Get ready to embark on a captivating journey through Gloucester’s vibrant history, meticulously woven into fabric! Join us at the Museum of Gloucester for our extraordinary exhibition, Buttons, Badges and Blazers, generously funded by the Arts Council England.
Get ready to embark on a captivating journey through Gloucester's vibrant history, meticulously woven into fabric! Join us at the Museum of Gloucester for our extraordanary exhibition, Buttons, Badges and Blazers, generously funded by the Arts Council England.
Chosen from the city's collection of 4,500 costumes, Gloucester's past is unveiled like never before. Delve into the hidden narratives that highlight the city's evolution, from the 16th to the 20th century.
At the heart of this showcase are uniforms that stand as witness to history. These garments connect us to famous individuals, forgotten organisations and familiar landmarks, shedding light on the social changes in our city. Through these textiles, we trace the progress of society across gender, politics and wealth.
Prominent pieces on display include iconic pieces such as 16th century judicial robes, robes worn by first female magistrate as well as uniforms of police officers, prison wardens, water bailiffs and midwives. The exhibition also includes school uniforms, offering a glimpse into the city's educational legacy, as well as scout ensembles that reflect the vibrancy of Gloucester's youth organisations. We are particularly excited to exhibit two rugby caps recently restored showcasing the city's sporting heritage.
Through the centuries, textiles have mirrored shifts in gender roles, political landscapes, and political structures. Embrace the profound impact of fabric on our lives, as we showcase this intricate collection.
Why not also book tickets for our Curator and Artist Talk!

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How to get there
Museum of Gloucester
Brunswick Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 1HP
01452 396131
Opening times
OFF-PEAK SEASON (End October half-term to February half-term)
Tues-Sat; 10am-4pm.
Sunday 11am-3pm.
PEAK SEASON (February half-term to end October half-term)
Tues-Sat 10am-5pm.
Sunday 11am-4pm.
Please visit the museum website for more information at museumofgloucester.co.uk.
Exclusions and safety measures
What measures are we putting in place to assure your safety when you visit us?
We are pretty much back to business as usual here at the museum, but we hae kept the followin for your convenience!
- Changes to our opening hours
- Pre-booking encouraged
- Clear, informative signage across the site
Find out more at museumofgloucester.co.uk.
How to get there
What else is on at Museum of Gloucester
The more you see, the more we do.
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