Coventry Cathedral Chairs

Trevor Chinn describes the impressive qualities of this 'completely engineered' chair which was designed in 1960 by Dick Russell. The chairs had to be strong, to simulate pews, to stack, and to be used around a table. Martin Blakeman, who was an apprentice at the time of their manufacture, tells their story from the apprentice's point of view, and also tells of their lasting strength. Not only did these chairs fulfil their initial remit but Laurie Wolder then describes how they went on to bring in new commissions in the United States.