Welcome

The goal of our Club is to provide opportunities to study buttons that are worth collecting, and share that knowledge as we come to appreciate their beauty and history. Collectable buttons include all buttons - antique and vintage, uniform and military.

Meetings are held at 8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (except January) in the Fellowship Room of the Burwood Heights Uniting Church (A-frame) on the corner of Burwood Highway and Blackburn Road, Burwood East.  (Melways Ref. 61 K7)

History

The idea of a button collecting club was conceived in 1995. The Victorian Button Collectors Club became a reality in 1996 when, through word of mouth and personal contacts, we held our first meeting at a private home. As individual button collectors, we had been aware of established button clubs in America and the United Kingdom. In Melbourne at that time, there was very little public information about buttons available, button collecting was not a hobby most people had heard of, and it was difficult to find collectable buttons even in antique shops. The Victorian Button Collectors Club was established to encourage the collecting, preservation and appreciation of buttons, antique and modern, and research into the history relating to their origins and uses. Most of all, the club provides an opportunity to meet like-minded people.  If you are a member you can Find out more . . .

 

Another Button Story

A new button will be posted on the Home page once per month.
Click on the button to enlarge.

 

 

Bachelor Buttons (Solitaires)                                   

The Buttons: A pair of Solitaire or Bachelor stud buttons made of malachite, set in a silver metal with an engraved rim with a Readings Patent spring stud. Mid 19th Century. 18mm widest diameter.
There is a very wide variation in design and construction as many firms made spring stud backs for Solitaire and Bachelors buttons. The most popular and prolific manufacturer was George West. Some of the other companies are Reading, Greaves Patent, F.Moore, Hales Patent, S. Alford, Perfect Action and Atkins improved Patent.
Malachite has been considered a protective stone throughout history but is also known as “a stone of transformation”. It is believed to help facilitate personal growth and positive change by encouraging one to break free from old patterns and embrace new beginnings. That gives us thought for the New Year 2025!
 

Antiques Downunder - Series 2 is now screening on 9Gem

Episode 5, recorded at Buttonmania featuring interviews with members of the Club, will be shown on Friday November 1st at 7.30pm.  The date for this was incorrect, it was on Friday 25th night’s episode.  You can view this episode by going to 9Now App, subscribing (which is free) and find the episode on Buttons.   

 

Button Banter

Button Banter is now up and running for members only. It has its own heading at the top of the Home page which you can see once you log in.  Click on this heading to view contributions.  If you want to add an item use 'Add Button Banter'  under the Member Menu on the right of that screen or the Home page.  

Button Banter is for you to share your button interests with other Club members, ask advice or give feedback. You can also see other members buttons or Button Challenge Cards or join in and show your own. It is preferable to post your photo in portrait format.

NEXT MEETING - Tuesday 11th February 2025

TOPIC:  Buttons in Museums around the World - Please bring any articles and photos you might have.

There is no meeting in January.

 (Meetings start at 8.00pm - arrive from 7.30pm)

VISITORS ARE WELCOME AT CLUB MEETINGS