(L-R) Jimmy Miller, Jacqueline Bogusz, Matthew Partridge and Stephen Grocott

Over 30 years ago, the Burmese Government commissioned architecturally designed teak sitting benches as a gift to the Australian Parliament. Using carefully selected Burmese teak timber and made by local Canberra joiners, these benches were designed by internationally acclaimed lead architect of APH—Romaldo Giurgola.

Situated in the Queen’s Terrace and Members and Guests Terrace, these ten teak benches contrast strongly against architectural features such as marble and concrete.

‘Many items of furniture at Parliament House have a fascinating story behind them, as the furniture was designed specifically for the building, for example timbers were chosen specifically to acknowledge Australia’s heritage and colours were chosen to represent Australian native plants such as wattle trees.’

Furniture Manager, Jacqueline Bogusz

Designed for quiet contemplation, these benches have been enjoyed by over a million people since their installation in 1988. As a result of wear and tear, the Maintenance Services team in Building Services Branch commissioned a local conservation specialist to restore the benches. The benches were carefully restored to their earlier brilliance using hand tools. They are now ready for a new era of quiet contemplation by another million visitors.