John Walker Tribute



Obviously, I'm rapidly becoming a fan of Thomas Pavitte. Here is his tribute to the inventor of the matchstick, John Walker. Over a series of months, Pavitte created this typographical sculpture using 10,000 friction matches. I had no idea, but Walker invented the matchstick by accident--a fact that fascinated Pavitte.
While Walker was preparing a lighting mixture on one occasion, a match which had been dipped in it took fire by an accidental friction upon the hearth. He at once appreciated the practical value of the discovery, and started making friction matches. They consisted of wooden splints or sticks of cardboard coated with sulphur and tipped with a mixture of sulphide of antimony, chlorate of potash, and gum, the sulphur serving to communicate the flame to the wood.

Link

Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"John Walker Tribute"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More