BryMay Safety Match
Name/Title
BryMay Safety MatchEntry/Object ID
2025.1.727Description
“BRYMAY” Bryant & May Special Safety MatchLarge Box & small boxContext
Cardboard and chipboard safety matchbox, "Brymay" trademark, made by Bryant and May, 1920-1960 Match-making was a particularly dangerous job in the 1800s. Workers – mainly women – employed by companies such as Bryant & May to make matches commonly experienced a condition known as phossy jaw. This was caused by poisoning from the yellow phosphorous used in the head of the match. Phossy jaw was a terribly disfiguring and sometimes fatal condition. Eventually, a combination of this health danger, poor pay and long hours led to the formation of a trade union for the workers. The Match Girls Strike of 1888, led by social activist Annie Besant (1847-1933), was a landmark industrial action and led to better pay. In 1901, Bryant & May finally stopped using yellow phosphorous in their matches. Traditional matchbox consisting of paper-covered wooden sleeve and drawer. The sleeve is printed with the words "BRYANT & MAY'S BRYMAY SPECIAL SAFETY MATCH".Category
Tobacco & Smoking