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Bryant & May Matchmakers
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Bryant & May Matchmakers
A group of women employed at Bryant & May cutting down & boxing Ruby & Runaway Matches. Date: 1888
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Media ID 14279162
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1888 Aprons Boxing Bryant Cutting Employed Matches Matchmakers Ruby Runaway
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "The Bryant & May Matchmakers: A Historical Snapshot of Women's Labor in the Match Industry, 1888" This evocative photograph captures a moment in time from the late 19th century, showcasing a group of dedicated women employed at Bryant & May, a leading match factory in London. The women are seen meticulously cutting down and boxing Ruby and Runaway Matches, their faces focused and determined as they carry out their daily tasks. During the Victorian era, the match industry experienced a significant boom, with Bryant & May being one of the most prominent players. To meet the growing demand, factories like Bryant & May employed large numbers of women, who were often paid low wages but offered the opportunity to earn a steady income. The women worked in clean, well-lit factories, wearing distinctive red aprons, which became a symbol of their employment. The women in this photograph are shown working in close proximity to each other, their hands deftly handling the matches. The Ruby Matches, identified by their red tips, and Runaway Matches, characterized by their long, unlit sticks, are carefully cut and boxed for distribution. The intricate process of matchmaking involved the precise alignment of the sulphur tip with the phosphorus tip, ensuring a perfect ignition. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of women's labor in the match industry during the late 1800s. The women's dedication and focus are palpable, as they work together to produce the essential commodity of matches for households across the country. The image serves as a reminder of the significant role women played in the industrial revolution and the economic and social changes that came with it.
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