Deep Roots
Bronze & Oak Tree Sculpture
Archive Piece
Handcrafted in Cambridge from bronze, silver, memory and time.
Part of the Deep Roots Collection.
Originally introduced in 2014.
Archive Status: Foundational Piece.
Archive Record
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Title: Deep Roots
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Materials: Hand-cast bronze & reclaimed English oak
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Height: Approx. 22 cm
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Base footprint: Approx. 18 cm × 15 cm
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Technique: Traditional bronze casting & hand carving
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Origin: Handmade in Cambridge, England
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Edition: Very limited work
The Story
Some jewellery is worn.
Some jewellery is collected.
Deep Roots was neither.
It was lived with.
At first glance it appeared to be a bronze oak tree sculpture. But that description never really captured what it became.
Over the years, leaves were added one by one. A birth. A marriage. A friendship. A loss. A grandchild. A memory worth keeping.
The sculpture was designed not as a finished object, but as a living record. Each handcrafted leaf represented a person, a moment, or a chapter in a family’s story. The tree stood still while life unfolded around it.
Few pieces have embodied the spirit of Hairy Growler more completely.
Why It Matters
Many Hairy Growler pieces explore stories.
Deep Roots became a way to keep them.
The sculpture introduced an idea that would echo throughout the workshop for years to come:
That jewellery can hold memories.
That objects can grow alongside the people who own them.
That a family story is never finished.
Collectors could add handcrafted leaves, acorns and personal symbols over time, transforming a sculpture into something entirely unique to them. The result was not simply decoration, but a physical family tree. (Hairy Growler Jewellery)
Among all the work created at the bench, Deep Roots remains one of the clearest expressions of the Hairy Growler belief that meaning matters more than materials.
The Symbolism of the Oak
Few trees carry as much symbolism as the oak.
For centuries it has represented endurance, wisdom, protection and continuity. Ancient oaks often outlive the generations that gather beneath them, becoming landmarks that connect past and present.
The oak reminds us that strength is rarely sudden.
It is accumulated.
Ring by ring.
Year by year.
The same is true of families.
The same is true of memory.
The same is true of a life well lived.
A Sculpture That Was Never Finished
Most sculptures are completed when the artist puts down the tools.
Deep Roots worked differently.
The bronze tree formed only the beginning.
The real work continued in homes across the world as collectors added leaves to represent people they loved. The concept was deliberately designed to grow over time, allowing the sculpture to evolve alongside the family it represented. (Hairy Growler Jewellery)
No two trees ever became the same.
Every branch told a different story.
Every leaf carried a different name.
From Coin to Leaf
The leaves themselves were crafted from reclaimed silver and bronze coins.
Metal that once measured value became a record of something far more important.
Birthdays.
Anniversaries.
Children.
Parents.
Friends.
Moments that deserved to be remembered.
The old coins found a second life, not as currency, but as symbols of connection.
Voices from the Woodland
Collectors immediately understood the idea.
Many described the sculpture not simply as beautiful, but as deeply personal.
Among the reflections left by collectors were comments about the joy of watching the tree grow, the symbolism of family branches, and the pleasure of marking important moments through new leaves. Others spoke about its originality, imagination and enduring emotional significance. (Hairy Growler Jewellery)
What emerged was something unusual.
People were not merely buying a sculpture.
They were beginning a tradition.
Legacy Within the Hairy Growler World
Deep Roots influenced much of what followed.
Its ideas can still be found throughout the collection:
- Oak Leaves & Acorns
- The Acorn
- Deep Roots Bracelet
- A Collection of Memories
- Tree of Life Pieces
- The Green Man
- Seasonal Wheel of the Year Collections
The belief that objects can become vessels for memory remains one of the strongest threads running through the Hairy Growler world. (Hairy Growler Jewellery)
Journey Through Time
Ancient Woodland
For centuries the oak stands as a symbol of endurance, kinship and continuity.
