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Dorset buttonsroll your mouse over the thumbnails to see an enlarged image.
High tops were the first button types made in Dorset. The industry was begun by Abraham Case, in 1622. High tops are still found in the late 18c; usually on shirt collars.
The Knob is a variation of the high top, probably dates to a similar period, and is considered the second button type made by Abraham.
The cartwheel button (also called a crosswheel) dates to about 1700 and continues in use in the 19c. There are many variations of the cartwheel button, including mites, basket crosswheels, Blandfords, and Old Dorsets, as well as cartwheels which simply vary the number of 'spokes'.
The Singleton (and Carolus variation) is a cloth-covered version of the thread-covered ring buttons, and are the only Dorset types believed to have historically been produced in a colour - black only - as mourning buttons.
The bird's eye was created for use on children's clothing, being softer than the 'High Top' and 'Knob' of the early Dorset button making industry.
The exact date of the development of the bird's eye is not known, but it is believed to be during Abraham's lifetime (he died 1658). It is probable that they fell out of fashionable use by the 1700s, when the more familiar cartwheel type buttons were developed, although I have recently purchased a type made over a hard form, probably dating from the late 19c, and it is possible that some late 18c 'thread buttons' described are these as opposed to the crosswheel.
The last two images show buttons made for the Johnny Depp film, Sweeny Todd, alongwith an image of Johnny Depp wearing them. Thanks to www.johnnydepp-zone.com for photo
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| Click the links below to see examples of different types of hand worked buttons in more detail. Should you wish to discuss your requirements, please contact Gina. | ||
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Silk knotted buttons, circa 1596 |
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