A MUSEUM has unveiled an unusual piece of artwork in the gardens of a renowned artist’s former home in a bid to encourage conversation.

The Munnings Art Museum, in Dedham, revealed its latest artist-designed, handcrafted bench which was commissioned as an outdoor quiet space for visitors to sit alone and think, or enjoy talking with others.

Artist Tim Germain created the bench, which can be found in the former gardens of Sir Alfred Munnings, as part of an Arts Council England community project.

Museum director Jenny Hand said: “The idea for our new bench was first mooted prior to the Covid pandemic affecting the UK and prompting the first lockdown.

“Despite the subsequent lockdowns and the museum having to close as a consequence, community members, artist advocates and our indefatigable team of volunteers developed the initial designs via Zoom conversations.

“A seat shape soon came to fruition, inspired by the surrounding landscape of the Dedham Vale and Stour Valley, as so famously painted by John Constable and, of course, Sir Alfred Munnings himself.”

Furniture maker Tim Germain distilled the various conversations and ideas into a solid design for the seat, which echoes the meandering nature of the River Stour at Dedham.

“Tim’s concept for the bench also reflects the simple pleasure of being beside or on the river, as Alfred Munnings often was. To this day, the Stour continues to inspire plein air artists, walkers and canoeists alike,” Mrs Hand added.

The bench was created in Mr Germain’s workshop in Stratford St Mary, using oak from storm-felled trees taken from parks in Ipswich. He spent months painstakingly crafting the individual pieces which combine to resemble a particular section of the Stour.

Sharp-eyed nature and art lovers will recognise this section as the bend by Fen Bridge, a feature painted by Constable and later by David Muirhead.

“My benches are never straight, as no-one likes chatting over their shoulder,” Mr Germain said.

“I have no idea why nearly all the world’s benches are straight but mine are designed curvy, to draw people in and encourage them to linger longer out of doors.

“And when they are sitting, the alignment of different sitters gently opens up the possibility of a conversation and simply because there is too much loneliness in the world.

“The bench is a beautiful object in its own right and a wonderful addition to the Museum’s tranquil garden. Now it is installed, it will allow generations to come to sit and reflect.”