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Archiver > DORSET > 2001-08 > 0996944450


From: "Elizabeth Pass" <>
Subject: Re: [DOR] MAPPOWDER BUTTONERS
Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2001 18:00:50 +0100
References: <004601c11c4a$436d9fe0$de0a78d5@default>


Hello Dawn,

Button making was a very important industry in Dorset until the unveiling of
a button- making machine at the Great Exhibition of 1851. This resulted in
a huge amount of poverty in the country areas around Blandford and
Shaftesbury, which were the receiving centres for the buttons made in the
cottages and workhouses all around..

The buttons were constructed from a disc of sheep's horn or a ring of
rustless wire, which was the covered with cloth and decorated with a variety
of embroidery stitches. The had wonderful names such as High Tops, Dorset
Knobs, Singletons, Blandford Cartwheels, Sea Urchins etc. The industry was
started in Dorset by Abraham Case in 1622. The whole family could play a
part in the productions, from the smallest child to grandma and grandpa (or
should I say granmer and granfer!)

Would that I had some in my button tin, Alec. They are extremely rare now
and old ones can only be bought from antique dealers at antique dealer's
prices. However, you can by small kits to enable you to teach yourself.

If anyone is in the Bovington area in the next few days, why not visit the
Dorset Arts and Crafts Exhibition which is taking place at Bovington Middle
School. There is usually at least on example on display, and most likely
Marion Howitt who demonstrates, teaches and makes Dorset Buttons will be
there amongst the professional crafts people.

Finally, I have a button maker in my family - Susanna YEATMAN born 1827,
parents John and Maria Yeatman. Susanna lived with her father John in
Mappowder and Buckland Newton at various times. I don't think she ever
married. If anyone is researching Yeatman's anywhere in Dorset I would be
pleased to hear from them.

Liz Pass
(In Poole, Dorset)

----- Original Message -----
From: "p.f.stewart" <>
To: <>
Sent: Friday, August 03, 2001 7:29 PM
Subject: [DOR] MAPPOWDER BUTTONERS


> Hello listers,
>
> While trawling through the 1851 census index for Mappowder, I was
surprised
> to find so many ladies listing their occupation as 'Buttoner'. Presumably
> these ladies were engaged in sewing buttons on to something - clothing?,
> gloves? boots?. Anyone have any ideas and also why this should be
> happening so much in Mappowder.
>
> Would also like to hear from anyone interested in
> CHALDECOTT/KELLAWAY/GARRETT families in that area to exchange info.
>
> Regards,
>
> Dawn in sunny Southport
>
> ______________________________


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