Parasol of embroidered muslin trimmed with lace, France, ca. 1905

Parasol of ribbon-embroidered cream muslin trimmed with lace. Eight compartments embroidered with floral sprays in the centre. Border scalloped with a lace frill stitched to the underside. Long wooden stick with an ivory handle with a carved garland winding around the smooth teardrop handle. Eight ribs, each tipped with ivory. Ivory ferule. Metal catch.

This parasol belonged to Miss Emilie Grigsby (1876-1964) who was a wealthy independent American who came to England from New York. She established a salon which was frequented by writers and the military. She was considered to be one of the great international beauties, with extremely pale, almost transparent skin and golden hair. She was frequently the subject of articles in the New York Times during the early 20th century. Her clothes were purchased from couturiers in London, Paris, and New York, and demonstrated an elegantly avant-garde approach to style. The clothes of hers held by the Museum are mostly 1920s and early 1930s, so this c.1905 parasol is an exception.

T.205-1967