diff --git a/lcl/interfaces/gtk/gtkwsbuttons.pp b/lcl/interfaces/gtk/gtkwsbuttons.pp
index 6efca8722b..06d8f5f76f 100644
--- a/lcl/interfaces/gtk/gtkwsbuttons.pp
+++ b/lcl/interfaces/gtk/gtkwsbuttons.pp
@@ -422,7 +422,8 @@ begin
     if (AInfo^.SpaceWidget = nil)
     and (ALayout in [blGlyphRight, blGlyphBottom])
     then begin
-      AInfo^.SpaceWidget := gtk_invisible_new;
+      // dont use gtk_invisible_new - it cannot have parent
+      AInfo^.SpaceWidget := gtk_image_new;
       UpdateLayout(AInfo, ALayout, AMargin);
     end
     else begin