GREAT thinkers of the future will be able to sit and contemplate on benches designed by a Oxford furniture designer.

Tom Parfitt, 25, a student at the Rycotewood Furniture Centre at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, has been announced the winner of a contest to design new seating for Queen’s College, High Street, Oxford.

All 45 pupils on the college’s BA (Hons) in furniture design course were issued a challenge to design new seating and create a prototype model.

A shortlist of four designs was presented to Queen’s, and it was decided to go with Mr Parfitt’s design.

He will now oversee the construction of 12 of the benches which will be installed in the garden later this year.

Mr Parfitt said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to work for a real client and use what I have learned in my degree in a real scenario.

“It was obviously tricky as well, because they wanted something unique.”

The design, for which Mr Parfitt received a £400 prize as well as the chance to see his benches created and used in the prestigious college, features a sweeping steel frame and locally-sourced oak slats.

It takes its inspiration from the vaulted roof-line of the college’s cellar.

Mr Parfitt said he hoped the experience would be a springboard for the next stage of his career.

He is currently working closely with the college’s clerk of works, David Goddard, to make the benches in the Queen’s College workshop.

Queen’s home bursar Dr Linda Irving-Bell said: “Queen’s has really enjoyed being involved in this joint project. As an institution we’re always keen to work with local schools and colleges. We had a new auditorium and garden built and were looking for some great furniture, so it seemed fitting to approach the Rycotewood Furniture Centre.

“The judging panel was extremely impressed with Tom’s prototype and we can’t wait to see the finished article.”

Mr Parfitt finishes his degree course this summer, and is seeking employment and contracts in furniture design, with a possible view to furthering his studies with a masters degree in January. His course leader, Joseph Bray, said: “The opportunity to engage with a live brief has really made the students step up to a professional level.

“Tom joined us as a truly talented craftsman and during the past three years he has developed an eye for design.

“He wowed the judges with his excellent model making skills and attention to every last detail. We look forward to taking the design into production and installing the benches later this year.”