Matthew Harris
Founder, Master Blacksmith and Designer
Matthew Harris was born in 1980, in Maryland. He served a traditional 4 year apprenticeship with European master blacksmith, Alphonsus Moolenschot. After completing his apprenticeship with Mr. Moolenschot in 2000, Matthew went on to work in several architectural metalwork and industrial forging shops. He also studied art and business at Cecil College.
In 2005, he began his own company as Harris Metalsmith Studio located in Perryville, MD. In 2020 he changed the name of his company to Matthew Harris Studio. This rebranding of the company incorporated the iconic MH logo that you now see and was intended to reflect the studio’s output of architectural and sculptural metalwork in both a historical and modern sense. Matthew oversees the design, fabrication, and installation of all the custom fencing, gates, sculptures, and metalwork that the studio creates. His specialty is hot forging one of a kind forms, textures, and elements. He has built a unique and impressive mix of industrial forging equipment and cranes to accomplish this work.
Matthew's work is found in many businesses, homes, and public spaces. Currently he is working on several large architectural fencing and railing commissions as well as a series of forged sculptures.
Guided by the leadership and knowledge of founder, Matthew Harris, our team of craftsman is dedicated to producing exceptional metalwork that long outlasts the builder. Every member of the MHS team brings to the table a collaboration of unique skill sets and old fashioned grit. With any given project we pride ourselves in providing you with personalized services from design and engineering, forging and fabrication, to finish and installation. Whether a project calls for traditional forging or modern fabrication, we remain diligent in the details.
Building with our hands is what we do, excellence and authenticity is at the heart of who we are.
Chester
Chester is security-in-training and studio clown. He keeps us all entertained by his adventurous spirit. However, Gracie is usually not amused. His favorite spot is standing on the stairs or the desk to keep watch out of the office windows. He loves swimming and running.
Gracie
Gracie has served the studio as head of security for the past 8 years. She also specializes in making everyone's day a bit brighter. She is stubborn but very loyal and does not like trespassers. She is an avid fan of bacon and flavored treats.