Pearly Queen and Pearly Prince, London, 1926-1927. Cockney ‘Pearly kings’ (originally costermongers – fruit and vegetable sellers), wore suits covered in mother-of-pearl buttons.

In 1926-1927, the Pearly Queen and Pearly Prince in London were part of the distinctive Cockney tradition of the Pearly Kings and Queens. Originating from costermongers (fruit and vegetable sellers), these community figures wore elaborate suits adorned with hundreds of mother-of-pearl buttons.

This unique tradition began in the late 19th century, when Henry Croft, an orphan street sweeper, started decorating his clothes with pearl buttons to draw attention while raising money for charity. The Pearly Kings and Queens quickly became a symbol of charitable work and community spirit in London’s East End, with each borough having its own Pearly King and Queen.

Their outfits, painstakingly sewn with intricate patterns of pearl buttons, became a visual representation of Cockney pride and philanthropy, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of London’s working-class communities.

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