Gavin Munro

Co-Founder & Director at Full Grown Ltd.

Gavin Munro is the Managing Director and co-founder of Full Grown Ltd., a pioneering UK company that specializes in growing furniture from living trees. Established in 2005, Full Grown is known for its innovative approach to furniture design, where trees are trained to grow into specific shapes such as chairs, tables, and lamps over several years. This method not only minimizes waste but also creates unique pieces that are both functional and artistic.

Background and Education

Gavin Munro was born in Matlock, England, where he developed an early interest in furniture design. He studied this field and later created driftwood furniture while living in San Francisco. His inspiration for growing furniture came from a childhood memory of an overgrown bonsai tree that resembled a chair, which he revisited years later after undergoing several medical operations that allowed him time to contemplate his ideas about design and nature.1 2

Full Grown Ltd.

Under Munro's leadership, Full Grown has become a leader in the niche market of "grown furniture." The company employs techniques that integrate art, nature, and sustainable practices. They primarily use willow for its fast growth and adaptability, but also experiment with other species such as cherry and oak to diversify their offerings and mitigate risks associated with disease.1 2

The process involves planting trees that are shaped using plastic molds over several years. This innovative approach allows the trees to mature into solid pieces of furniture without the waste typically associated with traditional wood processing methods.1 2 3

Achievements

Gavin Munro has gained recognition for his work, including delivering a TEDx talk where he showcased the first prototype of a chair grown from a tree. His designs have been featured in various prestigious exhibitions and are part of collections in renowned museums like the National Museum of Scotland.1 2

His vision challenges conventional manufacturing processes by promoting sustainability through what he describes as "bio-facture," which emphasizes harmony between human needs and ecological balance.2 3

In summary, Gavin Munro is not only an innovator in furniture design but also a thought leader advocating for sustainable practices in manufacturing through his work at Full Grown Ltd.