Not on display

Parasol

1850-1860 (made)

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

Small parasols such as this example were designed for open carriage rides which were hugely popular in the middle of the nineteenth century. A folding hinge, held upright by a sliding metal tube when open, meant the parasol could be reduced to half its size when not in use. Carriage parasols were often elaborate in design as their small size meant manufacturers could display their very best in labour and materials. They were also key in the display of wealth and taste, the very possession of one implying ownership of a carriage. This is a typical example of the 1850s, with a thin carved ivory stick and embroidered cover which had become common place, The Ladies Cabinet reporting in 1850 'There is a profusion of embroideries on all materials this year.'

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Metal frame covered with embroidered taffeta and silk. Carved ivory handle.
Brief description
embroidered taffeta, 1850-60, English; Cream with cream lining, fringe, ivory handle
Physical description
Parasol. Embroidered taffeta and cream silk with silk fringing. Folding carved ivory handle.
Dimensions
  • Not folded length: 71cm
  • Folded length: 430mm
  • Open width: 48cm
  • Closed width: 13cm
Credit line
Given by HM Queen Mary
Object history
Description from the acquisition register

Folding handle of carved ivory, cover of white silk, white work embroidery with patterns of vine leaves and tendrils, white silk lining.
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

Small parasols such as this example were designed for open carriage rides which were hugely popular in the middle of the nineteenth century. A folding hinge, held upright by a sliding metal tube when open, meant the parasol could be reduced to half its size when not in use. Carriage parasols were often elaborate in design as their small size meant manufacturers could display their very best in labour and materials. They were also key in the display of wealth and taste, the very possession of one implying ownership of a carriage. This is a typical example of the 1850s, with a thin carved ivory stick and embroidered cover which had become common place, The Ladies Cabinet reporting in 1850 'There is a profusion of embroideries on all materials this year.'
Collection
Accession number
T.14-1939

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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