Page 12 - September1951

282 NATIONAL BUTTON. BULLETIN September, 1951

THE EARLIEST KNOWN WEDGWOOD BUTTON
By ELIZABETFI CTIELLIS
!'ace slightly convex, back concave.
Cilcuiar. One inch in diameter.
Self-shank, with large, pierced hole,
luted on back. Period 1754-1759.
At the Wedgwood Museum at Barlaston, Eng-
Iand, is a trutton which is both the earliest known in
the story of Wedgwood buttons and the only known
authentic Whieldon-Wedgwood button. (Shown here).
This salt glaze button was excavated in 1924 at
Fenton Low, site of Thomas Whieldon's early factory,
about a mile frorn Fenton HalI where Whieldon
moved during his partnership with. Wedg;wood, 1754-1759. Wedgwood
states in his notebook of 1759, "Salt g;laze was the principal ware made."
The salt glaze i\ light cream-color seen on the button looks almost like
a fluid glaze. Salt glaze effects vary and this one is not pitted like an
orange skin but is rather smooth. The effect is determined to an exteut
by the size of the piece, position in the oven, and temperature fired at.
Wedgwood did not achieve his jasper body until nearly twenty years
after this button was made, but he was already interested in buttons as an
important ceramic line.
Note: Mrs. Chellis is a recognized authority on Wedgwood and
sill be having a splendid lot of rnaterial on "Wedgwood Buttons" appear in
serial form in Antiques Journal beginning with the October issue. Be sure
to get your copies. See Ad p. 332.

D. D. HOUGHTON RETIRES FROM BUSINESS
Collectors are going to miss the D. D. Houghtons as they retire from
business and move to new quart.ers.
Mr. Houghton began advertising his button frames with a full page ad
in our flrst printed BULLETIN (January, 1943) and has advertised con-
tinuously with us ever since.x These folk attended a number of our Na-
tional Shows and on each occasion Mr'. Houghton watched the exhibitions
as they took on attractiveness and uniformity, for in recent years about
95Vo of the entries were exhibited in Lloughton flames.
And, now, we learn that illness has forced Mr. Houghton to take life
easiel', and to retire from active work. The memories of pleasant hobby
and business associations will linger with all of us. The best wishes of all
button collectors and NBS members in particular will travel across the miles
to Don and Mary Houghton whet'ever they may make their new home.

IITPORTANT M}i)SSAGII RIICARDING SHIPPING CARTONS
Since the parcel in which you send your buttons to Chicago will have
to make a return trip be surc to sclect the strongest c:lrton tirat you can
find. Aftel the buttons are secureiy packed filI all remaining spaces with
crushed paper, then tape the edges and top and tie securely.
If possible enclose a return label with proper address.