A B O U T - U S
Matt has always had a great passion for design and history. During his final years of sixth form Matt realised that he wanted to pursue a career in Interior Design but didn’t quite know where to start.
Matt started his design and antique buying at York Carboot finding the items that he considered interesting and quickly developed a name around the market for unusual pieces which helped get his feet on the ladder of antique design.
It didn’t come without its hardships, as Matt entering an antiques industry made up of older generations who didn’t know what to make of a 17 year old turning his hand to their industry. Meaning Matt did face some difficult people along the way but thankfully at the age of 20 he officially set up TallBoy Interiors and moved more into the decorative antiques market over the collectable antiques one which was a totally different atmosphere of support and passion for the business.
Matt spent the first year studying interior design to give him a solid foundation for the business moving forward and passed the course within 6 months which was a real confidence boost.
As still one of the youngest in the industry at the time Matt believes this really helped him to get noticed at the fairs and then on social media. Instagram of old was absolutely paramount for Matts growth around the UK and he still stands by this being the main reason anyone knows of the TallBoy name.
After 5 years in the business Matt took the plunge and moved his business from a local 18th Century stables to his first retail space in the stunning Georgian chapel of Saville House located in Malton North Yorkshire. It took 2 years of renovations to add all the original features back in but worth all the effort as it is now the perfect place to come and see the majority of stock available in one place and to discuss your project with Matt.
The showroom however was unfortunately only open for 2 weeks before Covid 19 forced the closure. In these uncertain times Matt took to social media everyday and did his best to keep a positive outlook for himself and anyone that cared to view his socials by posting regular videos from his showroom and showing the latest pieces he was able to find in tricky situations. Thankfully once Matt could re open the showroom his business grew and he was also able to take on a 3500sqft warehouse close to the A1 near Leeds that offers a perfect place for trade to visit by appointment to see a great selection of items before they hit the website in varying stages of restoration.
Matts passion for design continues to grow and he never wants to rest on his laurels. So as of late 2023 Matt established the bespoke manufacturing arm of the TallBoy brand named FORM by TallBoy. Offering a small curated collection of Matt’s designs that he has worked on with some extremely talented traditional crafts people from around Yorkshire and the UK. Allowing the business to offer not only the designs made by Matt and team but also the ability to work with trade and private clients alike on true bespoke one off pieces from seating, to beds, to mirrors and much more.
FORM by TallBoy is the culmination of the knowledge and people Matt has met over the years and he trusts them completely. Matt says “we want to work with you on individual pieces or full projects where we can bring our own quality creations and our antique finds together to make something truly unique”
After a decade in the industry Matt wants to show how he has grown up and wants the business to reflect that. He says “I am no longer the baby of the antiques and design trade, we are grown up now and I want both businesses to be recognised for our own take on the Interiors market, hopefully continuing to grow over the next 10 years!”
Final word from Matt - “Thank you all for your support over the last decade it really means everything to me that you allow me to continue to work in my dream industry, We as a business have grown up and I hope that is reflected in what you see from us. I will never sit still so plenty more to come in the future I am sure.”
