Society member driven to drink during lockdown
Lockdown presented many problems for us all, but artist/maker and Society member Matthew Warburton LSDC alighted on a new idea.
Lockdown presented many problems for all of us, including artist/maker and Society member Mathew Warburton FSDC from Aluminiumart. Unable to show his work at craft and art events across the country until October 2020 made him think out of the box.
To create sales, Matthew alighted on the idea of utilising small postal boxes and what could be packaged in them easily and cost effectively. As he was already producing large planished and polished aluminium maps of the UK and Ireland, he decided to challenge himself to miniaturise them.
Having already created a Wales map he approached South Wales’ Llanelli-based champion craft beer brewer Felinfoel Brewery to be sole supplier of his raw material; beer cans. The brewery commented: “We are delighted to see our beer 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 it is lovely to work in conjunction with Matthew to see our can range being utilised.”
A case of 48 beer cans was duly despatched to Matthew but to protect them from damage they were sent full. However, they needed be emptied prior to being cut, mounted and returned as pictures to the brewery. Fortunately for Matthew he had some quick working, willing neighbours who were happy to help out so that he didn't have to drink all the cans contents himself!
With the brewery partnership now established, Matthew can often be seen returning from town, or back from a run, with an empty can or two returned by his neighbours, washed and prepared for further artwork.
His current ranges include ‘Mini Editions’ - vehicles encased in small jars showcased against unique backgrounds. Starting with British classics, the range, “is just beginning,” says Matthew. Other ranges are in the pipeline, too.
Maps of other countries and counties have already been developed in conjunction with a variety of appropriate brewers. And Matthew is looking to further expand this range. The maps can be personalised to any location; for instance a white rose can be seen in the Yorkshire map.
There's no need to contact Matthew to volunteer emptying beer cans as he has a long list of helpers already! But you can support him by visiting his website aluminiumart.co.uk.