Some 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.
Mick'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.
The 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 The Bensley 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.
Key Features
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Memorial to Mick Bensley — marine artist of Rottingdean; designed with his family and community, installed on his seafront
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Boat form — stepped deck, wheelhouse backrest, sweeping bow; the full silhouette of a working vessel
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Hand-carved marine detail throughout — waves, starfish, seaweed, seahorse, fish and spiral shells covering every surface
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"The Bensley" carved into the hull in flowing script
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DDA-compliant — two central armrests, backrest, seat height to accessibility guidelines
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Three-seater — generous split-level seat; wide enough for families and groups
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Solid Welsh oak throughout, three coats Epifanes matt varnish for coastal outdoor conditions
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Part of a Rottingdean seafront suite — installed alongside the Orca Bench and the existing storytelling throne
Dimensions
- Three-seater bench with split-level deck
- Seat height: approx. 45–47 cm (DDA-compliant)
- Material: Solid oak
- Finish: Epifanes matt varnish, 3 coats, weather-resistant for coastal use
- Please contact us for full footprint dimensions — every piece is bespoke
Your Version
We 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. Get in touch to begin.
Typical lead time is 4–5 weeks, though we work to project timelines. Prices include VAT.
