Margaret Thatcher's coat from this 'tank' photo, taken Sept. 17, 1986, is up for auction.
LONDON — The Victoria & Albert Museum has turned down the chance to display late Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's clothes, saying they only collect "fashionable dress," instead the clothes will be auctioned by Christie's in December.
The V&A Museum, which has displayed fashions from David Bowie and Alexander McQueen in blockbuster exhibitions in recent years, said Monday it had been offered some of Thatcher's items but had "politely declined."
“The V&A politely declined the offer of Baroness Thatcher’s clothes, feeling that these records of Britain’s political history were best suited to another collection which would focus on their intrinsic social historical value.
Auction house Christie's posted the prices and details of items to be sold Dec. 15. Her midnight blue velvet wedding dress from 1951 is estimated to fetch between £10,000-£15,000 ($15,375-$23,063).
The "Tank" raincoat and headscarf by Aquascutum that she wore during a visit to British Forces near Fallingbostel, Germany, in 1986 could fetch up to £20,000.
MARGARET THATCHER IN GERMANY, 1986.
One of her power suits is expected to get £2,000-£3,000.
This suit was worn in parliament when Thatcher was serving as prime minister, circa 1989-90.
As the UK's first (and only) female prime minister, Thatcher was aware of the media scrutiny of her image and cultivated a distinct sense of style. Her look was defined by twin sets, suits, pearls and unchanging hair.
The term "handbagging" became used by her ministers to describe a dressing-down by Thatcher. One of her distinctive ones, a black bag she carried on a visit to the U.S. in 1985, fetched £25,000 at auction in 2011.