Lee L. Forman Collection of Bags
About the Collection
The Lee L. Forman Collection of Bags is the legacy and namesake of Lee L. Forman, who started saving Bloomingdale's paper shopping bags in the 1970s. The collection grew as Forman became increasingly interested in the design and history of bags as cultural icons. From its origins as a plain fiber sack, the humble shopping bag emerged as a sophisticated merchandising tool. Its development parallels the transformation of the American retailing economy from peddlers, shopkeepers, and dry goods stores in the 19th century, to the rise of department and chain stores, mail order catalogues, and supermarkets in the 20th century. The history of the shopping bag — and the Forman Collection — reveals changing trends in art, design, and marketing over more than a century.
The Lee L. Forman Collection of Bags arrived at the Institute in Summer 2019 by way of Howard Forman. You can search the collection using the categories established by the Forman family in our online database.
Bag of the Day Project
2022 marked the 100th anniversary of the first time the Bloomingdale's Department Store printed a message to their customers on a brown paper bag. In recognition of this anniversary, the Institute for Human Science and Culture launched a #BagOfTheDay project on Twitter. Every day throughout 2022, we tweeted a bag from the Lee L. Forman Collection of Bags to highlight the unique history, art, and fun facts of the world of bags. From Bloomingdale's bags to bag-themed wristwatches, each day brought a new highlight from the Forman Collection.
Explore a full archive of the #BagOfTheDay project.
Exhibitions
The Lee L. Forman Collection of Bags is currently on display in our new exhibit, Form Beyond Function. The exhibit highlights how a wide range of artists have elevated common sacks, bags, and totes to subjects of fine art and creative expression. Drawing upon the 12,000 bags of the Forman Collection, Form Beyond Function represents diverse techniques and materials, from paper bag canvases to elaborate glass sculpture.
The exhibit is on view Tuesday through Saturday during the Institute's regular hours. Plan your visit today.