Matthew walks in and out of his studio all day, easily distracted from his drawing by more instantly gratifying temptations in his garden and beyond. Whether writing, illustrating or designing mugs and other household goods for Emma Bridgewater, his work is focussed on watercolour. He works alone on a wooden table with a cosy fire at his back and two black labs on the sofa.

Mathew lives near Burford in a ‘small and very rural un-grand Manor House’ his words not ours! It had a very brief moment in the sun as a castle wall and gatehouse but that was back in 1320, since then the once rather imposing walls have been quarried to provide stone for houses in the village. It has some fields around it and a small wood that he planted ten years ago which is now gratifyingly full of wildlife. The house didn’t have a garden and until recently was surrounded by a group of other ugly concrete barns, but a garden has grown and has now spread every year, so much so that he opens it a few times over the summer. Most excitingly for him is that it is also home to his daughter, Lil, and her Circus - Fools Delight. Her red and white tent looms over the veg and dahlias several times a year when the whole place is shrieking with happy children and bouncing, springing and rooting with acrobats, clowns and musicians. He loves living in this busy place full of artistic endeavour and fun!

While he is still excited by the grand glitter and shine of London he is sufficiently put off by the commute to transfer that thrill to something new in the greenhouse or a family of new bantam chicks!