Anna McDowell
Dorset Button making is a heritage craft unique to Dorset. The Dorset Buttons Industry originated in Shaftesbury, Dorset, in the 1620s, and became a major cottage industry throughout Dorset creating employment for many families. To help keep this heritage craft alive, my Dorset Buttons are worked in the traditional way but I use contemporary materials and designs.
Anna first came into contact with the Dorset Button about ten years ago whilst Chairman of Gold Hill Museum, Shaftesbury. She taught herself how to make a simple Cartwheel button, one of the four designs of the Dorset Button range. She later learnt the finer details from an experienced buttoner. There is no formal training for this craft and over the years she has developed both small bespoke buttons for garments and for unusual earrings, to large circular wall hangings. Her aim is to help to keep this tradition alive. She uses the original methods to make the Dorset Buttons working with contemporary materials. Today her inspiration comes from using textiles and yarns that are either local or produced by small independent people, ethical reclaimed sari yarns and vintage yarns, ribbon and lace. She also incorporate beads into some of her buttons.
Anna first came into contact with the Dorset Button about ten years ago whilst Chairman of Gold Hill Museum, Shaftesbury. She taught herself how to make a simple Cartwheel button, one of the four designs of the Dorset Button range. She later learnt the finer details from an experienced buttoner. There is no formal training for this craft and over the years she has developed both small bespoke buttons for garments and for unusual earrings, to large circular wall hangings. Her aim is to help to keep this tradition alive. She uses the original methods to make the Dorset Buttons working with contemporary materials. Today her inspiration comes from using textiles and yarns that are either local or produced by small independent people, ethical reclaimed sari yarns and vintage yarns, ribbon and lace. She also incorporate beads into some of her buttons.
