OVO Armchair

Benchmark is a company with a deep-rooted belief in the value of craft and craftsmanship.

After graduating from Parnham College for furniture makers, Sean Sutcliffe had a dream of launching his own furniture workshop, and was inspired by his travels around Denmark to bring industry and employment to a rural community.

It was at this time that he met Terence Conran and a firm friendship was made over a shared interest in making, wood, design and sustainability. They founded Benchmark together and the workshop and showroom are now situated on the grounds of Terence’s country home.

The Benchmark craftsmen care deeply about the entire making process. They believe that care and attention bring an energy and integrity to the final piece that could never be replicated by mass manufacture.

Foster and Partners is a British international architecture firm based in London, England. The firm was founded in 1967 by Sir Norman Foster, and has since grown to become one of the most recognized architectural practices in the world.