Parasol
1850s (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The parasol was a popular accessory during the 19th and early 20th century, a period when sun tanned skin was highly undesirable. It functioned both as a sunshade and a fashionable accompaniment to dress, distinguishing itself from the umbrella through its infinite and luxurious forms and essentially feminine status. Like the earlier trend for fans parasols displayed an individual's style and could be used in a coquettish ritual to hide the modest bearer from unwanted glances.
Folding parasols such as this were designed for use on carriage rides, the perfect opportunity to flaunt stylish accessories. There are two hinges, one in the middle of the stick making it compact when not in use, and the other at the top enabling the canopy to be angled towards the sun. The folding hinge is held in place by a sliding metal tube which bears the name of the maker 'Verdier'. Originally an umbrella manufacturer this French firm, like many others, began to mass produce parasols in the 1830s as their popularity increased.
Folding parasols such as this were designed for use on carriage rides, the perfect opportunity to flaunt stylish accessories. There are two hinges, one in the middle of the stick making it compact when not in use, and the other at the top enabling the canopy to be angled towards the sun. The folding hinge is held in place by a sliding metal tube which bears the name of the maker 'Verdier'. Originally an umbrella manufacturer this French firm, like many others, began to mass produce parasols in the 1830s as their popularity increased.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silk, metal and carved vegetable ivory |
| Brief description | Folding parasol with cream silk cover and cream fringe, carved ivory stick; made by Verdier, possibly made in France or Great Britain, 1850s |
| Physical description | Beige-ecru silk parasol with a carved vegetable ivory ferule and handle which folds in half and is secured with a yellow metal slide, stamped 'VERDIER'. Handle is further hinged near the top of the cover, so that the parasol can be tilted when put up. Fringe over a metal frame. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | 'VERDIER' (Stamped on metal slide-hinge) |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | The parasol was a popular accessory during the 19th and early 20th century, a period when sun tanned skin was highly undesirable. It functioned both as a sunshade and a fashionable accompaniment to dress, distinguishing itself from the umbrella through its infinite and luxurious forms and essentially feminine status. Like the earlier trend for fans parasols displayed an individual's style and could be used in a coquettish ritual to hide the modest bearer from unwanted glances. Folding parasols such as this were designed for use on carriage rides, the perfect opportunity to flaunt stylish accessories. There are two hinges, one in the middle of the stick making it compact when not in use, and the other at the top enabling the canopy to be angled towards the sun. The folding hinge is held in place by a sliding metal tube which bears the name of the maker 'Verdier'. Originally an umbrella manufacturer this French firm, like many others, began to mass produce parasols in the 1830s as their popularity increased. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.274-1998 |
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| Record created | May 31, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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