Mattress

In 1800, 85 Fleet Street was occupied by a perfumer called Matiriss but by 1823 the perfumer's name had changed to John Mattress. They were either one in the same, with Matiriss deciding to Anglicise his name, or the similarity in name and profession was a coincidence and they were two completely different people.

In the Trade Directory of 1823 Mattress is listed under Perfumers, Haircutters and Ornamental Hair Manufacturers. All were related and it was common in the Georgian period for such shops to manufacturer and sell perfumes, wigs, razors and combs etc. whilst also offering haircuts. Ackerman's Repository of Arts illustrated the perfumer Alex Ross' shop in 1816. Infront of a large table covered in perfume bottles is a row of dressing cases, sewing and other boxes, with another row backing onto the windows. It seems it was a natural progression from selling perfumes, combs and razors etc. to deal in boxes to hold them and then onto other boxes.

Mattress was foremost a perfumer and ladies and gentlemen's hairdresser but his labels also advertised that he sold a large assortment of dressing cases for both men and women. His inventory also included Portable Desks. It is unlikely that he manufactured these boxes himself and we have to assume that he bought them in from other makers before adding his label.

At some point between 1832 and 1839 John Mattress's address changed from 85 to 84 Fleet Street. By 1841, Charles Mattress, born in 1811, was running the business. In ... show more

In 1800, 85 Fleet Street was occupied by a perfumer called Matiriss but by 1823 the perfumer's name had changed to John Mattress. They were either one in the same, with Matiriss deciding to Anglicise his name, or the similarity in name and profession was a coincidence and they were two completely different people.

In the Trade Directory of 1823 Mattress is listed under Perfumers, Haircutters and Ornamental Hair Manufacturers. All were related and it was common in the Georgian period for such shops to manufacturer and sell perfumes, wigs, razors and combs etc. whilst also offering haircuts. Ackerman's Repository of Arts illustrated the perfumer Alex Ross' shop in 1816. Infront of a large table covered in perfume bottles is a row of dressing cases, sewing and other boxes, with another row backing onto the windows. It seems it was a natural progression from selling perfumes, combs and razors etc. to deal in boxes to hold them and then onto other boxes.

Mattress was foremost a perfumer and ladies and gentlemen's hairdresser but his labels also advertised that he sold a large assortment of dressing cases for both men and women. His inventory also included Portable Desks. It is unlikely that he manufactured these boxes himself and we have to assume that he bought them in from other makers before adding his label.

At some point between 1832 and 1839 John Mattress's address changed from 85 to 84 Fleet Street. By 1841, Charles Mattress, born in 1811, was running the business. In

an advert of 1846, Charles noted that he was a 'Hair-Cutter, Wig-Maker and Perfumer' and was the 'Sole Proprietor of the British Vegetable Cream for the Growth of the Hair and Principal Agent for Marineau's Parisian Wash'. He also sold 'Genuine German Eau de Cologne, fine Turkey Sponge, Naples Soap, Cosmetiques, Dentifrices, Pomades, Oils, Essences, Combs and Brushes of every description, and of the best quality'.

Charles Mattress continued the business for another 10 years until his death in 1851.