Thatcher’s handbags up for grabs
Margaret Thatcher’s personal collection of clothes, jewelry and political mementoes is to be sold off by her family after the Victoria & Albert Museum turned down the opportunity to display her wardrobe for the nation.
More than 300 items from Thatcher’s political and personal life are to be sold at auction next month. The sale is being carried out by Christie’s on behalf of Thatcher’s children and could lead to the collection being scattered around the world.
The V& A, which claims to have the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, with over 4.5 million objects, turned down the opportunity to take part of the collection. It includes some of Thatcher’s best- known outfits, which were offered to allow members of the public to enjoy her wardrobe.
The museum said it refused the clothing on the basis that they collect only items of “outstanding esthetic or technical quality” rather than those with “intrinsic social historical value.”
The V& A’s permanent collection of fashion includes items spanning four centuries. It recently hosted exhibitions devoted to Alexander McQueen, famous wedding dresses and the David Bowie archive.
So the Thatcher collection, including her power suits, handbags and jewelry, is to be sold at auction.
Earlier this year, a treasure trove of papers belonging to Thatcher, valued at $ 2 million, were saved for the nation after her family donated them in lieu of inheritance tax.
Public institutions will be able to bid for the 350 items individually, but the sale is designed to be “accessible” to members of the public, with lots ranging from about $ 400 to $ 360,000. The complete collection is estimated to be worth up to $ 1 million. It ranges from heavyweight political tomes to Thatcher’s famous handbags.