2014
Deep Roots is introduced as a handcrafted bronze oak sculpture designed to grow alongside the lives of its collectors. (Hairy Growler Jewellery)
2014–Present
Leaves are added, stories accumulate, and family histories become woven into bronze branches.
Today
The sculpture stands within the Hairy Growler Archive as one of the most ambitious and meaningful projects ever created at the bench.
Archive Notes
Deep Roots occupies a unique place within the history of the workshop.
It was not designed around fashion.
It was not designed around trends.
It was designed around people.
The sculpture transformed a simple oak tree into something far more powerful: a map of relationships, memories and lives connected across time.
Few pieces have carried so much meaning.
The Tree Remains
The acorn falls.
The sapling grows.
The years pass.
Branches stretch outward.
Leaves arrive one by one.
Some remain.
Some return to the earth.
Yet the tree endures.
And somewhere, in a home filled with photographs, stories and laughter, a bronze oak still stands quietly gathering the lives of those who belong to it. 🌳
darren –
Amazing!
Amazing, as ever your work never ceases to amaze and grow :):) this is a truly stunning piece 🙂
natty Humphries –
amazing
I’d love for this to be in my collection. I’d love for your hole collection to be in my collection its all amazing I’m at 2 items and counting think I need an oak leaf to add to them. Xx
Candra Alablli –
Amazing
I love all of your jewerly and now this! Such an awsome idea and beautifully created.
Penguinmad –
Life itselv
Nothing symbolises life to me like the tree upon which we can see the seasons. A bare tree is a lifeless form but still so full of life and this sculpture truly reflects that. The materials shriek nature in its purest form with the metal being offset by the warmest wood with a pattern that truly cannot be replicated. As always from HG the detail is superb – a piece any of us would be proud to own.
natty Humphries –
amazing
Amazing I love your work I’d love this in my collection. I’d love your whole collection in my collection. I’m at 2 items and counting I may need to add an oak leaf. Xx
Bearlamb74 –
From little acorns grow big oak trees
I would love to see the little acorns that made such a beautiful oak tree stunning!!
Becca T –
Very clever
Looks beautiful, such a clever concept, and fantastically stylised!!
Linda –
WOW!!! So beautiful another gem
This is a beautiful tree that continues to grow bits added for Birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries or just special occasions can only hope one day I am lucky enough to be the owner of one , Hairy Growler excels again 🙂
Carita –
Amazing!
What a beautiful creation! Your work is amazing!
jfun79 –
Unique and Stunning
Such an innovative and beautiful piece that will grow as it’s added to. Would make a stunning family heirloom piece. Can’t imagine anyone not falling in love with this.
Carita –
Amazing!
What a beautiful creation! Your work is amazing!
Baggle –
Mystical, creative and beautiful
I love how this piece grows and changes with an individuals story. The initial trunk and bare branches seems impenetrable and silent like an old winter tree. As you add each piece to it, it grows to tell a very individual story, the leaves stretching out and multiplying.
I love this piece and the symbolism behind it. x
Kerry-Anne Pearce –
Beautiful! A wonderful idea 🙂
I love this, it’s a charm bracelet that you don’t have to worry about losing it (something I always worry about lol)
It’s also somewhere where you could hang any special jewellery which has a sentimental value.
The fact it’s hand made makes it even more special and as I love Oak trees I already love it 🙂
Emz –
Beautiful
What a beautiful and original idea to capture your special memories. Great for when people need an idea for a present for you too. An extra leaf for your tree. Perfect.
Bryony –
Love it!
I love the concept behind this – it’s a beautiful way to build a family tree.
jane –
wow
wow just wow
Rhona knapp –
Stunning
I absolutely live this puce and how it can grow, would be a beautiful and extremely thoughtful gift , I would be so thrilled to receive it x
samilicious –
As life changes, so to can the branches on this tree.
Such a unique and stunning object, with each individual piece being as uniquely made as the next.
MrsJones –
Awesome Idea!
