Monolith
In 2022, the Mount Stuart Trust worked with Design Exhibition Scotland on Sitting Pretty, a project which invited designers and makers across Scotland to propose a bench for the grounds of Mount Stuart. Sitting Pretty considered the use of public space, access and accessibility. The benches invited visitors to sit, pause and reflect, and reconnect with nature.
The open call attracted 60 proposals and 4 were selected, showcasing a range of materials and aesthetics from Rekha Maker, CA Walac, Dress for the Weather x Stefanie Cheong, and Chris Dobson.
Dobson’s proposal, Monolith, now finds a permanent home at Mount Stuart.
Monolith is a sheltering bench, inspired by the brutalist bus stops of the Isle of Lewis and the Orkney Chair. From the original prototype, the new bench in our grounds has been constructed from cross laminated timber from Douglas Firs by Highland Heritage Woodworks, who are committed to using locally sourced timber, utilising traditional skills and modern technology.
Monolith was installed at Mount Stuart this spring and can be found at the Kerrylamont end of the 45 Avenue.
Find out more about Sitting Pretty on Design Exhibition Scotland's website.