The Wesley Centre, Malton
The Wesley Methodist Centre in Malton’s Saville street is one of the remaining Central Halls in town and city high streets. The Methodist Centre, designed by William Jenkins Grade opened in 1811 and seated 700 people. Serious structural issues were found in 2015 and led to the repair and refurbishment of this beautiful Grade 2* listed building.
Treske were commissioned to design and make specialist walnut furniture including a table, two ambos, two ministers chairs and kneeler stools, as well as supplying 200 Howe 40/4 walnut veneer chairs.
The designs mimic the curves and shapes of the Wesley Centre windows, and act as a strong focal presence within the semicircular space of the chapel, and to compliment the screen structure behind the platform. Being viewed from around the semi-circular space the designs had to maintain interest from all angles.
American walnut was chosen for the timber which matched with the Howe 40/4 chairs. The finish is a 30% lacquer to help protect and make the furniture easy to maintain. As the chapel is frequently used for concerts and other functions, the furniture is light and easy to move.
The center piece is the altar table, made in walnut, with a bow to the front of the table. from the front a rising central arch has two uprights at either side rising to each side of the table.
The back legs rise from a narrower base than the front legs and arch, to each side of the table, creating space for a minister to stand behind the table back between the legs. A lower H frame with arched cross rail and shallow serpentine shape to stretcher gives strength and grace to the structure. Beneath the top surface is an apron moulded with a quadrant groove finished in gold leaf.
