The City of London Corporation has unveiled a new public seating installation outside St Paul’s Cathedral, transforming historic granite blocks from the River Thames into a lasting feature for residents, workers and visitors. 

The ‘From the Thames to Eternity’ project, repurposes 21 granite stones originally used in the construction of the Victorian river wall at Victoria Embankment. Having supported London’s infrastructure for more than 150 years, the stones have been adapted to create sustainable seating in one of the capital’s most iconic locations. 

The project has been delivered in partnership with the Cheapside Business Alliance and will be launched as part of this year’s London Festival of Architecture, through a series of public events showcasing the granite stones’ unique legacy.  

Installed in 1870 as part of Sir Joseph Bazalgette’s embankment works following the ‘Great Stink’ of 1858, they formed part of the infrastructure that transformed public health in London. 

More recently, sections of the river wall were dismantled during construction of the Thames Tideway Tunnel, with hundreds of stones salvaged and a number transferred to the City of London Corporation, to support reuse in new public realm projects. 

Designed by Matthew Barnett Howland, CSK Architects & Oliver Wilton, the installation at St Paul’s represents the latest chapter in this story, showing how historic materials can continue to serve the City across generations. The design celebrates the stones’ history, retaining traces of their geological origin, their former use in the river wall, and the marks of contemporary craftsmanship. 

Designed by Matthew Barnett Howland, CSK Architects and Oliver Wilton, the installation at St Paul’s marks the latest chapter in the stones’ long history – showing how heritage materials can be reimagined for modern city life. The design celebrates their journey, preserving traces of their geological origins, their time in the river wall, and the marks of contemporary craftsmanship. 

Every element of the project has been carefully reused. Offcuts from the granite were transformed into bench supports and an information plinth, while armrests were crafted from timber reclaimed from fallen London trees. Bronze details were cast using recycled plaques, ensuring nothing went to waste. 

An accompanying information plinth, designed by OZRUH with Matthew Barnett Howland, takes this approach even further. Made from crushed stone fragments too small for traditional use, it has been reconstructed using cutting-edge 3D printing technology — believed to be the world’s first permanent outdoor structure of its kind. The result demonstrates how even the smallest pieces of material can be given new purpose, pointing to a more sustainable future for construction and design. 

John Edwards, Chairman of the City of London Corporation Streets & Walkways Committee, said: 

“These stones have seen an extraordinary journey, from the Thames to one of the City’s most recognisable spaces, and now they’re part of how people can sit and contemplate our wonderful Cathedral. 

“Whether someone is taking a break, eating lunch, meeting friends, or simply passing through, this adds to the everyday experience of being in the City. It’s a great example of how small, carefully designed interventions can make a real difference to the life of our streets.”