'I spent 15 years collecting 2,500 paper bags'
BBCWhile a paper bag holds little value for most people, for the man who has collected thousands of them they are a window into the evolution of high street design and the rise and fall of many popular stores.
Graphic designer Tim Sumner began amassing packaging materials in 2011 while he was a student in Lancashire, and now has more than 2,500 stored away in his studio.
Part of his collection - described as the largest of its kind in the world - has now gone on display at creative art studio Dorothy on Jordan Street in Liverpool, and includes bags from now-closed chains like George Henry Lee, Owen Owen and Hendersons.
He said "there's a whole range of emotions that go with the bags", with many people in the city reminiscing to him about the stores where they used to work.
The artist said the display reflected changes in design, consumer culture, and shopping habits.
He said the bags "sit in a box in my studio, so it's nice to get them out and sort of, share them.
"In their time they were used as like a visual billboard for the high street."
The exhibition pays homage to the evolution of design and advertising throughout the decades.
Sumner said it was also important to showcase the retail "heritage of the city", including the brands that are no longer around.
"A lot of young people probably didn't know they existed unless their parents told them," he said.
Sumner began his collection after he was given bags that had been stored up, while a student at the University of Central Lancashire.
An article then appeared in a local newspaper.
He then set up his exhibition and, as a result, ended up being given thousands more bags.
Sumner said he would always welcome more donations to keep his collection growing, but he was "not sure my partner would agree".
Excess Baggage is on display until 27 March.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
