After qualifying with a city and guilds in furniture craft from Kirkcaldy Technical College in
1980 Matthew Toleman worked for six years with Tim Stead in the Scottish Borders making and finishing furniture.
In the late 80's Toleman Furniture was born in the Borders town of Jedburgh where Matthew developed his own style of design, often incorporating one of Tim's
sought after design features - sculpted
panels. These can be seen on many of the pieces featured in the Gallery.
Later Matthew moved on to the renovation business for five years but after a short break, needed to return to
his first love, the art of furniture craft.
The decision was made. To restart Toleman Furniture in the town
of Bo’ness.
