Member Article

Treske praised for quality work at iconic Bucks church

Treske, the award-winning Yorkshire furniture designer and manufacturer, has been praised for its “quality work” supplying church furniture to an iconic 19th century church in Buckinghamshire

Treske provided a wide range of bespoke furniture to Holy Trinity Church in Prestwood, near Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire, which was designed by the renowned Victorian architect E B Lamb.

The Thirsk-based family-owned business designed and manufactured 36 oak benches, 24 oak side chairs and 16 oak armchairs, together with a special altar table.

Justin Bartlett, managing director of Treske, explained: “Our church furniture contract at Holy Trinity was part of a wide-ranging modernisation of the interior of the church, which was completely emptied of the old box pews. I gather the congregation absolutely love the church’s new look.

“Our new stackable oak benches, side chairs and armchairs have given the interior a flexible, light and airy feel. Our specially-designed altar table features an old piece of Portland limestone, reclaimed from the church steps, under which are housed some religious relics and a small time capsule”.

The Rev Deiniol Haywood, vicar of Holy Trinity, commented: “The altar table complements the church beautifully and has been one of the most commented on features of the entire re-ordering project.

“We have received some very positive comments and feedback from the Oxford Diocese with the general feeling that they would like to show other churches in the area just what can be achieved if you apply the right quality of furniture and level of overall finish to a project,” he said.

“The chancellor of the Diocese of Oxford, who had to authorise this design, as he does every significant change in a church building, described it as ‘this attractive and well-designed altar.’ And we agree.”

The Rev Heywood explained: “We looked at a number of different furniture suppliers. We had sample benches in church for a few weeks. People voted for their favourite, and Treske’s came out on top for comfort, looks, and utility.

“The committee looking at furnishings were pleased, as Treske had a competitive price, but mainly because the company was great to deal with, working closely and knowledgably with us to make our vision for a new altar a reality. This was a really well-managed process. We love the design that Treske came up with”.

Justin Bartlett added: “It is also extremely rewarding when a customer is so satisfied with our work, especially when we have designed something as personal as an altar table. It is also rewarding to contribute to the modernisation of such an historically significant church.”

Treske is now the leading manufacturer and supplier of church furniture in this country, having undertaken ecclesiastical projects for high-profile churches across the UK, including Ripon Cathedral; St George’s Chapel, Windsor; Bradford Cathedral and St Martin-in-the-Fields in central London.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Beaumont .