Matthew Holland I grew up in Bigbury, in a quiet and beautiful valley. My Mum and Dad had some fields in which myself and my sisters were free to play. I realise now that my childhood was idyllic and I developed a deep love of this area. Dad (David Holland) set himself up as an engraver in the barn across the yard. Realising that he could carve designs that medals could be made from, he started Bigbury Mint as a side-line. After joining him in 1985, I have been designing and making medals ever since. I learned hand-engraving, metalworking and lettering from my Dad. I am enthused by the fact that the medals that I make will last for thousands of years.