Buttonology…Do you know what it is ?

The button, a costume element often overlooked, takes center stage in the exhibition « Fibulanomiste » … vous connaissez? « Buttonology…Do you know what it is »? An opportunity to explore the world of buttons and rediscover their rightful place in costume design.

The origins of the button date back to 2000 BC when buttons were discovered in the Indus Valley. These buttons, made of shells, were used primarily for decoration, notably as ornaments or jewelry. This decorative use continued during Antiquity in the Roman Empire and Ancient Greece. Functional use as we know it today only appeared in the Middle Ages. This marked a significant turning point, as buttons were used to secure clothing, subsequently leading to a surge in popularity in fashion. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the quality of the button decoration on a garment was an indicator of social status. The advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century radically changed everything with the mass production of buttons using machines. Today, they are made from a wide range of materials, including plastic, metal, wood, and fabric.

This impressive button collection of the Beaulne Museum covers a diverse range of styles and allows visitors to trace much of the history of button use in Quebec, from the late 19th century to the 1970s. A wonderful colorful discovery awaits visitors!