The mid-19th Century saw such a rise of interest in medieval architecture that many modern designs were based on medieval forms. This movement became known as the Gothic Revival and, linked to religious reform, led to both the building and restoration of many churches. Skidmore's work in the medieval style and his interest in the lighting and heating of churches meant that he received many commissions from the movement's leading architects and designers.

Skidmore's most productive working partnership was with the architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. The two met in the early 1850s when Scott was restoring several Coventry churches.

Scott and Skidmore shared interests in medieval design, ironwork and the use of colour in architecture. Skidmore provided monuments and accessories for many of Scott's buildings, their most famous collaborations being the Albert Memorial and the metalwork choir screens for Hereford, Lichfield and Salisbury Cathedrals.