“There aren’t many armourers left. It's very much a niche kind of skill, and while there is growing demand, it's not something easy to teach. It takes many years of dedication,” explained Matt who, at just 31, is one of the youngest professional armourers in the industry.
Each piece requires extensive knowledge of historical techniques, advanced metalworking skills, and an understanding of human anatomy.
“Everything is bespoke, with customers coming to be measured up, because the anatomy of each person is really different,” Matt notes. “Their bones are shaped and move in different ways. The position of their ligaments - no one's the same. It must be comfortable because the customer could be wearing it for a long period of time.”
The company is now expanding into new exciting markets, including high-fashion collaborations.
Fashion label Annie’s Ibiza contacted Lancaster Armoury about featuring armour on the London Fashion Week runway this February and Matt got in touch with Isobel Waugh, a final-year Costume Design & Making student at Buckinghamshire New University, to help design the groundbreaking project.
“Matt has been incredibly supportive, giving me different inspirations from the armouring world that I could merge with historical textile knowledge. Together, we've created something fresh and modern that people haven't seen on the runway before," said Isobel.
Matt is taking innovative steps to address the skills shortage. He's opened his home to apprentices, providing rent-free accommodation to make the learning opportunity more accessible. “How do you give someone a chance to learn this specialised skill when they'd have to move to the area, rent somewhere, and support themselves while learning? Opening my home to interns has allowed us to expand and teach good skills while giving them a safe space to develop,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Matt is exploring partnerships with universities and investigating apprenticeship schemes. He's also hoping to establish a continental journeyman program, allowing skill exchanges with aspiring armourers from across Europe.
“If I don't start training people now, who will?” he reflected. “Most people don't even know this kind of work exists as a career option. We need to change that before these skills are lost forever.”
