Jean-Pierre Mateus was born in St. Omer, France in 1968 and from the early age of seven, helped his father (also a glass artist) during his school holidays. The years up to 1991 were spent serving as an apprentice and included two years of military service. In 1991, Jean-Pierre chose to go independant, holding exhibitions throughout France, while at the same time winning awards such as the Prix de la Chambre des Metiers,Diplome de la Medaille d'Argent and the Prix du Public.