Buttonholes Collection

Thomas Hearne / R Grave
THOMAS HEARNE English historian and antiquarian Date: 1678 - 1735

Late Victorian Wedding party
A superb photograph of late Victorian Wedding party focusing on the bridal group. All show perfect serious face expressions, in keeping with the formality of the occasion (it seems!). Date: circa 1895

Middlesbrough player Peter Beagrie marries wife Lynn with team mate Tony Mowbray as best man 28th July 1986

Eventail Boulangiste, from Histoire de la Troisieme Republique, Vol
3504412 Eventail Boulangiste, from Histoire de la Troisieme Republique, Vol. I, l Histoire Politique, pub.1933 (colour litho) by French Photographer

Selling Buttonholes in Aid of the Kings Hospital Fund at the Earls Court Coronation Fete (litho)
1040599 Selling Buttonholes in Aid of the Kings Hospital Fund at the Earls Court Coronation Fete (litho) by Soper, George (1870-1942); Private Collection; (add.info)

Napoleon establishes the order of the Legion d Honneur. Parisians imitate its ribbon by wearing red carnations
3100990 Napoleon establishes the order of the Legion d Honneur. Parisians imitate its ribbon by wearing red carnations, 19 May 1802 (colour litho) by Job, pseudonym for Onfray de Breville

Man with a moustache (colour photo)
3096054 Man with a moustache (colour photo) by French Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Man with a moustache)

Newly weds celebrate their marriage with their best man, and father of the bride in a Dufftown pub. Circa 1948

Flower girl in London, 1872
Flower girl selling flowers or buttonholes to two Victorian gentlemen on the streets of London. Date: 1872

Edwardian Wedding Party - Tonbridge, Ken
A terrific photograph of an extended Edwardian Wedding Party - Tonbridge, Kent. Date: circa 1909

A Pair of Canadian Sisters (possibly twins?) Date: 1910s

Patients & VAD staff, Quex Park
This is the same photograph as 1917 External Groups 009. Patients & VAD staff, Quex Parkin 1917. Hannah Powell-Cotton, Commandant, seated centre

Finishers in front of hat factory in readiness for a works outing in August 1907. A fine depiction of Edwardian working men in their best clothes, even down to buttonholes! Date: 1907

Cheers
A group of people raise their glasses of beer in a toast outside an unidentified pub. As two people are wearing buttonholes, it is possible they are celebrating a wedding. c.1945

Navy wedding group, Crickhowell, Powys, Mid Wales
A large group photo of a Navy wedding in Crickhowell, Powys, Mid Wales, during the First World War. Nobody seems very happy about it!

Two brothers in a garden, Mid Wales
Two brothers pose for their photograph in a garden, probably in the Mid Wales area. They are wearing very similar three-piece suits

Young Victorian woman holding a folded fan
A young Victorian woman poses in the photographers studio with a folded fan in her hands. The two-tone tailored bodice of her dress is decorated with buttons and buttonholes

Tailor-Made / Redfern 1914
Tailor-made by Redfern with draped skirt with side pockets, waistcoat & jacket with a roll collar, pocket flaps, ornamental buttonholes & rounded front borders

Soldiers and Girl
Three military rabbits surround a charming ape who appears to be making little bouquets or buttonholes

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"Buttonholes: A Timeless Tradition and Symbol of Celebration" In the late Victorian era, buttonholes held a special significance in weddings. Thomas Hearne and R Grave's enchanting photographs capture the elegance of a bygone era, as we witness a joyous wedding party celebrating love. Middlesbrough player Peter Beagrie embarked on his own matrimonial journey with his beloved Lynn, accompanied by teammate Tony Mowbray as the best man. Their union symbolized not only love but also camaraderie within their team. The historical significance extends beyond weddings. The Eventail Boulangiste from Histoire de la Troisieme Republique depicts how even during political events, these small floral adornments added an air of sophistication to formal occasions. Moreover, they have often been used for charitable purposes. At the Earls Court Coronation Fete, individuals sold buttonholes to raise funds for the King's Hospital Fund. This act exemplifies how something as simple as a flower can make a difference in people's lives. The power transcends time and borders. Napoleon himself established the order of the Legion d'Honneur, inspiring Parisians to imitate its ribbon by wearing red carnations—a beautiful testament to unity and patriotism. From vintage black-and-white photos capturing mustachioed gentlemen proudly sporting their buttonhole flowers to charming flower girls adorning London streets in 1872—they have always added charm and grace to any occasion. Edwardian Wedding Parties in Tonbridge showcased opulent celebrations where elegant couples exchanged vows surrounded by loved ones adorned with delicate blooms—a true embodiment of romance and refinement. Even across continents, such as Canada, two sisters (possibly twins) radiate happiness while donning matching buttonhole accessories—an endearing reminder that this tradition unites people worldwide through shared customs and values. During times of adversity like World War I at Quex Park, buttonholes served as a symbol of hope and compassion.