Bag made of recycled materials made by 18-year-old care leaver on display in Cookham

A new bag designed by a care leaver has joined the John Lewis Partnership Heritage Centre in Cookham.

The Partnership unveiled Made With Care - a new brand combining creating a platform for talented people who have grown up in the care system - ahead of Care Leavers Week.

A new tote bag, made from recycled plastic bottles, has been designed by an 18-year-old care leaver and student Michael Archibald

The stars on the bag ‘represent the brilliance of care experienced people’ and the surrounding clouds ‘depict the love, care and respect these individuals need.’

The first bag has been given to the John Lewis Partnership Heritage Centre to be displayed.

It will join the thousands of physical and digital pieces already held in the collection, dating back to 1799, available for the public to visit in Cookham.

Gavin Henderson, heritage services manager, said:

“The bag is a fitting addition to the Partnership's heritage collections, in terms of design, brand collaboration and not least as a reflection of our long-held commitment to contribute to the wellbeing of the communities in which we operate.

“It will be displayed alongside the work of designers such as Susie Cooper, Hans Schleger and Anya Hindmarch.”