# Literature-Inspired Public Seating The London Book Benches Focus on Classic Novels By Meghan Young | Published 2013-11-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/london-book-benches References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/2013/11/21/The-Book-Benches-of-London/) & [theguardian](http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/nov/20/london-book-benches-sitting-comfortably) Enjoying the outdoors on a quiet day reading one's favorite book is a pastime beautifully captured with the London Book Benches. It is a range of [public seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adp-bench) that has been modelled after some [classic literature](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/western-academy) including Kenneth Grahame's 'The Wind in the Willows,' J.M. Barrie’s 'Peter Pan,' Michael Rosen’s 'We’re Going on a Bear Hunt' and George Orwell’s 'Nineteen Eighty-Four.' Painted by a number of different artists such as Mik Richardson and Thomas Dowdeswell, the London Book Benches were created for the [National Literacy Trust](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/londons-green-spaces), a British charity that promotes reading and writing. What makes the London Book Benches stand out even more is the fact that they have been shaped as oversized open books. The artistic public benches are set to go on display in the summer of 2014. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Literature-inspired Public Seating:** Opportunity to integrate classic literature into public spaces, creating a unique and interactive experience for visitors. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art and Design:** Chance for artists and designers to collaborate with organizations and charities to create innovative and impactful public installations. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** Potential to attract tourists and book lovers to cities by offering unique and engaging literary-themed public seating. - **Education and Literacy:** Opportunity for schools and educational institutions to incorporate literature-inspired seating in outdoor spaces, promoting reading and creativity among students. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tranquil Reading Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chapters-furniture.md) - [Playful Public Seating Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playful-public-seating.md) - [Sculptural Public Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-public-seating.md) - [Open-Air Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-billyotheque.md) - [Artful Dockside Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pews-and-perches.md) - [Mobile Reading Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/library-of-us.md) - [19th-Century-Inspired Seating Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scottish-designers.md) - [Literature-Inspired Packaging Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/good-to-read.md) - [Handmade Novel-Inspired Candles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/literature-candles.md)