Free learning resources from arts, cultural and heritage organisations.

100 Years of Carrier Bags!

You'd have been given an M&S branded carrier bag with your shopping from as early as the 1900s, and there have been lots of different designs, slogans and materials used since then. The earliest paper bags carried an illustration of the Head Office building in Manchester, and listed all the stores in the country showing just how far M&S had grown in a very short space of time!

1903 -1905 M&S Paper Bag
1903 -1905 M&S Paper Bag

When I used to go shopping with my Mum we would go to various shops ... she always told me to keep the Marks & Spencer bag on the outside (so everyone could see). Mum was a great advocate for the store, I wish I could go shopping with her once more. (Carole)

1930s M&S Paper Carrier Bag
1930s M&S Paper Carrier Bag