Foyles Bookshop
London WC2
Completed Winter 2002

When the famous Foyles Bookshop opened their first ever café in November 2002 they wanted furniture to fit into their organic ethos. Retrouvius was commissioned to design and make benches, tables and stools entirely from reclaimed timber.

In conjunction with designers Martino Gamper and Rainer Spehl, we constructed 28 pieces out of Douglas Fir joists and trusses salvaged from local demolition sites.The construction and jointing methods employed are traditional, using dowels, “biscuits” and glue, and not one nail or screw. The furniture was finished in a water based sealant for ease of maintenance and wear.

You can sample the café’s delicious menu and test-drive the furniture 7 days a week at 113-119 Charing Cross Road, London WC2.