Join us for an exclusive Friends of Te Papa tour of an exquisite exhibition showcasing the history of handbags over the last 100 years, led by it’s curator Whirinaki Director Leanne Wickham.
‘Carry Me’ is a boutique collection of over 50 classic (and sometimes curious) and infamously luxurious handbags connected to some of the most iconic and famous fashionistas of the last century; including Grace Kelly, Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis and Lady Diana. Direct from private Italian collections and exclusive to Upper Hutt this exhibition is your chance to celebrate what has become much more than a mere fashion accessory, but a commentary on society and culture.
After the tour with Leanne we can view two further exhibitions, Upper Hutt in Black and White – a photo essay of Upper Hutt history in photos seen through the lens of ten photographers who have captured the people and places of Upper Hutt on film. And Te Hono Wai – Where Water Meets, a sculpture exhibition by Jo Torr. The exhibition title is a metaphor for peoples meeting and cultural exchange. Waters meet at an estuary with freshwater meeting saltwater, one culture interacting with another through an ebb and flow of understanding and misunderstanding, ultimately affecting change on both parties. This exhibition highlights encounters between Māori and European in the early 19th century both here in the Bay of Islands, and in England.
To finish our visit we can book a table at Dough Bakery for lunch for those who would like to stay on. We will gather in the foyer by 10.45am for our 11am start.