There are few more profound ways to leave a lasting legacy than by gifting in your will. These gifts can be anything, from houses to remaining savings, but every so often, we are gifted something truly unique. 

When SeeAbility was notified of a recent gift in a Will, we never imagined it would include one of the most remarkable collections of antique and rare buttons in Britain. Janet Farrow, a lifelong collector of precious buttons, left behind a broad collection of individual buttons, covering almost three hundred years of history. 

In auction, these buttons raised a staggering £178,589, with a third of the proceeds going towards SeeAbility. 

The collection is especially unique, as Janet herself was registered blind, and so could only see the buttons through her very limited vision. Despite this, she became a proficient silversmith, able to repair precious buttons even after she was registered blind. Her disability was unable to stop her from pursuing her passion and leaving behind an incredible legacy. 

Her work in rare buttons was recognised at a national level. She was president of the British Buttons Society, and her collection of books on the subject was generally considered superior even to the V&A.  

Some of our favourites from the collection 

One of the more modern buttons, but with a fascinating story, was this Second World War RAF button, which unscrewed to reveal a hidden compass to help escaped airmen evade capture.

This set of Tudor and Stuart portrait buttons from the late 18th century features Henry VIII, Charles I, Elizabeth I and even Nell Gwynn. The larger button, featuring Mary, Queen of Scots, was thought by Janet Farrow to have been painted by a different artist. 

This set of silver hunting buttons was once owned by Georgian huntsman John Peel and had been handed down through his family for generations, until it was acquired by Janet Farrow in 2024.

This remarkable set of pre-revolutionary French theatre buttons fetched the highest price at auction, featuring famous scenes from various plays and operas such as the Marriage of Figaro and Oedipus at Colonus. These buttons would have only been a few years older than SeeAbility itself, with our histories finally entwining over 225 years later.

The oldest buttons in the collection were these six silver sporting buttons, dating from 1744 and 1746, each engraved with a fox. These buttons are older than the United States of America!

A lasting gift 

Janet’s donation will ensure that more people with sight loss and other disabilities can learn new skills and pursue their own passions and ambitions, following in Janet’s footsteps. 

We are extremely grateful for her generosity, and the generosity of all who leave gifts in their will.  

Janet probably never imagined that her collection would one day help change so many lives. Yet that is exactly what has happened. 

Through a lifetime passion and a decision to include a gift in her Will, Janet's kindness will continue to make a difference for generations to come. 

If you've ever wondered what legacy you could leave behind, we'd love to help. SeeAbility offers a free Will-writing service and a free guide to leaving a gift in your Will. There is no obligation - just the opportunity to explore how your values can live on through the people and causes you care about most.