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Restoration of Camel Benches, Embankment, London
Cast iron street furniture was originally installed on London's Thames Emankment near the Houses of Parliament in the late 1870s, to mark the opening of Cleopatra’s Needle, which had spent four-year voyage from Egypt. George Vulliamy, architect to the Board of Works, designed an ornamental dolphin lamp, along with benches that featured sphinx and
Cast iron street furniture was originally installed on London's Thames Emankment near the Houses of Parliament in the late 1870s, to mark the opening of Cleopatra’s Needle, which had spent four-year voyage from Egypt.
George Vulliamy, architect to the Board of Works, designed an ornamental dolphin lamp, along with benches that featured sphinx and camel-shaped armrests that expanded on the historicist, patriotic and imperial concepts of the obelisk.
The original benches were later faithfully reproduced in cast iron, but by 2007, the timber had fallen into disrepair and required replacement.
Solution
Branson Leisure was able to provide a restoration service in addition to the supply and installation of replacement timber.
The company removed the damaged benches, cleaned metalwork, revitalised existing timber where possible, and replaced some slats with new iroko.
Outcome
These benches, which form part of the culture and heritage of the public realm of the City of London, can now be enjoyed by passers-by and visitors again.
