always at hand: THE BAG

It’s used for carrying things, is a handy accessory, and also a status symbol that people dream about. It comes in countless designs and can be used for a wide variety of occasions – be it shopping, work, sports, travel, or as an evening companion. No other item is always at hand as soon as we leave the house and carries everything we need on the go: THE BAG.

In a multifaceted exhibition Deutsches Ledermuseum explores the cultural history of the bag as an article of daily use, fashion item, and luxury good used the world over. From October 12, 2024, the exhibition always at hand: THE BAG presents one of humankind’s oldest accessories: The show features over 200 items that span three millennia from an ancient Egyptian leather pouch and medieval belt bags, through the first travel bags in the 19th century and on to practical backpacks, elegant handbags, not to mention a shopping bag made of biodegradable plastic.

With an emphasis on the history of European bags the show traces the development and diversity of bags and their design in chronological order. It also features special sections on the following topics: The designer bag as status symbol; More than leather – on the materiality of bags; and Leather goods from Offenbach/Main. The presentation is complemented by objects from various cultures in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and from North of the Polar Circle.

For the exhibition, Deutsches Ledermuseum is cooperating with the Design Faculty at Pforzheim University, which offers the only Bachelor’s program in Accessories Design in Germany. Students in Prof. Madeleine Häse’s class created bags in summer semester 2024 that straddle the line between applied art and functional design as well as creating connections to contemporary social contexts.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a comprehensive publication due to appear in early 2025, and edited by Dr. Inez Florschütz in collaboration with Leonie Wiegand M.A.

The exhibition has been made possible thanks to funding from Dr. Marschner Stiftung.

In addition, funds from Hessische Kulturstiftung will benefit the exhibition.

The Patrons of Deutsches Ledermuseum support the project as well.