I love this unique approach to a charm bracelet. You get to keep all of your precious memories in one place without having to worry about losing them or about your bracelet weighing you down. Great job!
Lara –
Unique, artistic, beautiful
There is magic and life in every piece here, this tree is stunning. These are really beautifully crafted unique pieces of art.
Jamie Petree –
gorgeous!
i would love to have this for a family tree! Such a lovely, handmade item.
Rissyflower –
Beautiful, gorgeous, everlasting
having lost both my parents, this inspiring tree would be an awesome tribute to our family
liz –
beautiful craftsmanship
Exquisite piece would look beautiful on a dressing table displaying all my stunning hairy growler originals
Angie -Baby –
beautiful concept coupled with beautiful craftmanship
A beautiful way to hand down memeories from generation to generation, a beautiful concept coupled with beautiful craftmanship
Ange Fox –
Enchanting
Absolutely beautiful, a piece that would fit into any home. An ideal gift as a wedding present to grow with a new family perhaps.
Larné –
Future heirloom
Beautiful! With its own history and story and a stunning variety of charms to represent family stories for future generations. Even a family as large as mine (5 childre ) has room to grow.
Grace –
Wonderful idea !
Simplistic beauty and craftmanship, with a purpose. Wonderful idea. Would love this.
Jacqui –
Wow
Wow. What an amazing piece would look lovely anywhere in the home and be able to be added to all the time. Amazing.
Sal the Gal –
Ingenious.
Ingenious idea – wonderfully executed. The detail is remarkable, and obviously so much thought, planning and work has gone into this. My only grouse? That the photos don’t indicate the scale of the piece.
In spite of that, this is an original. In the proper sense.
Jac –
Gorgeous 🙂
I have followed HG for a number of years now and dearly wish I’d invested when I first saw him 🙂 his work is beautifully detailed and the subject matter enchanting. 🙂 I look forward to owning one soon . . . My sites are set on next year when I reach a significant ‘0’ 🙂
EmmyStar –
Amazing!
I really love this! To be able to collect memories on such a tactile object is amazing. Each one will be unique to the owner and have special meaning for years to come.
KatieO –
From tiny acorns…….
I don’t actually own this piece but I love the idea. A beautiful twist on the charm collective.
From tiny acorns mighty oaks are born……..one charming memory at a time 🙂
kirsty –
the wow piece
This really is a wow how beautiful is this and enchanting, love the tree and love the idea of it growing with personal moment represented by the charms such a wonderful gift and the start of a great future collection
Julia –
fine pieces
The tree of life with pieces to collect over time is stunning! Definately going on my Christmas list!
sam dunne –
Beautiful and unique
This is an amazing concept and completely unlike anything else . Well done amazing
Nicci Jedrzejczak –
FABULOUS!!!
WOW hairygrowler!
Each time you make something new i fall in love with it immediately, your work is outstanding But MYMYMY!!! this is just so amazingly wonderful!!! if only i could afford it!
keep up the amazing work!
Rachel S –
Stunning
What a beautiful gift for a new baby! Add life events as they grow, marry and have children of their own. Lonely!
Clairabella –
Awesome!
I would love to own this piece. It’s absolutely gorgeous and such a genius idea. Well done!
Kira G Goldy –
Magic!
I can imagine a little child having this and decorating the tree as she grows up! Such a great new idea on the charm bracelet theme.
Lind Thompson –
Creme de la creme
Once again I am captivated by your masterpiece. It is stunning , I love it.
BeckyH –
A truly unique piece of art! It is gorgeous!
A truly unique piece of art! It is gorgeous!
Gwen –
Awe inspiring!
I am a huge fan of your work, the beautiful way you represent nature. The tree of life is just fabulous, it would be a wonderful present to give someone to celebrate a new era, a birth, marriage and so on. Keep up the good work!
BonnieG –
Stunning
What an amazing idea for a family. Your work captivates me.
Liza –
Build Your Own Family Tree!
