Medium: Black leather and clear acrylic

Date: c.1938

Country: USA

Credit: Gift of Betti H. Salzman

This bag utilizes clear, acrylic thermoplastic. Acrylic was first introduced in the 1930s as Plexiglas, but has since been distributed under many brand names, including Lucite. Initially, acrylic was produced only in simple forms, but as the technology advanced, it could be molded into three-dimensional shapes. Acrylic found favor with manufacturers because it was harder than earlier cellulose plastics and is a durable alternative to glass.

Object Number: 84.198.12