Meet the Maker: Gavin Munro - Full Grown Chairs

Part of Derbyshire Makes: Meet Gavin Munro of Full Grown, growing trees into sustainable furniture. Free at Cromford Mills.

Cromford Mills is proud to host a series of Meet the Maker events as part of Derbyshire Makes 2026, in partnership with Haarlem Mill. Taking place in the atmospheric Gothic Warehouse, these relaxed evening talks invite you to hear directly from an inspiring line-up of local artists, designers and craftspeople. Discover the stories behind their work, explore their creative processes and gain insight into the realities of life as a maker, with opportunities to see work up close and enjoy live demonstrations.

Gavin Munro - Full Grown chairs- Thursday 16th April from 6pm

“Full Grown” is a UK-based company that practices a unique form of sustainable design by growing trees directly into the shape of functional furniture. This process, described by the founders as “Zen 3D printing”, merges ancient horticultural techniques with modern design to create solid, joint-less pieces of furniture.

About the Process

Method: Co-founders Gavin and Alice Munro guide young tree branches to grow around specially made formers or molds. Where necessary, branches are grafted together to form single, solid pieces without traditional joints or glue.

Timeframe

The process is a “slow-burn project” that requires significant patience. A willow chair takes about six to nine years to grow and another year to dry out, while an oak chair can take nine years or more.

Sustainability

This method offers a sustainable alternative to conventional furniture manufacturing, which typically involves growing a tree for 50+ years, cutting it down, and assembling it into smaller pieces. The Full Grown process reduces waste and the associated carbon footprint.

Free to join. Location - Gothic Warehouse, Cromford Mills.