The Firework
Advert Archive

This chart maps the span of dated advertisements in the archive for each manufacturer — showing at a glance which companies were active in which eras and how the industry evolved over two and a half centuries. Longer bars reflect a greater range of dated adverts; they do not necessarily represent the full operational lifespan of each firm.

Years shown are the earliest and latest dated adverts for each company in this archive. Actual founding and closure dates may differ. Click a company name to browse its adverts.

Notes on Key Manufacturers

Brock's Fireworks — Founded by John Brock in the late 18th century and trading continuously until the 1990s, Brock's is the longest-documented manufacturer in this archive. Their Crystal Palace firework displays, held from 1865 until the Palace's destruction in 1936, were among the most celebrated public entertainments in Victorian and Edwardian Britain.

Pain's Fireworks — James Paine established his firework business in the mid-19th century. The company became famous for elaborate theatrical set pieces and pyrodramas, including the celebrated 'Human Bomb' spectacle. Pain's later merged with Wessex Fireworks to form Pains-Wessex, continuing as a major display manufacturer into the modern era.

Standard Fireworks — Founded in Huddersfield in 1891 by James Paylor, Standard Fireworks became the dominant British garden firework brand of the 20th century. Their Crosland Hill factory was the heart of the British consumer firework industry, producing the tuppenny bangers and rockets that defined bonfire nights for generations.

Astra Fireworks — A Scottish manufacturer based in Hurlford, East Ayrshire, Astra was one of the last surviving British firework manufacturers, trading until the mid-1990s. Their products were distinctive for their Scottish character and were popular throughout northern Britain.

Wells' Fireworks — One of the great Victorian-era manufacturers, Wells produced fireworks for both consumer and display markets. Their advertising is notable for its quality of design and the breadth of their product range.