This summer, Renaissance Legal is taking part in something a little different, and something we’re genuinely excited about.
We’ve teamed up with Amaze, the Sussex-based charity supporting families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, to sponsor a bench on The Story Trail, a brand-new public art trail coming to Brighton & Hove in partnership with Wild in Art. Designed by local artist Katherine Griffin, our bench will form part of a city-wide trail that brings communities together through art that can be seen, explored, and — importantly — sat on.
For us, this isn’t a one-off gesture. It’s a continuation of a relationship with Amaze that goes back almost as far as Renaissance Legal itself. Supporting disabled people and the families who care for them sits at the heart of everything we do, and Amaze’s work in championing accessibility, inclusion and the wellbeing of children and families has always reflected values we hold ourselves as a team.
Philip Warford, Managing Director, says:
“Since we launched 15 years ago, Renaissance Legal has grown alongside Amaze, whose dedication to children, families and accessibility has always struck a chord with us. To be involved now, together with our colleagues at Renaissance Trust and Renaissance Financial, feels really special. This trail is more than an art project: it’s a chance for us, as a Brighton-founded firm, to give back to our city, to help bring people together, and to support Amaze’s mission in a visible, lasting way.”
This page will follow our journey through the trail — from the story behind our bench’s design, to the launch this autumn, and the difference your support can make to Amaze’s vital work.
January 2026 – Designs submitted and shortlisted
Artists submitted their initial designs, which were then shortlisted by the Amaze team together with young people supported by the charity — ensuring their voices shaped the trail from the very start.
February 2026 – Sponsors and artwork selected
Learner groups signed up to take part, and sponsors had the opportunity to choose the artwork they wished to bring to life on their bench.
March 2026 – Sponsors matched with artists
Renaissance Legal was matched with Brighton-based artist Katherine Griffin, marking the start of our collaboration on the design for our bench.
May 2026 – Sculptures delivered and painting begins
The bench sculptures arrived with Amaze, and artists and learner groups began the work of bringing their designs to life.
July 2026 – Artwork completed
All artwork is finished, with the sculptures photographed ahead of the trail’s launch.
12 September 2026 – The Story Trail goes live
The trail opens to the public across Brighton & Hove, with our bench taking its place among others from organisations across the city.
1 November 2026 – Trail closes
The Story Trail comes to an end after almost two months on display.
27–29 November 2026 – Farewell weekend
All of the trail’s benches come together for a farewell weekend at The Brighton Centre, giving the public one last chance to see them before they go to auction.
30 November 2026 – Charity auction
The benches are auctioned at The Brighton Centre, with proceeds going directly to support Amaze’s work for families across Sussex.
We’re thrilled to be working with Katherine Griffin, a Brighton-based artist and Slade School of Fine Art graduate, on the design of our bench for The Story Trail.
Katherine’s work is known for its highly saturated palette and intense detail, creating otherworldly dreamscapes that explore humanity’s relationship with nature. In 2000, she was awarded the prestigious Life Drawing Prize at the Slade, judged by the artist Paula Rego.
She has gone on to paint murals and large-scale sculptures for Wild in Art charity trails across the country, bringing colour and storytelling to public spaces enjoyed by thousands.
Having an artist so deeply connected to our city bring her talent to our bench feels really special, and we can’t wait to share the story behind the design as the trail takes shape.
Katherine said on Instagram, “I’m delighted to announce that I have been selected as a Story Trail artist! My artwork will be on display in Brighton & Hove between September – November and will be auctioned off to raise money for Amaze. #SitWithUs 📚🩷✌️”
Learn more about our artist on her website https://www.katherinegriffinart.com/
