In this striking miniature tondo study, Kerrie Creighton isolates a 19th-century livery or uniform button, complete with its stamped maker’s mark: “HARRISON & SMITH · B’HAM” (Birmingham).
Found while metal detecting in Essex, this brass button tells a story of Britain’s industrial heritage and trade history. By rendering the weathered metallic sheen, stamped lettering, and deep thread-holes against a dark, moody background, Creighton transforms a mass-produced Victorian garment fastener into a jewel-like relic of personal history.
One of the artist’s favourite finds, Kerrie presents this piece of social history in a vintage frame.