Matthew was born in London, and grew up in Wandsworth. On leaving school he obtained a Diploma in Art Foundation Studies at Wimbledon School of Art, and studied further at the Faculty of Art at Sunderland University and at the Kent Institute of Art and Design.

After travelling in India, Matthew moved to the west coast of Ireland where he worked as a carer for some time before moving to Street in Somerset. He had a studio in Wells, where he pursued his interest in art, being influenced by the beauty of the Somerset Levels. He exhibited in Street, Glastonbury, Wells, Frome and Honiton. His work was shortlisted for a Royal West of England Academy Annual Exhibition.