Sunday 5 July 2009

Bench of the Week - Elegant Bench

My bench for this week's 'Bench of the Week', (a day late!), is a slender bench in Moorbank Botanic Garden, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

I thought how peaceful and graceful it looked, in this green-and-white area of the garden. Rather delicate too ...



It was only when zooming in on my photos on the computer that I realized there is only one arm-rest. Maybe it is a chaise-longue sort of bench for elegantly reclining on!
*
'Bench of the Week' was started by RuneE of Visual Norway. Other participants include Barbara Martin, PERBS, Malyss, Ackworth Born and Pacey - do visit their blogs to see their Bench of the Week on Fridays!

30 comments:

Alexandra MacVean said...

What a gorgeous area...filled with beauty, peace, and comfort. Makes me want to jump in the picture to enjoy for awhile!

Thanks for sharing.

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

It does look like the perfect place to have your feet up and enjoy the view! I love all the shades of green.

Anna said...

I do like the appearance of this one but am not convinced whether it would be comfortable to sit on. I think that I would perch there for a minute or two and would then have move on :)

PERBS said...

Definitely unique or broken -- don't know which. If a little child sat there and leaned back it would not be a good thing. I wonder why they let it be in disrpair like that? I like the one arm but think it neds two to be a beautiful bench and one more slat for people to lean against or shy have a slat at all? Glad you got one up even if it was a tad late!

Rune Eide said...

Somebody must have spent some t8me in designing that bench. As you say, it has a gracefulness not often seen in public benches - and a colour to match.

Phoenix C. said...

It is that kind of place, Amelia - very tranquil and relaxing!

Phoenix C. said...

It would be nice to put one's feet up there, Catherine - with a good book!

Phoenix C. said...

I did not sit on it, Anna - it looked a bit too fragile!

Phoenix C. said...

I've noticed a lot of benches have only one slat to lean against, PERBS - not very comfortable - a bit like some of the chairs in conferences!

Phoenix C. said...

The bench may have been part of the garden when it was originally a private dwelling, RuneE - possibly explaining it's non-robust elegance!

Diane AZ said...

I think it fits in perfectly with the understated green and white section of the garden. I like the graceful legs and arm. I would be tempted to sit for at least a little while.

Phoenix C. said...

It does fit in well with the garden area, Diane. There are other styles of benches in different sections of the garden.

Prospero said...

I really enjoyed the wide shot. It is such an idyllic setting. The blossoming tree, with its pristine flowers, enhances the bench immeasurably.

Phoenix C. said...

Thank you Prospero! I felt the setting looked a little like the background for a scene from a play.

Rob (ourfrenchgarden) said...

Nice bench! as they say.

Is it comfortable to sit on? Its just that it looks possible to slide through backwards if you're not careful.

VP said...

Hello - I ambled over from Anna's (Green Tapestry) to see if you'd got any public planting on view, but found pictures from one of my favourites parts of the world instead :)

I was a student at Newcastle, my first job was in Durham and until recently I was able to make frequent visits to the area (to ease my homesickness for the place) as my parents in law lived in Darlington.

Phoenix C. said...

I haven't actually tried sitting on it, Rob! Maybe there is a slat missing on the back - although I have vague impressions of having seen other benches over the years with not much back support!

Phoenix C. said...

Hello VP, I hope you enjoyed the pictures around Durham and that they brought back happy memories. There will be plenty more - and I hope to post some photos of Out On The Streets planting soon, too. As you will know so well, this area is incredibly rich in beautiful gardens and places of interest - it's one of my favourite places in the world too!

VP said...

Great! I'll be sure to come back often then :)

Phoenix C. said...

Look forward to your visits, VP!

Malyss said...

Discovering your bench very late, sorry!
But I like it!it is smart and elegant, even gracious, like a dancer.. And it has a perfect place under this beautyful tree.
Thanks for sharing!

Phoenix C. said...

Thank you Malyss - glad you like the bench. It is a little like a dancer!

Bim said...

These pictures are so luminously green - just the right thing for a tired eye at 1.20 am :)

Phoenix C. said...

Hope the green has refreshed your eyes, Bim!

Barbara Martin said...

Sorry I'm late, but this is a wonderful unique bench in a perfect location!

Phoenix C. said...

Thank you Barbara! I'm late posting this week's too ...

Gerald (Ackworth born) said...

obviously one is not meant to use it for too long

Phoenix C. said...

True, Ackworth born - a short story read rather than a long novel, I reckon!

Mauri said...

faboulos!!!ciao,mauri

Phoenix C. said...

Thank you Mauri!