Video: In the name of charity: pearl kings and queens on the streets of London
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
Phrase of Semyon Gorbunkov: "Don't you have the same one, but with mother-of-pearl buttons?" from the legendary comedy "The Diamond Arm" has long become winged. But at pearl kings and queens (simply referred to as “pearlies”) that take to the streets every year London, these same mother-of-pearl buttons - more than enough. People in costumes embroidered with mother-of-pearl come together to raise charitable funds in support of the English working class.
Such an unusual "pearl" tradition has a long history: for the first time, the idea of attracting attention with the help of an unusual costume came from Henry Croft back in 1875. After graduating from the orphanage, 13-year-old Henry worked as a janitor, the guy sincerely admired the guild of street vendors who did not leave each other in trouble, collecting money to help their comrades get on their feet. "Pearls" (as the merchants called their "union") wore clothes embroidered with mother-of-pearl buttons, since this not only helped to "identify their own", but also served as a good advertisement for buyers at the same time.
Young Henry decided by all means to become one of the "pearls", so the guy had to spend all his savings to decorate his suit with buttons as intricately as possible. The very first appearance of the young man on the market caused a real sensation, and he was immediately elected "pearl king". This position was awarded to those who were ready to represent the interests of the community.
Thanks to the outrageous costume, Henry Croft at first managed to collect an impressive amount of money, which he sent not only to help merchants, he did not ignore hospitals and other charitable organizations.
Henry Croft died in 1930, according to some sources, during his life he managed to collect about 5,000 pounds. It is nice to know that the Croft case was not forgotten, it is flourishing to this day: about 40 "pearl" families live in London. All of them take part in charity events, striking with outfits of extraordinary beauty. To decorate one costume, about 30 thousand buttons are required, so wearing such clothes is not easy - the weight of an outfit can reach 30 kg! Well, Coco Chanel was sure: "Pearls are always right." Perhaps that is why this piece has become a symbol of charity in England.
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