Matchstick Women Strike of 1888

In this episode we explore the history of the Matchstick Women strike in 1888, which saw 1400 women walk out of the Bryant & May factory, in protest against their treatment. This included poor pay, a highly unreasonable fining system which penalised women for taking breaks, and the lack of support around preventing and supporting women who were inflicted with the deadly disease 'Phossy jaw' which was caused by inhaling toxic particles in the factory. 
We hope to shine a light on the impact of socialite and campaigners article on Bryant and May, as well as exploring the role the workers played themselves, which in past years has been overshadowed. 

Images 
Instagram - @themuseumoffemininty 

Sources
https://www.historyextra.com/period/victorian/match-girls-strike-1888-east-end-victorian-women-cause/
https://www.bradford.ac.uk/news/archive/2018/meet-the-matchstick-women--the-hidden-victims-of-the-industrial-revolution.php
https://www.matchgirls1888.org/sarah-chapman