Exhibition The V&A is temporarily closed

Bags: Inside Out

Tickets available soon

Exhibition postponed

Exhibitions are free for Members – join now

From rucksacks to despatch boxes, Birkin bags to Louis Vuitton luggage, Bags: Inside Out explores the style, function, design and craftsmanship of the ultimate accessory.

Sponsored by

Mulberry is a British luxury lifestyle brand that was founded in 1971 in Somerset, where we continue manufacturing leather bags to this day. We employ over 500 craftspeople across two factories and are proud of the responsible approach we take in creating exceptional accessories that are truly made to last.

View less

Exhibition Highlights

Horse chestnut-shaped bag and purse
Horse chestnut bag and purse, by Emily Jo Gibbs, 1996, Britain. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Burse for the Great Seal of England
Burse for the Great Seal of England, 1558–1603, England. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Model with Lait de Coco Evening Bag
Model with Lait de Coco Evening Bag, Karl Lagerfeld, 2014. © Jason Lloyd Evans
opera bag and contents
Lemière, opera bag and contents, about 1910, Paris, France. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Despatch Box owned by Winston Churchill
Despatch Box owned by Winston Churchill, by John Peck & Son, London, about 1921. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Purple sequin bag
'Baguette' bag, by Fendi, 2000, Italy.
Chatelaine
Chatelaine, 1863-85, probably England. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Dowry bag (bhujki)
Dowry bag (bhujki), mid 20th century, Sindh, Pakistan. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
'Fabergé Egg' evening bag
'Fabergé Egg', evening bag, by Judith Leiber, 1983, US. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Bags: Inside Out
Background image: Handbag, designed by Finnigans, 1926, England. Museum no. T.237 to B-1972. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London