Regency Era Umbrella & Parasol ☂️🌂

Who doesn’t remember the great scene in Mansfield Park when Jane Austen writes of the rescue of a very wet Fanny Price or when she wrote "Charlotte was to go [to Sanditon]. . . & to buy new Parasols, new Gloves, & new Brooches, for her sisters & herself at the Library. . ."

In the 1750’s a gentleman by the name of Jonas Hanway appears to have been first person to use an umbrella to protect himself from the rain, and for which he was mocked mercilessly by the newspapers.

Please read at your leisure some interesting articles:

18th century umbrellas

Jane Austen center

French maison still makes umbrellas using century-old techniques

Swap: Please send a little note from your Amberleigh character to your partner describing a day in your character's life.

Please include a discussion about your umbrella or parasol

If you so wish, download a photo or create a likeness of your Georgian & Regency-era parasol or umbrella that you would love to share with your Amberleigh neighbor. But in general, this is an easy, flat, type 2 swap to be imaginative with our character’s personality.

Here are a few videos to inspire you and feel free to be creative about this wonderful and useful piece of accessory

• mini umbrella clips

• card

• drawing

We hope the Georgettes will enjoy so many different types and levels of entertainment on offer throughout 2025!

Anna, Jane, Nickalli and Toni x