Fairfield Match Works (Bryant And May)

Fairfield Match Works (Bryant and May) was founded in 1861, with a date stone of 1874. The factory was notable for its excellent working conditions, recognised as early as 1862. The administrative building is constructed of stock brick with red and blue brick dressings, topped by a brick and stone capped eave cornice. The roof is not visible. It is three storeys high and fifteen bays wide. The southern three bays and one to the north of the entrance feature gothic arches framing first and second-floor windows. Most windows are unbarred sashes. The asymmetrical entrance is slightly advanced and has a pediment with a central gothic arch. The tympanum features a clock, stone shields, and bas relief carvings. The ground floor is stone-faced, with entrance doors, flanking windows, and decorative plaques displaying the firm's monogram. The buildings and wall of the listed part of Fairfield Match Works form a group of importance to the social and economic history of Bow.