On The Case

Nothing screams ‘trust me, I’m a professional’ quite like a briefcase. OK, sometimes the briefcase can represent nefarious dealings, or incompetent and/or sleazy fictional lawyers from TV and movies. But it’s nevertheless impressive that one humble accessory has become the ultimate symbol of the business world. Although it took a while to get here...

The prototype of the briefcase dates back to ancient Rome in the form of the satchel-like loculus bag, which was worn by soldiers. And while rudimentary leather and animal-skin pouches have been in use for millennia, the more recognisable elements of the modern briefcase didn’t appear until the 19th century.

A French manufacturer by the name of Godillot is credited with inventing the first iron-hinge bag mechanism sometime in the 1820s, and the now-classic hard-shell rectangular box style emerged in the 1850s. In Britain in 1860, former Prime Minister William E Gladstone – at the time Queen Victoria’s budget chief – commissioned a special case to carry his important documents to the House of Commons. The result was a 141⁄2 by 10-inch wooden frame covered in red leather with brass hinges. It also had the Queen’s monogram in gold embossing alongside the words “Chancellor of the Exchequer”. This iconic red briefcase has become emblematic of the British economy (for better or worse) as it is held aloft outside 10 Downing Street every year on Budget Day. A shiny new version is used today, but Gladstone’s original commission was carried by Chancellors of the Exchequer off and on until 2010, when it was finally retired to the National Archive.

Indeed, the name “briefcase” quite literally refers to its use for transporting documents – or briefs – by lawyers. The attaché case is very similar in design, and the two terms are often used interchangeably, the main difference being that attachés are bigger in size. The latter takes its name from a French term for administrative members of an ambassador’s staff, who carried papers in slimline cases. It was from around the 1950s that the briefcase as we know and love it became the businessman’s essential accessory, and was forever cemented as a symbol of power, professionalism and classic style.

Of course, these days, there isn’t as much call for transporting printed goods, and our working wardrobes in general have become far less formal. But that doesn’t mean the briefcase has died a death. Rather, it has evolved. The modern briefcase is still the recognisable slim, streamline shape, but it will often be a softer leather casing with an adjustable shoulder strap for comfort. The box-style interior now features pockets and sleeves for carrying laptops, tablets and chargers. Certainly, the Thomas Pink x Troubadour Pathway Briefcase has been designed with as much ingenious internal space as possible. A removable shoulder strap makes it easy to transport, and while the classic hinge mechanism may be no more, it carefully balances traditional and contemporary style with a clean, minimalist silhouette. Better still, the Pathfinder is made from recycled polyester fabric and lining, with vegan leather trim to achieve its ever-important eco-credentials. It also features a trolley sleeve to slip over the handle of larger luggage, so it can easily be used on the go.

The briefcase may recall a bygone age of bowler hats and three-piece suits, but as it adapts to modern use, it’s safe to say that it will never be stuck in the past.