During 1997 I designed a show garden for the Chelsea Flower Show in London based on a theme to celebrate the life and work of the late Lanzarote artist and environmentalist Cesar Manrique. Every element was carefully designed to create a Lanzarote garden inspired by Manrique. Exotic planting of Palms, Bananas and Bougainvillaea, volcanic rock, sculpture and water cascades were all included.

The only element which proved elusive was a source of suitable garden furniture. An extensive search amongst the usual suppliers and manufacturers revealed a paucity of original design.

By chance, during that period, I was introduced to the creative and highly original work of Viki Govan and Richard Warner. They had just designed and assembled a range of unusual, yet elegant and functional, garden furniture and I was able to select a piece that not only perfectly fitted the design idiom of Manrique but reflected his spirit in the use of reclaimed materials.

I had no hesitation in selecting the garden chair for a prominent position within the show garden and indeed it received much acclaim for its originality. The garden incidentally received a medal from the Royal Horticultural Society.

The concept of "sustainable" art is an attractive one, and other pieces I have admired by Viki and Richard leads me to believe that they have a secure future with their particular work.