Reflection Bench

A bespoke garden bench commissioned to remember a special husband, father and grandfather.

The bench is located beside a beautiful loch in Scotland. Seeing the landscape mirrored in the water inspired the design of a Reflection Bench. The seat becomes the shoreline and the structure above is mirrored in the structure below.

A traditional wooden boatbuilding technique (clinker) was used. Slats are steamed and bent over each other to build up a complex curved shape that provides a comfortable backrest and an enveloping hug. Serendipitously James also dabbled in boat building.

Seventy six copper rivets reinforce the structure. Each are hammered through, trimmed and hammered into a smooth dome. The rivets will develop a lovely green patina over time and the oak will weather to silvery grey. The bench is designed to require minimal maintenance. The oak is from a windblown tree on Glen Lyon Estate.

We delivered the bench on the most perfect November day imaginable and photographed it on a little pontoon just in front of the garden.

“What a special day Friday was with such a beautiful bench arriving. It truly is a work of art which will be enjoyed by so many people over many years. Thank you.” 

We often engrave outdoor benches with text or poetry or in this case a few lines from a song.

“I have been meaning to write to you for a very long time to tell you how much the whole family and so many dear friends are enjoying the beautiful bench Angus made.

I cannot tell you how much it is being used for quiet cups of tea or coffee at any given time of day, children chattering and keeping our swimming kit off the ground.  It could not be more perfect for us.  I know that James would absolutely love it as he enjoyed wood working himself and thoroughly appreciated beautifully crafted wood such as this.”