With these gloomier days upon us and frequent downpours, we turn to our umbrellas to shield us from the rain. Not only are they a great human invention, but they can also be a canvas for self-expression. On today’s blog we are taking a look at the history of umbrellas and how they can transform a simple necessity into a delightful accessory.
In our Design Studio, we see an umbrella as a way to add a pop of uplifting colour to the grey skies, as well as a celebration of art and individuality. That’s why at all of our hotels, you’ll find bright umbrellas that reflect the hotel’s unique colour palette.
The humble umbrella’s origins date back to ancient civilizations in Egypt, China and Assyria. In Egypt, parasols were made from palm leaves and lotus flowers to shield from the sun’s strong rays, while in China, umbrellas were crafted from silk and bamboo, often lacquered to protect against rain as well.
By the 17th century, umbrellas made their way to Europe, where they became a fashion statement among the aristocracy. At this time, they were known as fine women’s accessories but underwent a cultural shift in the 18th century, becoming popular among Englishmen. Nowadays, they have evolved from a status symbol to everyday essentials, available in many shapes, sizes and materials.
At Number Sixteen, we have a garden overflowing with lush greenery that serves as a quiet escape from the busy city. During the warmer seasons, we add pops of joyful colour with parasols to help shade the dining tables on those sunnier days!
In our Brumus restaurant at Haymarket hotel, we’ve added a touch of quirkiness with an umbrella-shaped chandelier!
Stepping outside our hotels, we love the ‘Umbrella Sky Project’ started in Águeda, Portugal, in 2012. Every year, a sea of multi-coloured umbrellas is installed between the 1st of July and the 30th of September. This suspended canopy of bright colours overhead creates a striking and uplifting visual display!
On our travels further afield, we’ve often been drawn to umbrellas from around the world. From the intricately block-printed parasols of Jaipur to the bold wax-printed ones from Ghana, or the lacquered paper umbrellas of Japan, each one tells a story— a little slice of culture you can carry in your hand. For sourcing some of these unique and beautiful parasols for our own homes, we’ve turned to the East London Parasol Company and the Raj Tent Company, who always offer a stunning array of options.
Why stop at just the umbrella? Umbrella stands deserve their moment too and on Shop Kit Kemp, we have the Ella Umbrella stand, hand-painted in bold blue stripes, sure to store your umbrellas in style!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this blog about our trusty companions with their canopies of creativity — life is too short for boring brollies!