ContributorCommunity HistoryDescriptionA Gladstone bag with inside lined in cotton, possibly crocodile skin.
Date createdc1950Height (mm)270Width (mm)430Materialsleather, metal, fabricHistorical details
A Gladstone bag has a metal frame that runs all the way around and divides it in half, allowing it to open flat like a portmanteau trunk. The bags are named for William Gladstone (1809-1898) who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, four times. Designed and manufactured by J.G Beard at his leather shop in the City of Westminster. By the end of the 19th century the Gladstone bag had been adopted by Doctors to carry their medical equipment.
