Accessories; V&A – serie

An impeccably researched and beautifully produced concise history of bags through the ages, with examples drawn from the Victoria and Albert Museum's remarkable collection. From the hand-stitched embroidered purses of the 16th century, to the ‘make-do-and-mend’ bags of the war years and the rise of the ‘It’ bag in the 2000s, bags reflect the needs and desires of their users, as well as the changing attitudes to fashion. Focusing on the V&A’s world-famous collection, Bags tells the story of the bag from the earliest leather pouches through to today’s covetable, luxury pieces.

From medieval pilgrim badges and Renaissance hat decorations to jewelled brooches and twentieth-century political pins, brooches and badges are often more than practical or decorative dress fasteners; they are expressions of identity. Focusing on the V&A¹s world-famous collection, Brooches & Badges explores the evolution of these intricate and versatile works of art, and the way in which changes in dress have dictated their use.

An engaging and authoritative overview of the evolution of ring design from the Middle Ages to today, illustrated with over 170 rare and luxurious examples. Rings are powerfully evocative pieces of jewelry, traditionally worn as symbols of love, loyalty, remembrance or faith. Focusing on the V&A’s world-famous collection, Rings tells the story of their evolution from sculptural gem-set bands worn in medieval times to Art Deco masterpieces, dramatic gemstone ‘rocks’ of the 1950s, and innovative works of art created by contemporary jewellers.