Church Of St Matthew

The Church of St Matthew is a church built between 1962 and 1964, designed by Maguire and Murray. It is a striking example of the influence of the Liturgical Movement. The church is constructed of buff brick with reinforced concrete and has a low-pitched copper roof. The plan is an irregular hexagon, with the altar set slightly off-centre. The sanctuary is raised, and the altar is raised a further step. A font is located to the south of the altar.

The church rises in a series of turned hexagons, narrowing towards the top, each layer featuring a low monopitched roof and sloping clerestory, and each layer visually separated by a horizontal concrete band. The glazing has been renewed, replicating the original design in timber frames which are now black stained. A concrete bell tower rises on the west side, and a clock, which is not original but sympathetic to the design, is set into the south side with the clock hands set directly on the brickwork. A covered way and glazed porch are on the south side, with vestries to the north.

Inside, the buff brick and concrete are exposed. The rising hexagons are emphasized by large beams defining the spaces at different levels. The roof is boarded with exposed timber beams. The original double cube altar has been replaced, but other original features remain, including a ‘de Stijl-like’ pulpit, lectern, priest’s chair and desk. These are open, frame-like structures made of light timber and are raised on a brick plinth. The font is a large brick cylinder containing an industrial ceramic vat with a polished brass lid. The floor is laid with handsome brown terracotta paviors arranged in a circular pattern around the font. Original light fittings by Murray remain, comprising rows of delicate lights with arched reflectors, hung at low level and connected by fine metal rods, designed to echo the hexagonal theme. A cross-shaped timber fixture, with eight lights, is also original, situated above the font. The original light-coloured timber benches are of a "chunky" design.