Thornthwaite Galleries :: Thornthwaite :: Keswick :: Cumbria CA12 5SA :: UK :: +44 (0)17687 78248
Matthew Jardine Print

Blanket chest (Cumbrian timber & Elterwater slate)
Blanket chest (Cumbrian timber & Elterwater slate)
After leaving school at the age of 16 and completing a seven-year apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery with a local Keswick firm, Matthew moved to join a well-established furniture workshop in Kendal.

During his three years there he developed insight into the skill of furniture making and soaked up the wealth of experience of a number of talented crafstmen. His own passion for furniture making began  to develop, and his vision to establish his own workshop designing and creating individual pieces combining traditional techniques with contemporary design began to grow.

Matthew founded MJ Cabinet Makers in 2000. He was convinced of the importance of the conservation of native forestry and supports a local supplier with a replanting programme. His larger pieces carry a history scroll giving the origins of the wood used, as well as the date and maker's name. The "MJ" logo can be found hand-carved into every piece of his furniture.

His aim is always to produce work of high standard and his desire to know the destination of each piece purchased reflects the satisfaction of craftmanship.  

Arum Lily cabinet (Cumbrian ash & elm)
Arum Lily cabinet (Cumbrian ash & elm)
Arum Lily cabinet detail
Arum Lily cabinet detail