Australian Musician was saddened sad to hear the news that Vera May, the matriarch figure of the iconic Australian acoustic instrument maker Maton Guitars has passed away at the age of 102. Wife of founder, Bill May, Vera worked in the business from 1954 through to retirement in 1987, organising the administrative and financial aspects, while Bill built the guitars. The husband and wife team were an inspiration to many in the music industry due to their passion for the business, great customer service and for creating a family feeling amongst their employees. Vera’s daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Neville Kitchen, continue the family business.
Maton posted the following on their Facebook page over night:
“It is with sadness that we mark the passing of Vera May. A woman who stood by her husband Bill May, in the building of a dream that was to become Maton Guitars. 76 years later we owe everything to the bravery and vision of Vera and Bill. In her 102 years Vera was a constant influence at Maton. As a business and a family, we are honoured to play our part in continuing to share Bill and Vera’s dream of a fine Australian guitar, that musicians around the world can be proud to own. Mother to Linda and Susan, Grandmother to Tristana, Josh, Chantal and Marika, matriarch of Maton Guitars. Vale Vera May, long will we continue to celebrate your legacy. Dec 16th 1919 – 30th March 2022.”
Vera featured in a NAMM Oral History video in 2017 (recorded by Australian Musician), which can be viewed HERE
Australian Musician passes on our condolences to Linda, Neville and the Maton family