For twenty years they’ve been the best seats in the house, but now the distinctive foyer sofas and benches at Lighthouse Poole are in need of new homes.
Thanks to a significant personal donation from businessman and renowned patron of the arts Spyros Niarchos, the popular town centre arts venue is investing in new seating for its first floor foyer. As a result, the existing single colour four-person sofas and benches, as well as a corner unit, are being offered to community groups and charities – for free.
“The project has been prompted by feedback from customers calling for more seating to be available before shows in our Concert Hall and Theatre,” says Martyn Balson, Head of Operations at Lighthouse.
“Our donor wanted to help Lighthouse with something that would benefit the entire community, including audiences and other building users. The existing furniture has done very well over the last 20 years, but it needs updating as we make Lighthouse more accessible and more comfortable for everyone using the space.
“We’d like to thank our colleagues at So Furniture for their help and support with this project.”
The sofas and benches in the first floor foyer will be replaced with new chairs and tables that will create a significant number of additional seats. The new furniture will arrive in mid-July and it’s hoped the existing bucket chairs and tables can be upcycled to create more seating on the second floor ready for the start of the autumn season in September.
The 11 sofas, five benches and a corner unit will be available on a collection-only basis for groups to pick up from August.
To find out more and to apply please email hr@lighthousepoole.co.uk.
Pictured above, members of Craft Ladies who meet at Lighthouse on Thursday mornings, show off a sofa.
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