LONDON.- Vast travertine ‘boulder benches’ created by Sculptor
David Worthington in collaboration with
John Robertson Architects (JRA), and Bill Amberg Studio and have been revealed at 20 Gresham Street in the City of London’s Guildhall complex.
Renowned Sculptor David Worthington was commissioned to create four ‘sculptural benches’ for visitors. Worthington collaborated closely with JRA to design a series of travertine benches measuring up to five metres in length and weighing up to 2.5 tons. During the two-year long project, Worthington spent time in Pietrasanta near Carrara – working with
Marble Projects (founded by artist Kevin Francis Gray) – and sourced Tuscan travertine from S.I.T.I. Quarry in southern Tuscany to harmonise with 20 Gresham Street’s interior architecture.
Bill Amberg Studios crafted elegantly formed cushions in Tuscan leather that blend seamlessly into the design. The resulting work operates as a synthesis of sculpture, design, craftsmanship, and architecture, evoking something simultaneously Neolithic and futuristic.
David Worthington is an award-winning sculptor, academic, lecturer and curator whose work explores the evolving language of abstract sculpture. His early fascination with abstraction began at the age of ten after encountering a sculpture by Barbara Hepworth in a school history book – an experience that continues to resonate through his practice.
JRA completed the repositioning of 20 Gresham Street, delivering an extensive upgrade of two office levels and repositioning the asset’s basement space. The standout feature of the refurbishment is the reimagining of the existing double-height ground floor entrance hall, dominated by a full-height sculptured travertine stone wall and full-height glazing along Gresham Street.
The choice of material was influenced by the materiality of the retained wall relief that is incorporated into JRA’s interior design. The stone for the benches was sourced and cut from a single block at the S.I.T.I. Travertino Toscano quarry in Rapolano Terme south of Siena in Tuscany. The geology and terrace formation of travertine in its natural environment, coupled with the idea of the natural forms of the stones and fossils found along riverbeds, served to inspire the design. Two 5 metres, one 4 metres, and one 3 metres solid travertine benches have been installed.
David Worthington says of the project: “The benches at 20 Gresham Street form an integral part of the overall concept for the entrance hall. JRA originally conceived the idea of monumental benches in travertine, echoing the pebble-like scallops within the travertine wall of the existing building.
My own work is inspired by the natural world and organic forms as well as being influenced by Modernist sculptors such as Isamu Noguchi. I regard sculpture and design, as equal but distinct as disciplines, each contributing in their own way to the built environment. In collaboration with JRA , and the production team, I believe we have created a highly accessible, visually captivating and functional installation. The benches at 20 Gresham Street are a lasting connection between the natural environment and the existing building.”
David Magyar, Director, JRA, comments: “Our design for the new entrance hall at 20 Gresham Street aspires to being more like a gallery space than a reception area. Tenants – and their visitors – are encouraged to dwell, enjoy and interact with high quality artwork in a beautifully curated setting.
JRA has created a unique arrival experience, combining a considered architectural adaptation of the existing space with new, dynamic artwork additions in the shape of sculptural benches by David Worthington in collaboration with Marble Projects and Bill Amberg Studio.
The sculptural benches and the Acrylicize hanging mobile installation were an integral part of JRA’s initial concepts, derived from the architectural, sculptural and material qualities of the travertine wall, part of the original base building. The connection to the natural environment is further strengthened by the introduction of large, living trees which bring scale and softness to the design.”
This is a new direction for Worthington, and he is offering stone sculptural furniture as a new product range. The bench designs are available for sale or to commission.
There are plans for an exhibition at the International Stone Fair Marmo+Mac in Verona in September 2026:
https://www.marmomac.com/en/marmomac-en/
20 Gresham Street is located within the City of London, close to Guildhall and St Paul’s Cathedral and in close proximity to the Guildhall Conservation Area.
