The new kitchen was built in 1996, and by 2000 we had moved out of the old Dining Room (now the Warrington Room) into the refurbished Arlosh Hall, but we were still sitting on black plastic chairs. What to do? A whole hall of chairs is an expensive business.
The Housekeeper and Academic Bursar hatched a plan to have a new set of chairs sponsored by former students and friends of the College. Comfort and durability were to be crucial. After a memorable day sitting on other colleges’ dining chairs, the team chose to commission Crowdy’s, an Oxfordshire firm (sadly no longer trading) who produced a custom design that mirrors the shape of the radiator recesses and the gothic arches in the Arlosh windows. Sponsors for all 120 chairs proved remarkably easy to find: each chair bears a brass plaque with a dedication, some to the donor, and some to a loved-one or mentor. The quality of the workmanship has been confirmed by a quarter of a century’s continual use – with the chairs still looking as good as new.
A very recognisable feature of innumerable lunches, dinners and celebrations, they are a reminder of how the generosity of our supporters has transformed the everyday life of the College.
The above is an extract from "Building On Our Past, Shaping Our Future", a publication celebrating the 30 years since we received our Royal Charter to become a full collegiate member of the University of Oxford. You can order a copy of the book, which features original photography and text, by visiting our donation site.
Order a copy of the book
