He saw a business opportunity and took it.
The shop, already trading under the name F Dutton, became Duttons for Buttons, passing to his daughter and present owner Drusilla White on his death.
Following a fire at the arcade and redevelopment, Duttons moved to its present shop just a few steps away in Oxford Street near the theatre.
Drusilla said her father had always been fascinated by the splendour and variety of buttons.
His passion started a reputation which continues to grow within the trade and the faithful local clientele.
It made a name for itself after some of its 10,000 buttons were used for the lavish costumes for the film Evita. Buttons have also been provided for Pirates of the Caribbean.
Hundreds were needed for the swashbuckling pirates alone.
Buttons from the company have also graced the clothing of Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond, appeared in Captain Corelli's Mandolin and Elizabeth R.
The firm, which also has shops in Ilkley and York, runs an international mail order business and has its own website, www.
duttonsfor buttons.co.uk.
Harrogate store manager Michelle Horton has been with Duttons for 21 years.
She puts the success of the business down to the variety of choice, the excellent and knowledgeable staff and the store’s ability to stay on top of modern fashions.
“The store is also mainly dependant on our wonderful local clientele,” she said.
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