The Brighton Matchman
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
The Brighton Matchman
John Standing, known as the Brighton Matchman, at the age of 77; his matches are used with a tinder box
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 606000
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10054443
1829 Brighton Cane Matches Stick Tinder Trades
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, taken in 1829, we see John Standing, a renowned figure in Brighton's history, at the ripe age of 77. Known locally as the Brighton Matchman, John is depicted on a bustling street, his weathered face etched with the lines of a life well-lived. In his hands, he cradles a simple cane, while leaning on a wooden stick for added support. The image captures a moment of quiet reflection, as John pauses in his daily routine. The significance of John's occupation as a matchman is not to be understated. Matches were an essential commodity in the early 19th century, and John would have been a familiar figure to the residents of Brighton as he went about his trade. With a box of matches slung over his shoulder, he would have walked the streets, selling his wares to households and businesses in need. Despite the passage of time and the advancement of technology, the scene remains timeless. The cobblestone street, lined with buildings that have since been replaced, provides a glimpse into the past. The horse-drawn carriage in the background adds to the sense of history, as does the tinder box that John holds in his hand. This humble tool, used to ignite the matches, would have been a constant companion for John throughout his long career. As we gaze upon this image, we are transported back in time, to an era when life moved at a slower pace, and tradespeople like John Standing played a vital role in the daily lives of their communities. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the rich history that surrounds us, and the importance of preserving the stories of those who came before us.
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