Talking Shop: THOMPSON'S GARDEN EMPORIUM

Michael Thompson, owner of Thompson’s Garden Emporium, speaks to Molly Malsom about his passion for Coalbrookdale benches, the painstaking restoration process, and the thrill of the chase...

- Molly Malsom

The Victorians loved botany, and Coalbrookdale benches were the first to feature plant-based designs, starting with the Convolvulus in 1842. They are still loved and sought after, but are becoming increasingly difficult to find. I'm always searching and, being the recognised specialist, a surprising number now come to us.