Parasols’ Progress

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 1, 2 January 1940, Page 5

Parasols’ Progress

Parasols, reported to be the fashion in the United States since the Queen used one during her visit there, seem to have changed their size considerably since they first became fashionable in France centuries ago, writes "Lucio" in the Manchester Guardian. In the sixteenth century they ■were constructed on the grand scale and were capable of sheltering four or five persons. Size and weight—they were often of velvet fringed with gold lace —continued to characterise the French parasol until the end of the eighteenth century, but when introduced into England they underwent a change, perhaps to adapt them to our expectation of sunshine. During the Regency men carried parasols which folded into the size and shade of a three-cornered hat and could be carried under the arm, while ladies' parasols were on an even smaller scale and were hinged to fold and slip into a handbag or pocket.