History in a bag: Margaret Thatcher’s iconic satchel auctioned for charity

by Yemi Olowu

The iconic black bag which was famously carried by Britain’s first female prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, has been auctioned at Christie’s for 25,000 pounds. The auction was hosted by bestselling author Jeffery Archer and took place on 27 June, 2011. The black leather Asprey bag was bought by an unnamed buyer who was at school in England when Margaret was prime minister.

The simple-looking bag is packed with history. The Iron Lady used it several times to carry state papers to important meetings, one of which was a meeting with US President Reagan and Soviet leader, President Gorbachev at the White House.

At the end of the auction, Jeffery Archer stated that “The handbag makes you automatically think of Margaret Thatcher. Someone has captured this and will have, frankly, a historic document for the rest of their lives.”

The proceeds from the sale of the handbag will go to a British charity for individuals with a genetic skin condition.

Margaret Thatcher with President Reagan at the White House, February 20, 1985

Photos by: AP

Comments (2)

  1. Im sorry,if not for the history that comes along with the bag i dont think i'd buy it….not fashionable.Looks like what should be found in Queen Elizabeth's closet .My 2cents!

  2. This was a great woman! I would have bought that bag too.
    Maybe we should ransom Funmilayo Ransome Kuties Aso oke to. That was another great woman! RIP.

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