Thursday, August 22, 2013

Button Backstories


More buttons. More books. 


At the National Button Society Convention booth of the famous NYC button shop Tender Buttons 
we found sweet little buttons painted by Edith and Alan Brooks of England.

In the 1940s and '50s the Brooks hand painted designs on 1/2" to 3/4" plastic and glass button blanks. The designs were protected by a clear lacquer coating. The subjects of the tiny paintings included many types of colorful flowers, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and other whimsically portrayed creatures and plant life. 


Reader's Digest covers of the '50s and '60s with their very Vera-like cover art provide the background for these two examples of the Brooks' floral motif buttons.


In 1948 and 1950 sets of buttons created by the Brooks were presented to Queen Elizabeth II upon the births of Princess Anne and Prince Charles. 
The set for the Princess depicted a different flower on each button, painted in tones of blue, on white. 


One of them featured a morning glory much like this one. Similar sets were sold to the public.


It was a very interesting design era. Do you love this or hate it or love/hate it?

We're not sure, but leaning toward love. 

No indecision on the Brooks' buttons however. They are solidly on the love list.

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