We Mould Trees to Grow Into the Shape of Chairs

We mould trees to grow into – Alice and Gavin Munro, a creative duo based in Derbyshire, have dedicated the last two decades to mastering the unconventional craft of transforming trees into functional furniture. Their unique approach, which involves nurturing trees into chair-like forms, has earned them international attention, with their creations now showcased in prestigious institutions and displayed at high-profile events. The couple’s journey began with a simple idea: to blend the natural growth of trees with human design, resulting in objects that are both living art and practical utility.

Rooted in Innovation

What started as a childhood fascination for Gavin has evolved into a lifelong pursuit. As a young boy, he noticed a bonsai tree that resembled a chair, sparking a curiosity that would later define his career. This initial vision became a reality after he spent time in California, where he experimented with stitching driftwood together to create furniture. It was during this period that he realized the potential of shaping trees into useful forms, a concept that would eventually lead to the founding of Full Grown in 2006.

Working with a diverse range of tree species—including willow, oak, and ash—their process is both patient and precise. Trees are cultivated upside down, a method that allows branches to grow in specific directions, guided by recycled plastic frameworks designed to support their natural development. Over time, the branches are pruned and grafted to form a cohesive structure, resulting in a single, solid piece of furniture. This technique, which typically takes six to nine years to complete, is then followed by a year-long drying period to solidify the final form.

Inspiration from Adversity

Gavin’s inspiration was deeply personal. Diagnosed with Klippel-Feil syndrome—a rare congenital condition involving the fusion of neck vertebrae—he underwent multiple spinal surgeries during his youth. These experiences, which required him to cultivate patience and resilience, became a metaphor for his tree-shaping work. “After years of working on this project, a friend once remarked that I must understand the process of being shaped and grafted,” Gavin reflected. “It’s not just about bending nature to our will; it’s about learning to wait and trust the growth cycle.”

The couple’s collaboration began in 2006 when they met as teenagers and formed a lasting bond. After stints abroad, they transitioned from friends to partners, combining their skills to pursue a shared vision. Gavin, with his background in furniture design, is credited as the creative force behind the project, while Alice focuses on communications and outreach. Together, they admit, “We didn’t fully grasp the complexity of what we were embarking on,” but their commitment has led to a body of work that spans decades.

Their technique requires a deep understanding of botany and design. By training young branches over custom-made frameworks, they direct the tree’s growth toward a desired shape, often requiring adjustments as the tree matures. This method, though time-intensive, results in furniture that is both durable and organic. “We’re 20 years into what could be a 50 or even 100-year journey,” Gavin noted, highlighting the long-term dedication needed to perfect the craft. “The learning curve is steeper than I anticipated—12 to 13 years of trial and error, rather than two or three.”

From Experimentation to Recognition

Since the company’s launch, Full Grown has produced a variety of items, including stools, benches, and even a chandelier in progress. The couple’s work has been featured in notable displays, such as a Louis Vuitton exhibit in 2022, and their creations are now part of permanent collections at institutions like the National Museum of Scotland and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. “We’re developing an academy to share our knowledge,” Gavin explained, outlining their next phase. “The goal is to help others replicate this process in their own gardens or public spaces.”

Their upcoming initiative, Full Grown Academy, aims to democratize the craft by teaching others how to shape trees into useful objects. “Many people have expressed interest in doing this themselves,” Alice said, “and we want to make it accessible.” The program will serve as a resource for aspiring creators, emphasizing the importance of patience and the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. “It’s a way to connect people with the process of growing their own furniture,” she added.

One of the most anticipated milestones is the appearance of a bronze cast of one of their chairs at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This display, curated by Plant Heritage—a conservation charity focused on cultivated plants—will highlight the couple’s work as part of a broader celebration of botanical innovation. “We’ve been dreaming about this for years,” Alice said. “It’s a dream come true to see our creations in such a prestigious setting.” Gwen Hines, the charity’s CEO, praised the project: “The patience and skill involved in shaping a chair from a tree are truly remarkable. It mirrors the dedication of our National Collection holders, who also care deeply for the plants they nurture.”

Philosophy and Impact

Gavin’s philosophy underpins the entire operation. “We’re trying to figure out the most subtle way to interact with the world to create objects that are both useful and beautiful,” he said. This approach reflects a deeper commitment to sustainability and a reverence for natural processes. Unlike traditional furniture-making, which often involves cutting down trees, their method preserves the integrity of the plant, allowing it to grow into a functional shape over time.

Their work also underscores the beauty of slow craftsmanship. “It’s not about speed; it’s about harmony,” Alice remarked. “Each chair is a testament to the patience required to let nature take its course.” The couple’s dedication has resulted in a small but growing collection of living furniture, with “a few dozen” pieces currently in development. These items, ranging from simple stools to intricate benches, demonstrate the versatility of their technique and the potential for trees to become more than just ornamental plants.

As their journey continues, Alice and Gavin remain focused on expanding their impact. The Chelsea Flower Show appearance is just one step toward greater recognition. “We’re excited to see how this will be received,” Alice said. “It’s a chance to share our work with a wider audience and inspire new generations of creators.” Their partnership, built on mutual support and shared vision, exemplifies the balance between artistry and practicality. “We’ve learned that collaboration is key,” Gavin added, “especially when working with something as unpredictable as living trees.”

Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. By merging the organic with the designed, they have created a unique niche in the world of furniture. As they look to the future, their hope is to bridge the gap between nature and human innovation, proving that sustainability and beauty can coexist in unexpected ways. “Our work is about redefining what it means to shape something,” Alice concluded. “It’s not just about the chair—it’s about the journey of growth that makes it possible.”