Bryant and May Factory, Melbourne facts for kids
The Bryant and May Factory in Cremorne, Melbourne, is a famous old building. It's known for its bright red brick. For most of the 1900s, this factory made Australia's most popular matches. In 1946, they started using the brand name Redheads. Even today, Redheads matches are very popular, though they are now made in Sweden.
Bryant and May was special because it was a "model factory." This means it offered great conditions for its workers. They had a dining hall and even sports areas. These included a tennis court and a bowling green, built in the 1920s. These benefits were very generous, even for today's standards.
The factory stopped making matches in Australia in the early 1980s. This was because of competition from imported matches. Now, the famous Redheads matches come from Sweden. The old factory buildings have been changed into offices and showrooms. But the factory is still very well preserved. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, which protects important historical places.
The Famous Bryant and May Factory
The Bryant and May complex is located at 560 Church Street, Richmond. It has many factory buildings. The main building is a large, red brick structure. It is three or four stories tall and has a clock tower. This building can be seen from far away. You can spot it from nearby streets, car parks, and even from the elevated train lines.
How the Factory Was Built
The first part of the main building was finished in 1909. It was designed by a well-known Melbourne architect named William Pitt. This part of the building faces Church Street. It shows a typical Edwardian design from Melbourne. It uses bold red bricks with cement decorations. The building has a long, rhythmic look on its south side. The front of the building has fancy piers and decorations. It also has a large entry arch with "B & M" written above it.
Later Additions and Changes
Other smaller buildings were added in 1910 and 1917. These were built on the north side, across a small lane. They matched the style of the main building. A big addition was made to the back of the building in 1921-22. This part was designed by Klingender & Hamilton. It also used matching red brick. This new section has an extra floor. It features prominent signs and another clock tower on the north side. The clock face on this tower shows "BRYANT AND MAY" instead of numbers. At this time, a new chimney, boiler house, offices, and the Brymay Hall were also added. These were also designed by Klingender & Hamilton.
