MATTWORDS was founded by Tony Matthews MA, MCIPR, writer, editor and journalist with many years background of communications in both private and public sectors. His primary interests have always been in the fields of history, heritage and conservation - both in the built and natural environments. If you click on The Bigger Picture you will see his lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation. Equally important are his involvement with the preservation of treasured local landscapes, buildings and works of art. But his horizons certainly don't stop there.
Tony has written or contributed to a very wide range of books and publications. In some cases they have been drawn from his own family. Most notable recently have been 'In Pursuit of Gold' (Salamander & Sons, 2011) and 'Brother Curwen, Brother Crowley' (Teitan Press, 2010) which reveal details of the extraordinary life of his grandfather, David Curwen, also known as Lapidus the alchemist and an associate of the notorious magician Aleister Crowley.
Tony's latest work is 'Sunday Next for Seven Days...' , the story of his father, Nat Matthews, one of Britain's leading exploiters of cinema showmanship, right from the time of the silent screen until the 1970s and the dying days of the giant ABC cinema circuit. As 'Uncle Nat', Tony's father entertained youngsters every Saturday at morning matinees; as one of the country's most experienced cinema managers he adopted a Barnum & Bailey roll-up, roll-up approach which rarely failed to fill seats with eager audiences, whatever was actually being shown on the big screen. In the end he became a roving spokesman for showmanship, bringing his expertise to hundreds of cinemas throughout the UK.
In sharp contrast is Tony's book 'Cannizaro Beyond the Gates' (Wimbledon Society Museum Press, 2010), the complete story of one of London's most extraordinary parks, and its centuries as a private estate when home to politicians, art collectors, horticultural enthusiasts and a series of larger than life characters. Among them were the Duke and Duchess of Cannizzaro whose outrageous lifestyles shocked and amused the society of their day.
Apart from writing books, Tony edits a quarterly publication in London, supplies stories on heritage and history to the media, and has written and produced news, features, speeches, leaflets and every other kind of communication for British and international readers.
If you have a quirky historical or heritage story to convey to the world at large or would like help in promoting the beauty and biodiversity of a treasured local environment , MATTWORDS would love to hear from you.