Such a unique way to honor your family and have a collection of charms to wear also. The artistry is like no other, the details amazing, and no two will be alike with such a choice of leaves and charms to adorn it!
Izzie –
Beautiful
Beautiful work and the concept is stunning. I hope to own this myself one day but for now will just have to be content with looking at the pictures!
Tonga –
A frame for the artwork
Perfect idea to have your pendants in a place to always be enjoyed whether wearing them or displaying them. Your pieces tell stories. We all have our own story, but your jewelry gives each individual a way to express their own .
Judi –
Love your work
Wow, your work is so beautiful, every piece you make is brilliant
Mickey –
starstruck
heavenly bounty and earthly treasures sleep safely amoungst the branches of a Growler Tree. 🙂
Jojo –
Fantastic!
A truly brilliant idea!
Jojo –
Beautiful just as it is!
I love this tree…and the thought of buying a new piece for each of life’s milestones….ones that can be picked from it’s branches and worn to suit your mood is beyond wonderful!
PL Forgash –
Magnificent piece – brilliant idea!
A most wonderful idea for those cherished dates and events. Stunning!
Sarah davis –
Great symbol
Being vegan we hold all living creatures dearly and I love what you have written about above. I also love that this sculpture is living and you can add to it with passing time just like a real tree.
Chilli –
The perfect wedding or christening present
A brilliant idea. Ideal for a wedding or christening present so that theperson can collect memories and leaves etc as they go.
Dr Lollipop –
stunning bespoke piece
how stunning would this be on your dressing table?! to collect your dreams and treasures and place them on your tree of life, just love!
JaneE –
Tree of Life
Loving this and can imagine it loaded with the memories from throughout life. Very appealing.
Maxine –
Wonderful idea
What a lovely idea the tree of life is. Beautifully made and unique. To be able to add the charms to it will make a gorgeous collection for the person that owns one – and family and friends will have be able to give beautiful presents to the person to be able to add to it!
Clarebear –
Lovely idea
What a beautiful piece to mark each occasion 🙂
catzclawliz –
really lovely idea
Really lovely idea to have a growing display of beauty to commemorate special events in a life
Brittany –
Tree of Life
Absolutely stunning, I adore trees and this piece captures them perfectly 🙂
Madam Bluebell –
Inspired
The tree is beautiful and an addition of a plaque for a family name or special date would make it more individual x
Emma Elliott –
Awesome.
I love the fact that this can grow and change as you wish it too and people if they so wish can buy a gift for you to add onto it. The quality and craftmanship is fantastic as always and new original ideas and concepts that are staggering.
I love the thought and time that is put into all your work, awesome ;o)
lanarkshirelass –
outstandingly beautiful.
what a fantastic idea to come up with. it’d make a great present that u can add to with each special occasion. its a present that u can give to those people who have everything. a work of art to treasure forever more.
Dizzy Lizzy –
Unique
What an absolutely wonderful idea , you are one talented guy !
CathD –
Beautiful piece
What a beautiful piece which could also be used to hang all my lovely hairy growler jewellery on
eln2512 –
tree of life
Very beautiful and unusual, would make a great wedding gift and the happy couple could add as their family grows and their life together takes shape. As I said beautiful. X
Billie Wilson –
So imaginative!
This is such a wonderful and imaginative idea, and the thought of decorating the tree with little leaves and charms to signify memories of your world and life is superb. Your very own Yggdrasil!
Emma –
Awesome.
This is a beautiful growing master piece, such talent and imagination put into this. I love the fact it can grow and you can add on pieces or people can buy you a piece if they wanted to to add on. It is truelly stunning. I love trees. :o)
Jonesy4 –
Love it
Absolutely beautiful, may be the tree of life but I think it’s to die for!
Victoriahbell –
Beautiful piece
I would love to own this piece! Such a unique idea, and I would love to watch the tree grow over time as I added leaves and acorns galore!
Mad –
Beautiful craftsmanship
What a wonderful idea, I’d love to own this sculpture, it is absolutely gorgeous! Such a meaningful, heartfelt gift/memento the beautiful handcrafted leaves, necklaces, charms are. Certainly a craftsman to watch.
