‘Essential Accessories: Handbags and Heels’ at The Lightbox museum in Surrey

The exhibit spans the 16th century until today, and we’re treated to a look at just how little has changed! Accessories have always been indicators of the wearer’s wealth, taste, social status…

Leather handbag with enamel cover, France, c1915, ‘Camata’ Manolo Blahnik, 2000-2001, Leather handbag with peacock feathers, 1970s. Bags courtesy of the Museum of Bags and Purses, Amsterdam and Leo Potma, shoes courtesy of The Shoe Collection Northampton Museums. © Copyright The Lightbox

Running through July 17, the shows features over 120 handbags from the Museum of Bags and Purses in Amsterdam, 40 pairs of women’s shoes from the UK national collection of historic shoes in Northampton and tonnes of fun events.