History of Umbrellas

Umbrellas denoted royal authority in ancient history but became a practical fashion accessory.

"Umbrella" derives from the Latin word “umbra” or shadow. As a small portable shadow or roof, this invention provides shade as a parasol or rain protection as an umbrella. Ancient forms included large palm leaves. Mechanical umbrellas evolved from heavy and cumbersome to lightweight pocket forms.

Ancient World

Egyptian sculptures on monuments depict umbrellas held over nobles. Ancient Greek vases feature paintings of umbrellas. In Rome, the parasol was a woman’s fashion accessory for centuries.

Colonial History

Popular in Africa and Asia during the Middle Ages, the umbrella arrived in Portugal after reports from colonists. In the early 16th century, the umbrella functioned as a novel fashion accessory or as part of church regalia.

Evolution

Jonas Hanway (1712-1786) may have been the first man to carry a rain umbrella in England, where it became more popular in the last half of the 18th century. In the 1800s, umbrella materials included wood rods and whalebone.

20th Century Improvements

In the 1920s, a telescoping pocket umbrella was a key modification that helped found the Knirps company. In the 1960s, a wide spectrum of colors and patterns developed through the use of nylon fabrics. Improvements included the double automatic mechanism for closing.

Famous Umbrella Owners

Royal family members who used umbrellas include Catherine de Medici; Mary, Queen of Scots; and Queen Catherine of Braganza, wife of Charles II. The Duke of Wellington hid a dagger in his umbrella handle.

Museum

The Italian city of Gignese by Lago Maggiore houses the world’s only umbrella museum, Museo dell'Ombrello e del Parasole.

References

• Literary Liasons: History of the Umbrella
• Old and Sold: Umbrella History
• European Umbrellas: The History of the Umbrella

Resources

• Horton and Newberry Promotions: The History of Umbrellas