Why we are here

From an early age I had a passion for creating and making. I watched my Dad and Grandpa building furniture for our home and I learnt some skills from them. I quickly realised that I had a love for creating wooden furniture and an eye for detail. 

I started out in a joinery shop and working on site as a carpenter to support myself through University. I then went on to study for a Masters degree in Engineering, followed by a career as a Systems Engineer but the tools always found a way back in to my hands.

Year 1 & 2

At first I used my skills to renovate rooms for tenants and then a house for my family. I made do with whatever space I could find, sometimes working outside in the cold and dark and hiring local studios when I needed specialist tools. 

Year 3 

Marriage and moving enable me to set up my first proper workshop. A single car garage at the bottom of our garden became my sanctuary. The projects just kept on coming and then starting a family inspired me to do more. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic made me re-think my life plan and I realised that I wanted to turn my hobby into a business….MatthewsMade was created in lockdown. 

Year 4

We moved to the beautiful Forest of Dean and set up a new bigger workshop. NowI have the space, the tools and the product ideas it was time to launch.

Fast forward to 2022 and the focus is now on making unique handcrafted quality furniture that fits your home.