Sir Edwin Lutyens' Garden Bench

Sir Edwin Lutyens, born 29th March 1869, started work as an architect in 1888 at the age of 20. His work took up most of his time leaving him little time for other interests.

During his time as an architect, Sir Edwin designed over 36 major English country houses and altered and added to many more. His designs included the Cenotaph in Whitehall, Thiepval Arch on the Somme and many other memorials and cemeteries for the Great War. He built the Viceroy's House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan), New Delhi, Johannesburg Art Gallery, the British Embassy in Washington along with many other renowned buildings. Lutyens also designed Munsted Wood (Gertrude Jekyll's home) and together they created over 100 gardens. He remodelled Lindesfarne Castle and build castle Castle Drogo, both of which are now owned by the National Trust.

His last great work was his design for the Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool of which only the crypt was built. Along with such distinguished and high profile buildings Sir Edwin also enjoyed more carefree projects such as designs for furniture and stage settings as well as Queen Mary's Dolls' House which is now in Windsor Castle.

Amongst his furniture designs was the Lutyens Garden Bench which was one of his most admired creations. The unusual frame around the beautifully ordered slats on the back, and the fabulously carved backrest, along with the autograph armrests were classically designed by this iconic man over 100 years ago.

His estate still carries on his name, creating beautiful pieces mainly from English Oak all based on his timeless designs.