Remember yesterday’s hornbeams? Today we’re going to tell you about one of the things that sits inside that wooden O.
An almost completely circular bench made of untreated European oak lines the ring of trees. The wood is being left untreated, so it will age and colour over time to a beautiful silvery grey. The circle will be broken in three places to allow access; the three pieces provide a total of 22 metres of seating in a simple design, harmonious with the setting.
Maker Armando Magnino explains “The benched seating... has been designed to Timothy O’Brien’s brief as a place of quiet meditation and reflection. This is my first work for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, and I am honoured to be part of a project of this nature. I hope this circular bench… encourages visitors to contemplate Shakespeare’s life and work in Stratford for many years to come.”
Shakespeare’s New Place opens Summer 2016. Come and walk in Shakespeare's footsteps and meet the man behind the works in a fascinating new exhibition. Discover beautiful gardens and specially-commissioned artworks.
Find out more about Shakespeare's New Place.