Davey’s: Worcester Originals

May, 2008 - November, 2008

Davey’s: Worcester Originals will take a look at Davey’s, Inc., a major producer of handbags, belts, and other leather accessories in Worcester from 1954 to 1992. Davey’s handbags were sold to fine specialty shops and all major department stores across the country. Davey’s: Worcester Originals will tell the stories not only of the company, but also of the people who worked in the factory for Chester Herwitz, the creative businessman who started it all.

Chic & Modern: The Designs of Jessie Randall will celebrate the award-winning, Worcester-born, Jessie Randall. Since the establishment of her company Loeffler Randall in 2004, Jessie Randall has had amazing success, including receiving the 2007 Accessories Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America as well as her own shoe and handbag line at Target. Her designs include shoes, handbags, and clothing and are often worn by celebrities including Cameron Diaz and Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Did you “go out in style?” Be part of the exhibit…

Bring your stories, handbags, and pictures to share with museum staff as they record your stories, scan your pictures, or photograph your Davey’s originals.

Exhibition Programs

What’s in the Bag? A Look at the Evolving Handbag

September 11, 7:00 pm
Join Edward Maeder, Historic Deerfield’s Curator of Textiles and Director of Exhibitions, for an interesting and unexpected look at the history of the handbag as it changed from an essential part of a male religious pilgrim’s equipage to become today’s quintessential female accessory. Members $6/ non-members $8.

Call the Museum for reservations, 508-753-8278.

Davey’s Handbag Reunion

September 25, 5:30 pm
Bring your Davey’s handbag for a “reunion” with other Davey’s owners to share stories and take a “class photo” together with your bags!

WHM Family Fun: Trick-or-Treat Bag Decorating

October 21-24, 1-4 pm;
Thurs., October 23 until 7 pm

Drop in to the Museum the week before Halloween and make a Trick-or-Treat bag for your holiday haul. Free with admission.

Designing in Time

In this informal summer lecture series, local costume designers and curators discuss how theater and film designers depict historical fashions in thier work and how the public remembers fashions of iconic periods. All talks free with admission.

Please call 508-753-8278 for reservations.