It might seem unusual that a third-generation antiques dealer should be so fascinated with the future but by observing generations-old furniture, Matthew Cox and his team have learnt how to design and construct made-to-measure furniture with the future in mind.

Matthew’s knowledge of what makes a piece of furniture stand the test of time (both materially and aesthetically) has been distilled into an ever-evolving collection of customisable furniture and lighting.

This informed approach, combined with a desire to push creative boundaries, and protect the natural world fuel the company’s mission: to leave a beautiful and positive legacy for both people and planet. Their mission is evident in both the furniture collection and as well as the company’s way of working.

Each team member receives ‘The Maker’s Handbook’ in which they are encouraged ‘to consider that one day in the future our furniture will belong to an entirely different generation, and we want our pieces to be just as loved and useful then as they are today.’

It’s this sense of legacy that sits at the heart of the team’s work – new furniture is built to be robust enough for generations of use, antiques considered beyond repair are given new life, and a few designs have even been created to be a learning ground for the team’s apprentices – their Legacy table being case in point. The table was conceived for a collaboration with Nicola Harding for the VIP lounge at London’s Decorex fair and was made entirely by apprentices using only timber offcuts.

It seems the company’s approach to creating furniture that ages gracefully strikes a chord both at home and abroad with a growing customer base made up of discerning interior designers and private clients from London to Los Angeles.

A recent project featured in Architectural Digest US exemplifies the celebration of rich, natural materials and the timelessness of simple, clean lines.

Their Living Island, inspired by the old kitchen at Burghley House shows Matthew’s love of adaptable, hard-working pieces and has been a real hit in the US. Interior designer, Amber Lewis of Amber Interiors (1.5 million followers on Instagram!) can be seen sitting at a Matthew Cox Living Island in her profile picture.

As well this simplicity and generous use of natural materials, it is the attention to purpose that sets the brand’s designs apart. And by making their handmade pieces completely customisable, Matthew and his 12-strong team hope to create furniture with purpose, resonance and meaning for their clients as well as future generations.  

Yet, you may well wonder how it’s possible to sell furniture to customers globally without showrooms? Necessity in the first instance!

Matthew originally set up shop on London’s Lillie Road in the late nineties but following the shock of 9/11, Matthew’s US clientele stopped travelling overnight.

In any case, given his predilection for outsized pieces of furniture, his hometown of Stamford offered much more space for less. So, in 2002, equipped with the best digital camera money could buy (5 megapixels!) Matthew built a website and soon learnt to shoot photographs beautiful enough to persuade his American clients to keep buying.

This gave Matthew an early insight into how adopting technology could not only set him apart but also save resources. This year, the company has evolved one step further by developing their full range of made to measure pieces in augmented reality, thanks to support provided by the University of Lincoln’s productivity programme. The full range will be launched on Instagram this autumn and will allow prospective clients all over the world to view 3D augmented reality furniture in their own rooms and even switch between materials and finishes. Matthew hopes to create an inspiring experience, eliminating the need for showrooms, printed catalogues, and sample furniture.  Innovative plans are afoot to update the website and develop an interactive app too.

The future may look challenging but Matthew Cox hope to use their collective experience, creativity, and love of nature to make beautiful furniture for good.

If you’d like to help build this vision either as apprentice or advisor, the team would love to hear from you.