This 1870 Coalbrookdale Rustic pattern no. 18 cast iron bench, reg. no. 78766 was destined for the skip. It was damaged, very rusty and in pieces. British Benches learned of it from an antique dealer who couldn't sell it because of its condition, so we bought it. Initially, we were unsure of our approach to the restoration as sand blasting may have damaged the delicate nature of the thinner ornament. Firstly the cracks, breaks and lugs were repaired with specialist welding rods, which re-introduced the bench's structural integrity. We then carefully stripped it by hand, primed the repaired areas and gave it a top coat of the original, matching paint colour S2010 B90G. The oak seating slats were made from 60 year old English Oak, planed up and given a slight routed edge. They are secured by hidden fixings on the underside and treated with Osmo waterproof and UV protective oil. It is now probably our favourite bench in the whole collection and it is so satisfying to know that this wonderful example of Victorian garden art will live on for another generation or two in the hands of new owners. The original design, no. 78766 was registered and patented at the Public Records Office by Coalbrookdale Iron Foundry on 7th April 1851 and is no. 18 in the 1875 Castings Catalogue, Section 111, page 253

British Benches is an independent restorer of authentic, historic castings and are not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any foundry. The bench shown is a restored, authentic C19th original Coalbrookdale bench.