What woman doesn’t treasure her handbags? Not only are they the ultimate accessory but these portable fashion statements are a curious mix of the public and private. They exclaim your image yet keep your secrets in their hidden contents. Our lecturer Anne Haworth will explore – from a lavish 16th-century burse made for royalty to the everyday tote bag ready for emblazoned slogans – the function, status, design and manufacture of handbags throughout history and across the world.
Following the lecture, join us for one of two timed entries to this historic and fashionable exhibit on the development and style of the handbag. Be it on the arm of Margaret Thatcher or Grace Kelly, designed by Stella McCartney or Judith Leiber, come discover the handbag from the tiniest evening clutch to the most capacious travel trunk. It isn’t handbags at dawn, ladies, but handbags at 12:15 and 12:45.
V&A members need not buy a ticket but should register for the lecture only. Please note both the lecture and exhibit ticket are currently a registration only event. Payment for both will be taken closer to the date on confirmation from the museum.
