The Tall Ships Short Story

Laughter. Silliness. Sometimes, our lives create feelings that are too serious and we need to be reminded that is good to reclaim our inner child. Shake off that fear…being a grown up is hard BUT in memory of my dear mum Zen, Charlotte has created a positively daft design that also celebrates the most wonderful things all over the North East has to offer. As a frequent tourist Charlotte's taken a snapshot of things she's enjoyed and visited; from castles to coffee shops, independent businesses to county fairs…what’s not to love?

'Buccaneer’s Bench’ is inspired by Scotland’s connections with pirates. From William Kidd a 17th-century privateer to Robert Davidson, An innkeeper, and wine merchant who was charged with piracy in 1410, Scotland has a rich maritime history. Pirate boats of all kinds sailed off the Scottish Coast, from Brigantines to Sloops, Schooners to tall Galleon ships. My colourful bench features a Pirate Shipwreck at the bottom of the sea which has become home to all kinds of ocean creatures like fish, crabs and even an octopus! Can you spot the hidden coins and the captains hook?

This design highlights how the many castles of the North East have inspired countless stories and legends. These magnificent structures often seem as if they’ve been lifted straight from the pages of a storybook. Through this work, I aim to celebrate the imaginative tales drawn from the rich history and enduring beauty of these remarkable, real-world landmarks.

I chose to have my design resemble a bed. The idea was that many people have a rest on a bench so lets make it look comfortable for them. A large majority read their books in bed so this also added to my inspiration. For emergencies there is a chamber pot under the bed and of course you have to have a teddy for company. the pattern on the duvet and pillows is of shells and seaweed and other life under the sea adorns the backboard of the bed.A touch of the Bedknob and Broomstick!