07/03/2026
To celebrate tionawomensday the directors of North Down Craft Collective C.l.C are shining a spotlight on the different women who have personally and creatively inspired them.
On a beautiful day in July 2024 I had the privilege to meet Dorset Button maker and author, Thelma Johns in her antique button shop in Lytchett Minster, Dorset.
What an absolute privilege it is to have spent time with this 90 year old women who has been instrumental in keeping the history of Dorset Button making alive for over 50 years.
The family of Abraham Case, founder of the Dorset Button, opened their depot in Lytchett Minster in 1774, holding weekly 'Button Days' in the inn across the road from the original shop. Eventually, the cottage where Thelma now lives became the Case's depot, and it's amazing to see that the shop is still there today run by this amazing woman.
Thelma signed her book for me, and we had a long chat. She has a great collection of original and modern buttons. A few rare 'Dorset K***s' and 'Old Dorsets' which she wasn't parting with, but I did buy a few oriqinal 'Birds Eye' buttons.
This visit to Dorset was a very special trip, such a beautiful county, steeped in history. Meeting and spending time with Thelma was, however, the highlight of my time there.
