Nichols Buttons 3 day Open House

Nichols Buttons Three Day Westminster Open House 2012

Lionel Nichols was a lone glass maker who handmade couture buttons from 1946 to 1966 in London's Marylebone. His daughter, Dixie, has been gradually selling his remaining buttons, releasing just 5 selections per year. Here's your chance to see the latest selections in the flesh as well as tea & cake until Gin O clock then possibly a glass of wine in a most magical setting. Read on for more details!

12pm to 9pm Thursday 20th September

12pm-9pm Friday 21st September
12pm-9pm Saturday 22nd September


Address:
1 little Cloister, Dean's Yard, Westminster, SW13 3PL


Email:
The Cloister is very tricky to find in the twisting turning hallways of the Abbey and is not open to the public, so you must email dixienichols@btinternet.com for directions and to let her know you are coming.


Website: http://www.nicholsbuttons.co.uk/Events.html

I met Dixie Nichols many years ago at an event just like when I was running Stitch and Bitch London. The experience was magical to say the least. Not just because the buttons are stunning, so unique and original but also because of the setting. Little Cloister, Deans Yard is situated in Westminster Abbey, somewhere you'd expect to be some kind of museum or preserved guided-tour-only kind of place, but people live there. Dixie lives there! So even to visit the place alone is an opportunity you don't want to miss.

First you're walking the ancient corridors of the Abbey, then you're lead inside the most gorgeous little house packed to the rafters with the most exquisite handmade buttons you'll ever see in your life - guaranteed. 

Dixie always puts on a lovely open house with tea and cake and a spot of Gin-o'clock. One Christmas open house we were treated to fragrant mulled wine and mince pies. She knows how to get you hooked! You are able to wander the house as you please, browsing the buttons at your leisure and Dixie is always there for a chat and usually ends up imparting her excellent advice. Many times has she left me with some nugget of wisdom that I've held onto till this day. 

The open house doesn't happen very often so if you can, I urge you to email Dixie and go down for a visit this month. It really is a great opportunity to see an amazing place with some amazing buttons and the lovely Dixie too!

Happy Button browsing!