Leicestershire Mercury story, December 2022

Matthew Warburton will star alongside some other crafters to try and win a trophy on the show

A crafter from Ashby is set to feature on Channel 4 later this month as part of their Christmas programmes. Matthew Warburton, 54, will feature as one of the competitors on this year’s series of Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas, which will see four crafters battle it out to try and win the best in their category alongside some top tips and tricks from Kirstie herself.

Matthew is set to appear on the programme on December 21 at 5pm, where he will be competing with three other crafters to try and design the best Christmas tree. He’ll be up against the clock and the contestants can only use their own handmade decorations.

The series is set to start from December 12, and will cover all sorts of Christmas crafting from hampers, wreaths, papercraft, and even gingerbread houses. The show will look at the most up-to-date tips and tricks for crafting as well as delving into Christmas past and re-learning some forgotten gems.

A spokesperson for the show said: “The Christmas countdown has begun and what better way to build up to the big day than with some clever crafts full of festive fun to inspire your own handmade Christmas.

“Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas is stuffed with an assortment of magnificent makers. In each episode four crafters will battle it out to win best in their category and receive the greatest present of all – our handmade trophy. Our esteemed judges will have the season sussed and will be sharing their tips and tricks.

“In a throwback to crafts of Christmas past, we will be travelling the country meeting makers whose talent will knock your Christmas socks off. Plus, Kirstie will be craftier than ever, bringing you some of her own merry makes that you can try at home.”

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Ashby artist driven to drink
Lockdown has presented itself with many problems not least for Ashby de la Zouch artist Matthew Warburton from Aluminiumart. He has been prevented from showing his work at craft and art events across the country until at least October 2020. This means customers are unable to see his normal aluminium sculpture work, which is in itself a little different, thus preventing sales. They need to be seen to be appreciated.
Lockdown has made Matthew think out of the box. In fact, to create sales he thought of small postal boxes and what could be packaged in them and posted easier and more cost effectively. He already produces large planished and polished aluminium maps of UK and Ireland so the transition was to miniaturise them.

UK and Ireland planished and polished aluminium maps. The current range of maps not so easily posted.

Having created the Wales map he aproached craft beer brewer, Felinfoel Brewery in Llanelli, South Wales, to be sole supplier utilising their range of cans as the raw material for the maps. Mike Francis, Assistant General Manager at the brewery said “We are delighted to see our can range being sampled and converted into mounted art….as the oldest brewery in Wales, and the first to can beer in Europe, we certainly have the heritage and lovely to work in conjunction with Matthew to see our can range being utilised”

A case was sent but to protect the cans as much as possible they needed to be sent full, to keep up the internal pressure. The first delivery of 48 cans needed to be emptied, prepared, cut, mounted and returned as pictures to the brewery. Fortunately for Matthew he has some very willing neighbours who could turn the round quickly in order that he didn’t have to drink them all himself.

Matthew can be seen returning from town, or back from a run with an empty can or two. Washed and prepared for further artwork as he has a range of products and more underway. His range of “Mini Editions” are vehicles encased in a small jar with a unique background. Starting with the British classics, the range is just beginning.

There’s no need to contact Matthew to volunteer emptying cans as he has a long list already but you can support by visiting his website https://www.aluminiumart.co.uk/product/wales-map-framed-or-mounted-aluminium-can-art/

Other maps of counties and countries have been developed and further are under development with a range of brewers. Maps can be personalised at any location. In the Yorkshire map you can see a white rose.

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Press release

November 2021

Aluminiumart COP26 inspired Christmas tree decorations

Whilst Politicians decide the fate of the future of the planet at COP26, there is no harm in individuals trying to make a difference. On the strength of recycled cans be used to create artwork, (see link below) another product range has been developed. While the sides of the cans were used to create unique and interesting artwork, the can ends were being sent for recycling. Determined to waste as little as possible, Matthew, at Aluminiumart, started work on turning the otherwise wasted material into further unique pieces.

Matthew already creates wonderful tree decorations and when customers ask if he can make another variant he would say that he can and that he can fall back on the twelve days of Christmas to see him into retirement. During the COP26 discussions in Glasgow, he was inspired and thought that he would take one small part in reducing the waste and cutting down on raw materials needed to create his artwork. Working on the adage, “If we all keep our doorsteps clean, the whole village will be clean” Matthew started on his promise of introducing the first of the twelve days of Christmas.

Using CAD skills picked up in Engineering and teaching, Matthew set about creating the first design to be able to utilise the surplus can ends from other artwork. Day one went so well that he would carry on and do the whole twelve days of Christmas. From computer to LASER marker, Matthew quickly ran up the prototypes and with a few tweaks to design and process found he had a wonderful range of products. We are sure you will agree.

Matthew will have to keep busy with other projects in the run up to retirement.

Items can be purchased at www.aluminiumart.co.uk/product/twelve-days-of-christmas/

Link to the story behind the recycled can artwork www.aluminiumart.co.uk/press-release/

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Press Release

Glenfield WI meeting.

November 2019 Meeting –  A Road to Aluminium Art with Matthew Warburton.

Matthew Warburton started his working life as a coach builder in the 1980s making body panels for vehicles at the high-end of the market and he was also a teacher for fifteen years, gaining valuable skills along the way.

With a mix of these skills, modern technology and his undeniable talent, Matthew went on to work more creatively with aluminium, producing unique and very beautiful products some of which he brought to our meeting.

Matthew was easy to listen to and very interesting.  He showed us how he beats the aluminium which causes it curve and he showed us samples of his butterflies and bracelets.  At the end of his talk, members flocked to his display to have a closer look at all the products on offer and many were seen leaving with one of his beautiful butterflies.  Matthew had also brought his young daughter Madeleine, who also has a flair for this art and many members bought her lovely Christmas tree decorations which she makes from tin cans.

https://leicestershire-and-rutland.thewi.org.uk/find-wi/glenfield/meetings-2017

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