Kew transforms tree ash by-product into limited-edition glassware collection

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew announces the launch date of a new limited-edition range of glass vases, created in collaboration with the glass artist, designer and material researcher Lulu Harrison. 

The collection is created using waste ash, a by-product from Kew’s ‘Grown at Kew’ range, and will be available online and in-store on 9 May.

This unique collection will bring together art, science, and sustainability, transforming waste materials sourced directly from Kew Gardens into beautifully crafted glassware. Lulu Harrison’s bespoke products use ash derived from offcuts from the ‘Grown at Kew’ range - timeless homeware products crafted using waste timber from felled trees in Kew’s world-famous arboretum.

Working in close collaboration with the Sheffield Hallam University Glass Research Group, who assisted on batch formulation, chemical analysis and small batch testing - Harrison has combined waste ash with mixed wood ash, wine lees, recycled glass, and waste cullet to pioneer a new glass batch formulation. This innovative approach reflects both historic glassmaking traditions and cutting-edge sustainable material research, resulting in a limited batch of 50 small and 25 large vases that will soon be available online and on shelves at Kew’s Victoria Plaza Shop.

The project brings together expert collaborators, including mould maker Benjamin Gough, who has hand carved bespoke moulds from Kew’s felled cherry logs, based on Harrison’s designs. The final stage of production is led by glass blower and sculpture Elliot Walker and glass studio Blowfish Glass, whose skilled work brings each piece to life, with each form hand blown into the mould and then hand sculpted after being placed within it, ensuring a unique finish. 

The collection reflects Kew’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and traceability, building on the principles of the Grown at Kew range, where materials from responsibly managed trees are repurposed into unique, handcrafted objects.

Products include:

• Small ash vase - £200
• Large ash vase - £550

Lulu Harrison, glass artist, designer, material researcher and project lead said: “This project has been an incredible opportunity to explore how local and waste materials can be transformed into something both meaningful and beautiful. By working with ash trees from Kew Gardens and other by-products, we’re reconnecting with historic, geo-specific glassmaking practices while pushing forward new sustainable approaches. I’m particularly interested in how materials can tell a story of place, and this collection is deeply rooted in Kew Gardens and history.”

Rachel Wicking, Gift Buyer at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew added:
“We are thrilled to be introducing this exceptional glassware collection as part of our Grown at Kew range. This collaboration perfectly embodies our commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovation. Each vase will not only be a striking design object but also a tangible connection to Kew’s living collection and ongoing environmental work.”

Grown at Kew includes:

• Box Wood Tea Canister - £200.00
• Birch Tree Wooden Bowl, 14 x 11.5cm - £200.00
• Birch Tree Wooden Bowl, 15 x 6.5cm - £180.00
• Birch Tree Wooden Bowl, 17 x 10cm - £375.00
• Birch Tree Wooden Bowl, 10.5 x 8cm - £150.00
• Box Tree Wooden Mushroom Ornament - £24.00
• Box Tree Mini Vase - £18.00

Created in collaboration with celebrated woodworkers Selwyn House, ‘Grown at Kew’ launched in 2025 and features unique pieces which carry the legacy of Kew’s historic landscape, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of botanical history. The range has recently been extended to include vases, mushroom ornaments and tea canisters, in addition to many bowls, all of which have been expertly crafted from specimens that were once part of the 11,000 trees growing in Kew’s arboretum. Each tree has been removed by Kew’s dedicated team of arborists due to storm damage, disease, or necessary sustainable management, an approach which ensures no tree has been felled without cause and sustainably re-uses felled timber.

In line with Kew’s broader sustainability goals, proceeds from the collection will be reinvested into ongoing research, supporting further development of environmentally responsible glassmaking techniques, including new material recipes and processes.

The limited-edition collection represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Kew’s evolving story - where nature, heritage, and contemporary design come together.

The collection of vases will be available in-store and online on 9 May. For further information on the Grown at Kew range and to view the collection online when live, visit: Grown at Kew | The Kew Shop

ENDS                

For further information or media requests, please contact pr@kew.org

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