Grant Featherston Design (GFD)/Darian

Grant Featherston (1922-1995) was born in Geelong and was to become a renowned designer, specially famous for his chairs. See http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/featherston-grant-stanley-23842

The Argus, 22nd September 1953, p 20.

The Argus, 19th October 1955 page 3. Detail from display.

The Herald (Melbourne) 19th October 1949 page 15.

The Age, 15th April 1952 page 6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to research by Robyn Caddy and also the National Gallery of Victoria, from around 1946 to 1954 in association with his first wife Claire, Grant designed glass buttons. His company, Darian, produced around 40 designs. He purchased the back plates, and originally these were not engraved. Later they were marked G.F.D. and Darian. The buttons were labouriously made by hand, and are little works of art. Buttons such as these (as well as ceramic and metal buttons and costume jewellery) were used as a feature on the conservatively tailored fashions of the time. The buttons were made from clear glass, some with solid colour applied to the backs.  Some were finished with metallic lustres. Either a 10 or 16mm brass back plate would be glued to the back.

Although buttons were the main product, he also produced buckles and jewellery.

The Argus, 17th November 1954 page 11.

Thanks to D. Zinn

View more lovely buttons courtesy of The National Gallery of Victoria: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/explore/collection/work/101473/

A “Brilliant” find by Carol: Darian buttons mounted on a store card!!