Mrs Mint –
Stunning
Wow! What a cracking idea! My Daughter and I could share this beauty!
Inspired.
lisa –
wow!
What a fantastic idea! I’ll have to add up all my happy days so I can have a full tree! Beautiful work.
jo961blue –
I love the idea that this will grow over time
as births, celebrations, momentous events and the memories of loved ones can be collected and the tree will truly grow over time. What a wonderful way to mark a wedding, with the guests contributing something for couples who have already set up house together and don’t need the household goods! Fabulous. I love it.
Jacki Hodgson –
lovely idea
What a wonderful idea, this must look absolutely stunning when full of oak leaf and acorn charms.
Tamz –
Truly beautiful
I really love this creative and beautiful piece of work and how the tree can grow along with the most treasured moments in your life by adding charms and memories. Would also make a lovely family heirloom to be handed down . Stunning work!
moongoosejo –
inspired craftsmanship
I have only recently been aware of the amazing work of the Hairy Growler and, with my hand on my heart, I can honestly say that I waaaaaaant ooooonne to every single piece of art.
Katie –
Stunning!
What a remarkable piece or craftsmanship! I particularly love the idea that this piece can be added to with other pieces, making it individual and well, just amazing!
Jastevina –
Exquisite piece of usable art
Your work is Exquisite. The detail is incredible and you put a little piece of yourself into every piece. These are beautiful items which make very special gifts that can be added to and passed down through the generations. It is a wonderful idea and a real piece of art. Would make a lovely wedding gift.
Gem –
beautiful!
Unique idea, beautifully brought to life. Would make an amazing wedding present or name day/christening gift.
tallenh –
Brilliant idea
So much better idea than the standard Troll type beads etc for special occasions as the tree is a unique decoration in its own right, but also is a stunning backdrop for the individual pieces. Ingenious.
katiepops –
Absolutely beautiful!
So unique and beautiful on it’s own as a work of art… but with pieces added, it becomes more and more special as each piece takes it’s place and tells it’s own story.
Kelly Chadburn –
Stunning
Don’t know what more there is to say than stunning! An amazing idea with so many variations and so perfectly executed. I’ve never seen interchangeable jewellery and art and doubt l’ll see anything as unique again. Like I say, one word, stunning.
Mistress Wiseheart –
Superb
This is such a wonderful idea, can’t wait to start collecting thanks
Vcoskey –
stunning
absolutely gorgeous work of art. How fun to customize to taste and season! A lovely must-have!! Vcoskey
Janae JOhnson –
Growth!
Perfect place to grow my HG collection and to display all of your amazing, brilliant treasures! I absolutely love it!
Nimrod75 –
Beautiful
What a lovely sentiment, an item that grows with beauty in thought, design & memories.
Ceri Davis –
Completely unique & amazingly beautiful
Wow!! What a fantastic idea & exquisitely made as always. I just LOVE everything you’ve ever made & will be thrilled to bits when I eventually own one
Rowan –
Incredible
This is amazing workmanship. I’d feel honoured if i owned this.
Heather M. –
Brilliant!
Absolute brilliant idea!! What a unique way of showing off your collection when not wearing it! Love this!
LollyP –
Natural beauty!
Excellent idea and skilfully crafted. I have a bit if a fascination with trees, the seasons, patterns in bark etc. I love the permanence of an ancient tree, so a miniature permanent beautiful version on which to collect jewellery (another obsession) is a fab idea!
Meredyn –
Magical!!!
What an absolutely magical idea! I have only just started my collection, but each is special as they represent personal special memories.
Steven J –
Very stylish and unique
Hi Les, you were right, the tree was the correct choice! Heaven help me if I hadn’t went for it! We are all over the moon with it and it sits proudly in our hall, welcoming friends and family into our home. So pleased, thank you for sharing your art jewellery and sculptural skills!