Churchill College Dining Hall

Churchill College was established in 1959 as a national memorial to Sir Winston Churchill, focussing on scientific and technological subjects.

The resolutely modernist central buildings were designed by Richard Sheppard, opened in 1961 and listed Grade II in 1993. See: Churchill College architecture


The dining hall is the largest of any Cambridge college and can cater for up to 430 guests in a formal dining arrangement. The visual impact of so many chairs was a critical design factor in the interior landscape of the building.

The original chairs were designed by Robin Day RDI but by 2011 had seen better days. After 50 years, the College decided to replace and upgrade the seating, and at the same time to help damp down the live acoustic in the hall.

Luke Hughes was selected to come up with a suitable design that was in keeping with Richard Sheppard’s original concept, with increased comfort and durability. The new stacking oak chairs, complete with upholstered leather seats, were installed in 2012.

Photos © David Valinsky