Dear Shaded Viewers,
This is for all you bag hags, from my lovely holiday in Amsterdam in September. Located in an elegant canalhouse on the city's most exclusive canal, Herengracht, the Museum of Bags & Purses houses more than 4,000 bags, pouches, suitcases, purses and other accessories from the Middle Ages to the present. There's no other museum like it in the world, and I was thrilled when I happened upon it purely by accident during a night stroll along the canals. (I high-tailed it back there early the next morning.)
Following are my photos of some of my favorite bags, and I've supplied a description and year wherever possible.
A maritime-themed relief on the way to the museum.
This is the favorite bag of Hendrikje Ivo, one of the curators of the museum. The text reads "Remember the pore 1630"
I think this bag is from the 18th century.
For all you cat fanatics
Velvet purse finished with silver and gold thread and decorated with silver balls, The Netherlands, 1600-1650.
15th century
Tortoise-shell purse 1800s
"Naughty Eve" is cut out of an ivory plate on snakeskin. Don't remember the year. (You'll have something to look forward to if you ever make it to the museum: in-depth information!)
Late 19th century
Wooden bags, late 19th century
Wallet from the 19th century with Wedgwood medallion.
1920s
I believe this was made for the 1936 Olympics in Berlin
19th century
Charlie Chaplain tribute, 1920s
1920s
1930s (?)
The perfect bag for that lush in your life
Bag that belonged to Elizabeth Taylor!
The bag that every leather queen & decadent dyke wants
From the museum's current temporary exhibition
A visit to the museum's gorgeous period rooms is a sublime way to end your visit.This mantle piece from 1741 is by Louis Fabritius Dubourg (1693-1775)
More Dubourg
Thanks for reading.
Love,
