"The first time I saw a pearly, I was sat on a fairly empty midday Northern Line train. As it screeched to a standstill and the doors opened, an elderly gentleman appeared, head to toe in shimmering buttons that were sewn into his black suit. I was fascinated by this man and his bold clothing choice, and I was intrigued to find out more about what this outfit represented. I later learned he was a member of the pearly kings and queens."
"Raised in a Victorian orphanage in Somers Town, Henry became a road sweeper and rat catcher. He grew close to the market traders known for their community pride, rich cockney slang, and outfits, trimmed with mother-of-pearl buttons. Inspired by their fashion and their spirit of mutual aid, Henry created a full suit elaborately decorated with pearl buttons, to draw attention while raising money for the orphanage where he grew up."
Henry Croft, raised in a Victorian Somers Town orphanage, became a road sweeper and rat catcher who was inspired by market traders' community pride and mother-of-pearl trimmed outfits. He created an elaborately decorated full suit of pearl buttons to attract attention and raise money for his orphanage. His fundraising work led hospitals and charities across London to call on him, and with market traders' support the Pearly Kings and Queens tradition formally began in 1875. The network now comprises 28 pearly families, one for each London borough, passing titles and fundraising responsibilities down generations. Membership is usually inherited and rarely granted to outsiders.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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