The First of Two Curved York Memorial Benches for The Royal Parks London

Posted on February 28, 2026

Installed Beneath the Pergola in the Rose Garden, Greenwich Park

We are proud to share the installation of the first bespoke curved York memorial bench in the Rose Garden at Greenwich Park, commissioned by The Royal Parks.

Greenwich Park is one of London’s most historic and cherished landscapes — a place where architecture, horticulture and heritage exist in careful balance. To contribute even a small part to that setting is both a privilege and a responsibility.

This particular bench has been designed and handcrafted at our East Yorkshire workshop, based on our much-loved York Memorial Bench design. While we have produced many curved York benches over the years in various sizes and radii, each one remains entirely bespoke — carefully calculated and constructed to sit perfectly within its intended setting.

Designed to Sit Beneath the Pergola

The bench has been installed beneath the striking pergola structure in the Rose Garden, designed by artist blacksmith Heather Burrell.

The pergola’s sculptural steelwork — with its radiating roof ring and intricate patterend panels — creates a strong architectural presence within the garden. Rather than compete with that detail, the bench was designed to complement it: warm, natural wood set against weathered steel and seasonal planting.

The curvature of the bench mirrors the geometry of the structure above, creating a sense of cohesion and calm within the space. From beneath the pergola, the view opens out across the Rose Garden — making it a quiet place for reflection, conversation, and rest.

Click on the pictures to enlarge

The Craft Behind a Curved Bench

Creating a curved memorial bench is not simply a matter of bending timber. Every element must be precision-made:

• The back rails are carefully laminated and shaped to the required radius
• Each vertical slat is individually fitted
• The seat boards are subtly tapered and spaced
• The arms are shaped and balanced for comfort
• The entire structure must remain structurally robust while maintaining clean lines

In the workshop, you can see the bench during assembly — clamped along its curve while the glue sets, each section aligned precisely. Only once the structure is secure do we complete final shaping, sanding and finishing.

It is a slower process than producing a straight bench — but the result justifies the care.

Click on the pictures to enlarge

A Prestigious Commission, Built for a Public Landscape

When producing furniture for a site such as Greenwich Park, longevity is critical.

Our York benches are traditionally constructed using high-grade oak or iroko, chosen for its durability and ability to weather beautifully over time. As the seasons pass, the timber will mellow to a soft silver-grey, sitting harmoniously within the planting scheme and historic setting.

The proportions are carefully considered: generous seat depth, supportive back angle, and substantial legs designed to endure decades of use in a public environment.

Click on the pictures to enlarge

To work with The Royal Parks is a genuine honour. Their custodianship of some of London’s most important landscapes demands craftsmanship of the highest standard.

We are delighted that our York bench now forms part of the Rose Garden at Greenwich Park and hope it provides visitors with a place to pause and enjoy one of London’s most beautiful green spaces.

We'll bring more pictures when we have completed the second one!

If you have a curved bench project to discuss feel free to give us a call on 01482 887921 for an informal chat.

Alternatively, visit these pages for more information about our curved benches for parks and urban settings:

• 
  Curved Benches
• 
  Outdoor Furniture for Parks, Rural and Recreation
• 
  Furniture for Street and the Urban Environment
• 
  Custom Built Garden Furniture

For more information about Heather Burrell's Greenwich Park Pergola: https://heatherburrell.co.uk/project/greenwich-park-pergola/

For more information about visiting The Rose Garden at Greenwich Park: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/greenwich-park/rose-garden