Meditation Stools

Each of the prayer stools currently available are made from a single slice of wood (either cherry or oak), and the figure visibly runs through one leg, over the top and down the other leg.  The dovetailed joint reveals the pattern inside the slice. 

I developed this design for the Crypt Chapel at Lambeth Palace, where the new  Community of St. Anselm are based.  Several other styles were explored before these was settled on.  They have been part of that praying community for this, their first year.  

The depth of the stools varies - I did not want to waste and discard the wood.  It does not seem to detract from the comfort, rather it gives a wider range for heights at which to perch.  

Wherever there were features in the wood, be they growths, bark inclusions or knots, I have sought to include them and turn them into a feature that reveals the journey of the tree.  A few also have remnant sign of insect activity, which may have left worm holes behind.  Again, having treated these to ensure the holes are all vacant, I have then filled all but the very tiniest, and turned them into a feature, part of the story of the material. 

A prayer stool reminds me of an oxen’s yoke as I make it, from one continuous piece of wood.  A revealing saying of Jesus was his offer: “Take my yoke upon you, for my yoke is easy and my burden light”  The place of prayer or meditation is one where I find a comfortable yoke linked to Jesus, that fits me, and where my burden can be made light.  

Ordering: 

3 sizes available. 

• Small, usually preferred by those under 5 ft 6"
• Medium for those between 5 ft 5in and 5 ft 10"
• Large for those over 5 ft 10i"

With time, you may find that your stool feels too high as your body may become more accustomed to the seated/kneeling position; it is always possible to reduce the height of the legs and lower the stool.  I am happy to do this for you.  

Choice of Stools:

Number 40: High stool: £160
This beautiful prayer stool is made from Berkshire cherry and is extra deep for use in a variety of locations and heights to perch.  

Number 41: Medium stool: £150
This lovely meditation stool is made from Berkshire cherry and the left joint has 7 dovetails - 4 on the right with big ripples on the top.

Number 42: Low stool: £150
This beautiful prayer stool is made from Berkshire cherry and with the left elliptical swirling knot in the leg that looks like a black hole!

Number 43: High stool: £160
This is yet another beautiful meditation stool is made from Berkshire cherry and extra deep for use in a variety of locations and heights to perch.

Number 45: Low stool: £150
This is yet another lovingly crafted prayer stool made from Berkshire cherry with a ‘waterfall’ of figure on one leg.

Number 46: High stool:£160
This handcrafted meditation stool is made from Berkshire cherry and wider at one end with some of the bark still attached.

Number 47: Medium stool: £150
This lovely hand made prayer stool is made from Berkshire cherry and has 5 dovetails on the left, 6 on the right and a top rippled like a river.

Number 48: Low stool:£150
This prayer stool is made from Berkshire cherry and has definitive figure tracking up one leg, across and down the other.

Number 49: High stool: £170
This beautiful meditation stool is made from Berkshire cherry and has an unusual burr bulge and bark edging. High for moving to different positions.

Number 51: Medium stool: £150
This lovely handmade meditation stool is made from Berkshire cherry and has forward flaring legs that seek to hug you.

Number 53: Medium stool: £150
This lovely handmade prayer stool is made from Hampshire oak. Asymmetric, with one leg wider than the other.  With a gently curved foot and the wider leg cut away at the back, these four stools have the pleasing tendency to rock a little, adapting their angle to your position.  The rear edge is the outer edge of the tree with the sapwood a darker brown than the heartwood. 

Number 54: High stool: £150
Similar in look and feel this beautiful prayer stool is made from Hampshire oak. Asymmetric, with one leg wider than the other.  With a gently curved foot and the wider leg cut away at the back, these four stools have the pleasing tendency to rock a little, adapting their angle to your position.  The rear edge is the outer edge of the tree with the sapwood a darker brown than the heartwood.  

Number 55: Medium stool: £150
Again this stool is made from Hampshire oak and is asymmetric, with one leg wider than the other.  With a gently curved foot and the wider leg cut away at the back, these four stools have the pleasing tendency to rock a little, adapting their angle to your position.  The rear edge is the outer edge of the tree with the sapwood a darker brown than the heartwood.  

Choice of woods

• Cherry - English cherry from Berkshire
• Oak - from a large tree that grew in Hampshire

Engraving

Each comes with an engraving that describes where the tree grew and my logo.  I can arrange for a special engraving, or make a stool specially and have your choice of engraving instead.