Charles Singleton Ltd - Mother of Pearl & Trocas Button Specialists & Dyers

When my grandfather formed Charles Singleton Ltd in 1947 at the age 53, I doubt he had any idea that it would still be here in 2006, some 59 years later.

A pearl scale and button cutter by trade, my grandfather began by producing mother of pearl scales for penknives. He continued to supply the Sheffield cutlers until the day when the Chancellor of the Exchequer imposed a 15% purchase tax on penknives which killed the trade overnight.

After a difficult period, my grandfather found the old Co-op building in Hackenthorpe, purchased it for £450 together with some old machines and commenced making buttons. This continued until 1957 when my grandfather died. My mother promised her father that she would do her best to keep the business going and at the age of 25 my mother, Joyce Moorcroft (Singleton) took on the responsibility of Charles Singleton Ltd with my father. 40 years later when my mother and father retired, the next generation took over.

		Our History About Us Now Having successfully survived the decimation of the garment industry over the last few years and having seen a subtantial number of UK garment manufacturers go overseas, we continue to specialise in the supply of buttons made from Mother-of-Pearl, Trocas, Goldfish, Freshwater and many other natural shells with particular emphasis on the dyeing of all natural shell buttons. With over 50 years experience in the dyeing of shell buttons, we think we have got it just right! We have built our reputation on the quality of the buttons we supply together with the personal and friendly service we have become well known for. We are the only pearl button specialists and dyers in the UK. With the recent popularity of the logo button we particularly specialise in the production and dyeing of logo buttons, supplying many well known designer names and high street brands. Our design team will design and develop a logo and style of button to suit the customer's requirements which can then be dyed to match their fabrics. This same process can be applied to other shell products. Not only do we supply buttons but our other products include pieces of furniture, men's cuff links and accessories, penknives, compass dials, musical instruments, jewellery, garden paths and more. We are presently developing a range of personalised wedding items for all the bridal party to remember their special day, which will be available shortly on our website. If their is anything you have in mind, please give us a call and we will be happy to help.

		About Us Then When my grandfather formed Charles Singleton Ltd in 1947 at the age 53, I doubt he had any idea that it would still be here in 2006, some 59 years later. A pearl scale and button cutter by trade, my grandfather began by producing mother of pearl scales for penknives. He continued to supply the Sheffield cutlers until the day when the Chancellor of the Exchequer imposed a 15% purchase tax on penknives which killed the trade overnight. After a difficult period, my grandfather found the old Co-op building in Hackenthorpe, purchased it for £450 together with some old machines and commenced making buttons. This continued until 1957 when my grandfather died. My mother promised her father that she would do her best to keep the business going and at the age of 25 my mother, Joyce Moorcroft (Singleton) took on the responsibility of Charles Singleton Ltd with my father. 40 years later when my mother and father retired, the next generation took over. Back to top