Woodstock Bench

The Woodstock Bench is a masterful marriage of ecological responsibility and artistic vision, handcrafted in our Bridgewater, Vermont workshop. Originally commissioned by the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) in 2020, this piece represents our first outdoor bench designed by Charles Shackleton utilizing the extraordinary properties of Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia).

The design is deeply connected to the local landscape, featuring a crest rail shaped to mirror the undulating forest canopy as seen from the VINS canopy walk in Quechee.

Features & Craftsmanship

• Legendary Durability: Crafted from locally grown and sustainably harvested Vermont Black Locust, a timber so rot-proof that old-timers claim it "lasts one year longer than stone".

• Nature-Inspired Silhouette: The distinctive six-foot frame features an arched backrest that reflects the rhythmic tops of the forest canopy, creating a perfect visual anchor for a garden viewpoint.

• Exceptional Ergonomics: The slatted seat is precisely contoured to provide a comfortable, supportive sit, inviting you to linger and enjoy the outdoors.

• Personalized Memorial Detail: The broad central panel can be custom engraved with a favorite quote, logo, or anniversary date, making it a thoughtful place for remembrance.

• Sustenance of Local Heritage: Traditionally used for fence posts, our use of Black Locust elevates this humble, native hardwood into a refined, durable work of art.

• Heirloom Joinery: Built using traditional mortise and tenon joinery, this bench is engineered to withstand the changing seasons of the North East for generations.

The Woodstock Bench is more than a seat; it is a sustainable monument to the beauty of the Vermont woods and the enduring legacy of handmade craft.