Restoring Romsey Abbey’s Seating

In July 2023, we were approached by Tom Crutchfield, Landscape Architect for Test Valley Borough Council, with a unique challenge. Tom admired Gaze Burvill’s craftsmanship but, with council budget constraints, new seating wasn’t an option. Instead, he sought our expertise in restoring the eight Broadwalk benches surrounding Romsey Abbey—seats that had endured 25 years of weathering without maintenance.

Understanding the importance of preserving these historic benches, we explored restoration options. Tom needed a proposal to present at the council meeting the following week. The proposal was well received, and the project was given the green light.

Before & After: A Transformation in Action

Work commenced in late August 2024, with the benches collected in stages. Once we began cleaning the first arrivals, it became clear just how extensive the restoration would be.

To provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution, we proposed an alternative: repurposing two larger Broadwalk benches that had been retired from RHS Wisley. We donated these restored benches to the council. Tom was equally delighted with this solution.

Preserving Heritage with Sustainability

Instead of replacing old benches with new ones, this project aligned with Gaze Burvill’s commitment to sustainability. By restoring existing seating, we not only extended the lifespan of high-quality furniture but also reduced waste and embodied a more environmentally responsible approach.

The restoration process for the benches involved a comprehensive approach:

Cleaning and Repair: Deep cleaning, replacing damaged components (top caps, seat slats, front rails), and repairing all surfaces with new timber and reinforced joints.
Finishing: Sanding to a smooth finish and applying two coats of protective oil.

This restoration was chosen over replacement due to its:

Cost-effectiveness: Significantly cheaper than new benches.
Sustainability: Reduced waste and resource use.
Aesthetic Preservation: Maintained the historic character.
Durability: Ensured a long lifespan with proper maintenance.

Our latest project, restoring some well-loved public benches was one of our most challenging projects but also one of our most rewarding. The results were met with great enthusiasm from Tom and the council, as well as from the local community.

Thinking About Restoring Your Outdoor Furniture? We would recommend an annual care plan which would include the following:

Assessment of furniture to spot any repairs early
Cleaning of the furniture with a wood cleaning solution.
Recoating of Penetrating oil to prominent areas of seating and recoat underneath every 4 years.

If you have any of our aging outdoor furniture that could benefit from expert restoration or need any aftercare advice click here.

“Gaze Burvill has undertaken the restoration of a number of benches outside Romsey Abbey. Unfortunately the benches were never properly maintained and ended up in a poor state. The Council hoped to replace the benches but it was out of budget. However, Darrell (who manages Aftercare at Gaze Burvill) offered a restoration service to bring them back to their former glory. Gaze Burvill rebuilt them to a beautiful finish and the Council are very pleased with the end product. Feedback from the public has been really positive.

Now they have been restored, we have signed up to Gaze Burvill for annual maintenance to ensure the longevity of the benches”

~ Tom Crutchfield, Landscape & Ecology, Test Valley Borough Council.