Restoration of a 4 Seat Coalbrookdale Bench

This Coalbrookdale bench possibly started it’s life on a farm in Scotland and, about thirty years ago, the family bought it down to Esher in Surrey.

When we went to collect it, you could see it was in a very bad state. It had not been touched for many years. The layers of paint were flaking off and the back frame was broken in many places and would require professional welding to secure it. The timber slats were rotten.

Once the bench was with us, the old timber slats were removed and it was sand blasted to remove all the old paint. This revealed the kite mark which stated that the bench was made on 30th April, 1858. Next step was to get the bench repaired by welding all the broken areas. Once finished, it was rigid and back to its original state.

Hand painting a bench of this complexity takes time. Powder coating would have been quicker but would lose all the detail of the casting. The first coat was red oxide undercoat and then at least two coats of Hammerite white.

With the painting completed, the timber slats were fitted which were European Oak and treated with Danish Oil and then Osmo Clear Satin. All nuts and bolts are stainless steel.

When we delivered the bench back to the customer, they could not believe it was the same bench. We also gave them a booklet on the history of Coalbrookdale with information and photos of the progress of the restoration.

Another happy customer!

Learn more about Design Registration Marks Prefixes from 1884