Born and raised on the south coast of Hastings, England, Hilton always gravitated towards architecture, design, and painting. These influences are evident in each piece Matthew Hilton furniture produced out of his London-based studio, known for creating rigorously functional products from a range of exceptional materials such as solid hardwood, cast iron, and brass. A typical Matthew Hilton design is fluid and adaptable; seamlessly combining functionality and style.

Upon graduation from Portsmouth College of Art, Matthew Hilton enrolled in Kingston Polytechnic where he excelled in their furniture and design program. He graduated from Kingston in 1979 and went on to work as an Industrial Engineer and model maker for Capa until 1984. In 1991, Matthew Hilton designed his most iconic piece, the Balzac Armchair, from his own design studio with production from SCP Limited. Described as a distinctively modern piece, the Balzac Armchair has achieved the status of a bona fide modern classic. Other portfolio staples include the Antelope Occasional Table, Flipper Coffee Table, Extension Table, and his limited edition MH01 Watch, which, like his furniture, bears Hilton’s signature design precision.

Throughout his career, Matthew Hilton has been recognized for his contributions to British design and in 2012 he received an honorary doctorate from Kingston University. Hilton’s was also honored as Royal Designer for Industry by the British Royal Society of Arts in 2005. In 2006, Hilton was awarded the annual Elle Decoration Design Award for Best in Furniture for his Cross Extension Table.

In 2007, the designer founded Matthew Hilton Limited in collaboration with Portuguese manufacturer De La Espada, which gave him control of the design, manufacturing and marketing of his furniture. Haute Living Magazine has stated that his furniture is, “incredibly elegant with simple lines and master craftsmanship.”

In 2016 Matthew Hilton Limited, in conjunction with De La Espada, will launch five new pieces for London’s Tramshed design junction. With De La Espada, Hilton has found a place to fulfill his passion for creating exquisitely made, eminently desirable, and beautiful products. Many of his furniture designs can be found in the permanent collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, Geffrye Museum, and the Manchester City Art Gallery.