Way back in 2015 – yes that really is ten years ago – I decided to post photos of the numerous benches sitting in my folders. It seemed that I was not alone and suddenly it turned into the Bench Challenge where I set a particular criterion each month and people joined in posting their bench photos. It was a lot of fun and I met a lot of wonderful bloggers through it.
Drolla – The Storytelling Bench.
A different kind of bench appeared this month. Commissioned and co-designed by the Cornwall National Landscape team and crafted by renowned Cornish metal sculptors Thrussells, Drolla, which takes its name from the Cornish word for “folk tale,” seamlessly blends intricate artistry with functional design.
Its metalwork teems with symbols of Cornwall’s rich cultural tapestry: from mythical creatures and ancient legends to indigenous flora and fauna. Each flourish and curve is a gentle prompt to look a little deeper, listen a little more closely and appreciate the stories that live in the land. Source: Cornwall National Landscape
Drolla is a gathering place to inspire health, connection and wellbeing, the Storytelling Bench will start it’s journey around the 12 sections of Cornwall National Landscape at Trebah Garden (Section 8). The bench will be at Trebah from 23 January to 27 April 2025.
This year I am returning to mark the occasion by posting a bench photo every Sunday. There will not be any particular theme set this year so it’s not really much of a challenge, but if there is anyone out there who still has a bucketful of bench photos and would like to join me, then please do so by adding a link in the comments or a link to my post in yours (a pingback) and I will happily pop along to admire.
TRAVEL WORDS 
That is a cool bench. I love a story bench with history and a bit of today thrown in.
I guess my bench series does that as well
Yes. I immediately thought of your series when I read about this one. Just had to go and have a look.
Thanks Jude. I only have one more to go
Such a beautiful piece of art! I would love to see it.
It’s very detailed, but actually quite difficult to see properly.
What a wonderful idea for a bench. I bet it’s heard some stories by now. Here’s mine today: https://margaret21.com/2025/03/01/one-bench-four-bags-two-brollies/
I know a few folktales, including the giants, mermaids and Cornish pixies…
It’s a lovely thing, isn’t it? I watched the video with fascination. Hope you have another dry, bright day xx
Not quite so blue, but bright and dry. I like dry.
We’re sitting under shelter with a drink and toasties, waiting for the rain to hit,or not, before we go to Carnaval this afternoon xx
Hope it doesn’t rain!
About 6 drops, so we’ve been very lucky xx
Rich with history. Mines been seenpreviously: https://suejudd.com/2025/03/02/a-bench-in-the-sun-by-the-sea/
Always nice to see a bench again.
Good!
What a wonderful way to celebrate the landscape and the culture that arises from it!
A lovely idea. I just had to pop into the courtyard garden (free) to have a look and get some photos.
What a beautiful bench indeed, and the story telling makes it even better.
Best wishes, Pete. x
It’s interesting to see. Would be better if they had one of those audio tracks incorporated like I have seen in Switzerland.