We did actually go to one museum whilst in Amsterdam, a little-known museum at the southern end of the Old Centre called the
Museum of Bags and Purses. It's a haven, it turns out, for anyone with a penchant for bags and purses, and even for those who don't! I wasn't sure what to expect, but it had an amazing collection of bags from 500 years ago to the present day and was so inspiring.
The museum was created when the private bag collection of Hendrikje and Heinz Ivo grew too big for their private home and had to be moved to a beautiful canal house in Amsterdam, a former residence of the mayor of Amsterdam in 1666. Many of the features of the house have been kept, with grand fireplaces and big windows swathed with rich drapes. You start the tour by heading to the third floor up a grand wooden staircase, and working your way down.
The beaded bags above are made from tiny glass beads sewn together. The beads are so small, it's hard to imagine the hole being big enough to fit a needle and thread through it, and the design is so intricate. It looks like a tapestry.
There was a whole cabinet devoted to ivory bags. The one above left is a painstakingly intricate carving of a country scene. The clasps above right are also intricately carved, with colour added.
I love the black and white beaded bags above. They are from the 1930s but have a modern feel.
Stunning peacock feathers adorn the centre of the ostrich feather clutch bags above.
The ensemble above is made from toad skin.....
Gorgeous graphic Art Deco clutch bags.
A stunning stag clutch.
Needless to say, I was in awe of everything in this museum.
Maybe they would be interested in adding a Cheeky Leopard clutch bag to the collection?!
You can finish your tour with a cup of coffee and something sweet overlooking the beautiful courtyard garden. Even the cupcakes are decorated with handbags.
