Architect donates bench in memory of wife

Matt Taylor, a Director at the landscape architecture firm Urban Green, lost his wife Rebecca to breast cancer in 2021. Whilst receiving care at the Hospice, Rebecca discovered a love for the creative arts. In the months before her death at the age of just 37, she found comfort in painting, writing and flower-pressing.

Her amazing story inspired Dr Kershaw’s’ The Nightbird Project, which is a series of free art sessions for people with serious and life-limiting illnesses. Matt is now leading the Hospice’s ongoing garden renovation project.

To honour Rebecca’s memory, he designed and coordinated the creation of a bespoke bench for the garden entrance.

The granite and timber seat is visible from the Hospice’s Wellbeing Centre and will offer patients and visitors a tranquil place to relax.

Matt said: “I wanted to gift something to Dr Kershaw’s, so I uplifted the design scheme as a surprise. I am really happy with it, and it will definitely add the finishing touch to the gardens. Dr Kershaw’s is our chosen charity at Urban Green, so I am very pleased to have been able to gift it.”

The bespoke bench features laser-cut lettering with the Hospice’s motto, ‘You are at the heart of everything we do!’

Dr Kershaw’s’ logo has been replicated and carefully colour matched with weather resistant paints. To create a sense of harmony, the bench has been created in the same stone as the paving.

The curve of the bench also matches the angle of the circular footpath, which is part of the garden’s dementia-friendly design. The granite was donated by the landscape materials supplier Hardscape, who are committed to the responsible sourcing of natural stone.  

Anthony Collins, Sales Director of Hardscape, said: “I have personally known Matt for more than 15 years, and was aware of the assistance Dr Kershaw’s had given to his wife when it was needed most. It was absolutely our pleasure to donate the granite bench and artwork to Dr Kershaw’s’ external redevelopment. Thank you from myself and all at Hardscape for the amazing work you continue to carry out.”