Margaret Thatcher’s politics weren’t popular and her clothes weren’t either – well, not in the V&A’s eyes anyway. According to The Telegraph, the museum has turned down the offer of 300 items from the late politician’s “personal collection of clothes, jewellery and political mementoes.”

“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,” said a representative for the museum.

“The museum is responsible for chronicling fashionable dress and its collecting policy tends to focus on acquiring examples of outstanding aesthetic or technical quality,” they continued.

The collection, which is reportedly worth half a million pounds, will now be sold off piece-by-piece by Christie’s Auction House, with proceeds from the sale to be split between Thatcher’s children and grandchildren.

The former prime minister’s wardrobe – while not an “example of oustanding aesthetic” – was iconic. She became famous for her power suits, Asprey handbags, pearl necklaces and pussy bow blouses. 

Clothing which does meet the museum’s standards includes the wardrobe of David Bowie and the designs of Alexander McQueen; both of which were the subjects of recent exhibitions.