Bespoke School Storytelling Chair

The Fairytale Storytellers Time Chair is a bespoke commission carved with the creatures and characters chosen by the children themselves — proof that the best storytelling chairs are designed by their audience.

This chair was born from a collaboration with the children of Brightwell Primary School, who filled it with everything a great story needs: unicorns, castles, rainbows, dragons, rabbits, apples, roses, a tortoise, and a frog. The words "Once upon a time" are carved into one side, and "Are you sitting comfortably?" into the other — the perfect invitation to begin. Every version we make carries that same spirit of co-creation.

The solid hand-built joinery ensures it will outlast every child who sits in it.

Dimensions

• Total height: 170 cm
• Total width: 46 cm
• Seat height: 43 cm

Key Features

• Children-designed carvings — unicorns, dragons, castles, rainbows, rabbits, roses, tortoise, frog, and more across the frame
• Story phrases carved in — "Once upon a time" and "Are you sitting comfortably?" set the scene before a word is spoken
• Choice of Oak or Douglas Fir — durable hardwoods that hold fine carving detail
• Choose your finish — supplied unvarnished as standard, or add three coats of Epifanes yacht varnish for lasting colour and sheen (+£50)
• Solid hand-built joinery — made in Mid Wales to last for years of outdoor storytelling

Your Version

Your version of this chair starts with a conversation. Which animals, characters, or creatures matter most to your school? What phrase belongs above the seat? We can carve almost anything — and the more specific your brief, the more magical the result. Past commissions have included school crests, local wildlife, patron saints, and children's own drawings translated into timber.

Typical lead time is 4–5 weeks, though we can work to tighter deadlines for end-of-term or retirement dates. Prices include VAT. Schools can order by purchase order and pay on invoice — no upfront payment needed. We're happy to provide VAT number, bank details, and address if your school needs to register us as a supplier.

Explore related chairs: the Elven Story Time Chair, the Magical Snowdrop Story Time Chair, or browse the full storytelling chairs collection. You can also read about how school commissions come to life in our Enchanting Chairs blog post.

Finish

This piece is supplied unvarnished as standard. Left natural, solid oak slowly weathers to a soft, silvery-grey — completely normal for outdoor timber, a graceful way for a piece to age, and with no maintenance needed. If you’d prefer to bring out the grain and warm, honeyed tones, choose the varnished option (+£50) and we’ll hand-apply three coats of Epifanes, a premium marine yacht varnish.