MATTHEW LE BRETON
Devon-based Matt’s background includes a number of different intertwining paths. He is equally an artist, a craftsman, and a teacher. These different aspects of his work run alongside each other and often inform each other, expanding his skills and knowledge.
After a year in Art College in Carmarthen he studied a double degree simultaneously at Exeter Uni-versity (English Literature) and the University of Plymouth (Fine Art). After graduating in 1999 he worked in CAD design for a few years, while at the same time training up in ecobuilding techniques with Viv Goodings and Bee Rowan (Strawbuild). He had always had an interest in stained glass, so was then fortunate to train with the excellent Ann Pengelly. Further learning from the top conserva-tor and glass painter Jonathan Cooke, and also from the studio of Williams and Byrne, Matt has reached a highly skilled professional level in stained glass and kiln-fired glass painting. He also trained under Master Mason Colin Price, working for him on numerous Church stone, plaster, and wall restoration projects. Coupled with his training, this makes him somewhat unique, in that he is a practi-tioner of both Stained Glass and Building Craft.
Since 2004 he has undertaken stained glass commissions and building renovation projects for both private and corporate clients, always acquiring more skills and practical knowledge. The focus in buildcraft is on renovation of heritage properties specialising in Limeplastering, Cob renovation, and the associated Stonework and Carpentry, often undertaking those awkward jobs that require a bal-ance of skill and finesse to solve issues practically but elegantly. Glasswork projects have steadily increased in complexity and scope over the years with more Kiln-fired painted and silver-stained de-tail. These dual disciplines, glasswork, and buildcraft are surprisingly good bedfellows with projects often focusing on buildcraft during the warmer Summer and Autumn, and workshop-based glass-work during the colder Winter and Spring months.
He has been involved in numerous eclectic projects, including aiding in the building of a 50ft ocean-going catamaran, a helical spiral staircase, large cast glass sculptures, and graceful steel and glass archways. His work is always varied and interesting. As a problem solver he also undertakes various commissions to produce bespoke pieces, such as the interactive enabling displays and collapsible display walls for Open University.
He has a keen interest in educating, and ensuring the passing-on of skills, and has steadily expanded his teaching over time. He teaches both in the education system at Fine Art at Exeter College, as well as freelance from his own studio, the Devon Applied Arts Workshop (DAAW) and at locations in the South West.