Giroscope 40 Lunch Plus: Radical Making for Northern Artists

Radical ideas. Real connections. Real business.

Join Giroscope for a powerful Lunch Plus talk with Charlotte Raffo, founder of The Monkey Puzzle Tree, a business proving that you don’t have to compromise ethics, place, or creativity to succeed.

Awarded the Design Guild Mark for excellence and innovation in 2021, 2022 and 2025, The Monkey Puzzle Tree is built on a radical idea: Northern artists and Northern manufacturing deserve global platforms.

In this honest, energising talk, Charlotte shares the highs and hard truths of building a values-led business, sparked by a factory closure and a stark realisation that too many artists in the North are locked out of opportunity.

Since 2017, she has brought together Yorkshire artists and local manufacturers to create luxury wallpapers and fabrics sold worldwide, from private homes to landmark hotel projects, including Leeds DoubleTree Hilton and the upcoming The Other House, Covent Garden (opening 2026).

Every design pushes boundaries, combining unexpected materials with heritage and modern production skills. And every decision is intentional:

• 20% artist royalties
• 100% of production within 100 miles of Leeds
• Radical design with real economic impact

This is the third event in our 2026 Lunch Plus series, part of Giroscope’s 40th anniversary programme, celebrating Radical Ideas, Real Connections.

To join on Teams click here: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/37081587437469?p=p8WNcZ6fAP0mYxA9lv

For 40 years, Giroscope has transformed empty houses into safe, affordable homes and built new ones. But housing is only part of the story. We connect people to work, space, enterprise and influence, linking lived experience with policy and practice.

Come for inspiration. Stay for connection. Leave with ideas you can use.

Radical ideas. Real connections.

Info: A tasty vegetarian lunch is provided by Giroscope Cookery Project. Please let us know any dietary requirements when booking

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