The Preston Bench

Abstract

Following the success of Harris Flights in re-enforcing the Flag Market as a venue for temporary performances and activities Preston City Council events team planned to purchase temporary seating. After a period of consultation In Certain Places worked with Research Design and the local joinery company Smithy Joinery to create The Preston Bench.

The contemporary mobile bench, which seats up to 10 people is highly crafted from sustainable hardwood with stainless steel fittings. It is a contemporary reference to Preston’s traditional board market with its demountable portable stalls. The single wheel allows this robust piece of public furniture to be temporarily positioned within any civic space. This enables seating for public audience events to be configured as well as adding to the city’s seating stock in the warmer months of the year.

The benches were designed by Professor Charles Quick of In Certain Places, architect Charlie McKeith, and local joiner Andy Fountain of Smithy Joinery.

Six benches were commissioned in the first year of 2015, and these will be added to each year until there are enough to facilitate all the planned future events.