Joiners restore Havel’s Place in the University Parks

The installation is one of several around the world that are dedicated to the memory of Vaclav Havel, the author, human rights activist and former President of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic.

Originally added to the Parks in 2014, it includes two chairs and a small table built around a young Linden tree, and is meant to provide a modest place for rest and contemplation.

The wooden parts of the table and chairs have suffered badly from exposure to the elements in the last few years. Their replacements, however, should last much longer as they are made from Accoya, a high-tech softwood that has been treated with preservative to make it extremely resistant to rot – indeed, it is guaranteed to last 50 years.