Discover the remarkable beauty and diversity of buttons from Oct. 1 to 31, 2021, at the Larry J. Ringer Library, at 1818 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy S., Bryan-College-Station.
Throughout the month of October, the Ringer Library will host an extensive display of antique and vintage clothing buttons from the collection of Texas State Button Society member Patricia Clark, of College Station. The monthlong exhibit is free and open to the public.
These works of art in miniature represent techniques and materials used in jewelry, sculpture, and other visual arts. Unlike common utilitarian shirt buttons, these collectible buttons reflect the art styles, customs, fashion trends and events of their historical era. Dating from the early 1800s to modern times, these artifacts are made from a variety of materials including colorful glass, enamel, china, celluloid, vegetable ivory, shell, horn, wood and metals.
“They are so addictive once you hold one or two or find them by surprise in a box at an antique store,” Clark says. “So many of us have a grandmother who passed their favorites on to us. And those are the ones that start a path to many wonderful finds and friends who share this passion together.”
Collectible buttons appeal to persons of all ages and interests. Jewelry and art lovers may be drawn to the beautifully styled buttons from the Victorian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. Railroad enthusiasts can enjoy seeing buttons worn on railroad employees’ uniforms. Both children and adults will likely be fans of the buttons collectors call goofies or realistics, which depict cartoon characters, animals, people, and all kinds of everyday items. Among the most popular examples from the collection are the hand-carved iridescent shell buttons from the 19th century.
Texas State Button Society members are hosting a Meet & Greet on Wednesday, October 27 at 6 p.m. The public is invited to learn more about the hobby of button collecting as well as attend a program on Victorian Picture Buttons and Other Collectible Buttons. In addition, clubs host Zoom talks so vintage button aficionados can continue to learn and enjoy them together while social distancing.
The Texas State Button Society encourages and promotes interest in collecting buttons for educational and historical purposes, for personal enjoyment, and to preserve for future generations all that is beautiful and historical in buttons. For more examples of these small, often hand-crafted treasures, texasstatebuttonsociety.com and nationalbuttonsociety.org. For more information, contact bcslibrary.org/ringer or email pclarkbuttonbox@aol.com.
