Member Article

Yorkshire furniture manufacturer hailed for cathedral restoration work

Treske, the bespoke furniture manufacturer, has designed and supplied furniture as part of restoration work at a medieval buildings in the grounds of Peterborough Cathedral.

The Thirsk-based firm has supplied solid oak chairs and tables for the newly restored Knights’ Chamber building, which has a history dating back to the 13th century, as part of the Cathedral’s new visitor and learning centre.

Built sometime around 1220, the Knight’s Chambers was used by the sixty knights of Peterborough Abbey, serving as their lodgings while on duty and also where they met with Abbey officials.

For the work, Treske supplied three arts and crafts tables and ten folding tables which can be stored in two specially constructed storage cupboards.

Channeling the history of the building, the North Yorkshire furniture company has also designed 66 St Wilfrid chairs, upholstered in burgundy leather and representing the 60 knights and six Abbey officials.

Russell Clynch, Commercial Director of Treske, commented: “This was a very rewarding project for us, given the quality and the significance of the refurbishment of the Grade I listed Knights’ Chamber and the excellent reputation of the venue.

“We are also very proud to be a Yorkshire company representing our region in the heart of England.”

The restoration work is part of a wider £2.4m project to conserve and restore the medieval building, including the new visitor and learning centre which was opened by historian David Starkey recently.

Stephen Crane, Director of Projects at Peterborough Cathedral said: “The Knights’ Chamber, and the heritage it holds, is a rare survivor and a building of international architectural and historical significance.

“The conservation and refurbishment of the Knights’ Chamber is part of a much larger project to improve access at the Cathedral, supported by a £2.4 million Heritage Lottery award.”