdoor protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart of a continuing relationship\u003c\/strong\u003e — Free Range Designs also built the beaver storytelling chair at Cors Dyfi in 2020\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidth (internal backrest): 195 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Solid Welsh oak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinish: Epifanes matt varnish, 3 coats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eYour Version\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe can build a carved oak bench like this for any wildlife hide, nature reserve, school or public space. Whether you want local species, an inscription in Welsh or English, a landscape panel or a scene drawn from your organisation's work, we will design it with you from first sketch to finished piece. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eGet in touch to start the conversation.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTypical lead time is 4–5 weeks, though we can work to project deadlines. \u003cstrong\u003ePrices include VAT.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FreeRangeDesigns","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56960317718903,"sku":null,"price":2400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0267\/7673\/1729\/files\/OspreysProjectBench_25_d635e34c-94db-4dc0-a7db-b1448f65c494.jpg?v=1779284269"},{"product_id":"orca-memorial-bench-hand-carved-solid-oak-rottingdean-seafront","title":"Orca Memorial Bench — Hand-Carved Oak, Rottingdean","description":"\u003cp\u003eSome things start as a community effort and end up as something genuinely extraordinary. This orca bench is one of them — commissioned alongside The Bensley for Rottingdean seafront in East Sussex, where it sits as the companion piece to a memorial boat bench made for Mick Bensley, marine artist of the village.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe brief came from Cathy Taylor, who was coordinating both benches for the PARC charity and Brighton and Hove City Council. She wanted a whale that actually inhabits UK waters. After a little research, she discovered that orcas do indeed visit our shores — and so an orca it became. The design that followed is a leaping orca carved from solid oak and finished in deep black, framing a golden-toned sea: mid-leap, wings of spray caught in the backrest, with rolling ocean carved into every surface. The armrests have a fin-like feel. Even the legs are waves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt to DDA-compliant dimensions — two central armrests, full backrest, seat height to accessibility guidelines — the bench seats three adults comfortably and is designed to live outside in all weathers, including the salt air of the coast. It has been installed on Rottingdean seafront alongside The Bensley and the existing storytelling throne, making Free Range Designs a permanent part of the village's seafront.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeaping orca carved in solid oak\u003c\/strong\u003e — finished in deep black against golden-toned oak grain; the whole backrest is the jump\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWave carvings on every surface\u003c\/strong\u003e — backrest, seat sides, and the legs of the bench itself\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAn orca that visits UK waters\u003c\/strong\u003e — Cathy's research ensured the species is genuinely native to British seas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDDA-compliant\u003c\/strong\u003e — two central armrests with a fin-like feel, backrest, accessible seat height\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThree-seater\u003c\/strong\u003e — generous seat width with central armrests separating the sections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolid Welsh oak throughout\u003c\/strong\u003e, three coats Epifanes matt varnish for coastal outdoor conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInstalled on Rottingdean seafront\u003c\/strong\u003e — alongside The Bensley and the Free Range Designs storytelling throne\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree-seater bench with two central armrests\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeat height: approx. 45–47 cm (DDA-compliant)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Solid oak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinish: Epifanes matt varnish, 3 coats, with deep black paint on orca; weather-resistant for coastal use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlease \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003econtact us\u003c\/a\u003e for full footprint dimensions — every piece is made to order\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eYour Version\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe make benches like this for seafronts, parks, memorial gardens, wildlife reserves and any public space that deserves something more than a standard timber plank. Any creature, any scene, any inscription. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eGet in touch and tell us what you're imagining.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTypical lead time is 4–5 weeks, though we work to project timelines. \u003cstrong\u003ePrices include VAT.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FreeRangeDesigns","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":57096235057527,"sku":null,"price":2750.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0267\/7673\/1729\/files\/orca-benchcopy.jpg?v=1778854655"},{"product_id":"the-bensley-memorial-boat-bench-hand-carved-solid-oak-rottingdean-seafront","title":"The Bensley — Memorial Boat Bench, Carved Oak","description":"\u003cp\u003eSome commissions come with a name already carved into them. This one — quite literally. This is The Bensley: a hand-carved solid oak boat bench made in memory of Mick Bensley, marine artist and much-loved figure of Rottingdean, East Sussex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMick's community — coordinated by Cathy Taylor through the PARC charity, with the family's blessing and Brighton and Hove City Council's support — wanted something that truly belonged to the coast where he had lived and painted. His daughter Aimee was involved in the design from the start. His partner Amanda, hearing the plans, said simply: \"Mick would be very touched to know you are all working toward this memorial boat bench sculpture for all to enjoy.\" The community artist Ange Swinn developed the brief from love; Free Range Designs built it from oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe bench is shaped as a boat — a stepped deck, a raised wheelhouse backrest and a sweeping bow on the port side. Every surface has been carved by hand: rolling waves across the hull, starfish and seaweed climbing the bow, a seahorse and fish picked out in relief on the side panels, and spiral shells framing the whole piece. The name \u003cem\u003eThe Bensley\u003c\/em\u003e is carved into the hull in flowing script. It sits on Rottingdean seafront alongside the Orca Bench — its companion piece, commissioned at the same time by the same community — and the existing storytelling throne that Free Range Designs made for the village years before.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMemorial to Mick Bensley\u003c\/strong\u003e — marine artist of Rottingdean; designed with his family and community, installed on his seafront\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBoat form\u003c\/strong\u003e — stepped deck, wheelhouse backrest, sweeping bow; the full silhouette of a working vessel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHand-carved marine detail throughout\u003c\/strong\u003e — waves, starfish, seaweed, seahorse, fish and spiral shells covering every surface\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\"The Bensley\" carved into the hull\u003c\/strong\u003e in flowing script\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDDA-compliant\u003c\/strong\u003e — two central armrests, backrest, seat height to accessibility guidelines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThree-seater\u003c\/strong\u003e — generous split-level seat; wide enough for families and groups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolid Welsh oak throughout\u003c\/strong\u003e, three coats Epifanes matt varnish for coastal outdoor conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart of a Rottingdean seafront suite\u003c\/strong\u003e — installed alongside the Orca Bench and the existing storytelling throne\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree-seater bench with split-level deck\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeat height: approx. 45–47 cm (DDA-compliant)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Solid oak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinish: Epifanes matt varnish, 3 coats, weather-resistant for coastal use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlease \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003econtact us\u003c\/a\u003e for full footprint dimensions — every piece is bespoke\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eYour Version\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe make benches like The Bensley for communities, councils, seafronts, parks, memorial gardens and any public space that wants something people will sit in and remember for years. Whether you have a person to honour, a place to celebrate or a shape already in mind, we will build it with you. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eGet in touch to begin.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTypical lead time is 4–5 weeks, though we work to project timelines. \u003cstrong\u003ePrices include VAT.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FreeRangeDesigns","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57096350728567,"sku":null,"price":2750.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0267\/7673\/1729\/files\/bensley-boat-memorial-bench-hand-carved-oak-04.jpg?v=1778855353"}],"url":"https:\/\/freerangingdesigns.com\/collections\/storytelling-benches.oembed","provider":"FreeRangeDesigns","version":"1.0","type":"link"}