A trend of several decades seems to have accelerated in recent years, at least it has if my experience is anything like typical. I refer to the movement to replace heavy, dark wood Victorian pews with modern, lightweight, often stackable, chairs. Where this happens shiny stainless steel and light coloured laminated wood seem to be favoured - a strong contrast with what is being ejected, and something that brightens the interior of the building. One can see the reason for the change, not least the ability to use the main space within the church for other purposes. And, of course, the modern chairs are usually kinder to the posteriors of those sitting on them.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Sony DSC-RX100
