W.P. Matthew (–1956)

Matthew had begun his media career on radio in the 1930s and would have had his first show on television on September 3, 1939 had the BBC not closed down for the duration of the Second World War. Nevertheless, Matthew returned in 1946 to become a household name as an author, radio and TV presenter of a popular DIY programmes in Great Britain, a time when many thousands of homes were built for owner occupiers. He endorsed products, appeared on the 1000th woman’s hour and wrote over twenty books – often bylined as ‘Television, Radio and Newspaper Handyman’.
W.P. Matthew died in March 1956, at the height of his success and has since faded into relative obscurity. His place was taken up by Barry Bucknell - who is often incorrectly thought of as the first T.V. handyman. But W.P. Matthew's methods, manner and advice are as relevant and rewarding to a home owner and DIY enthusiast today as they were to a nation 80 years ago.