After graduating Martin began working for a knitwear design company, run by Jane and Patrick Gottelier. The company - known as Artwork -became renowned for its use of denim yarn. A 100% cotton yarn which can be washed in the machine and fades gracefully through washing and wearing over time. Martin was involved in creating these sought after signature denim knits which sold all over the world and liked nothing better than designing quirky 3d stitches which would show the yarn to it’s best advantage.

After 15 years Martin left Artwork to become chief designer for the Jaeger brand which was taken under Rowan’s wing in 1995. In 2005 he was chosen as the designer to spearhead the new brand of Rowan Classic. A role he is still responsible for today, pulling together several brochures a year under the Rowan Classic banner which has become the hall mark for Classic style with a modern twist.

Martin is a keen collector or porcelain and ceramics and fills his home with vintage textiles and pieces picked up on trips abroad and at local markets. He also collects vintage soft toys and puppets. All these pieces act as inspiration for Martin’s designs, but he is constantly on the look out for new ideas. “I always make sure I have a notebook close by to jot down what I see or make a sketch to remind me”. Martin also makes sure he is up to date with all the latest trend information and catwalk commentaries and is often found in Charity shops and vintage clothing stores looking for interesting cuff details or embellishments.

Martin is, without a doubt, a very influential designer, his understanding of what knitters want, together with a fantastic eye for texture and embellishment make his garments a joy to look at and wear.