Does anyone here use umbrellas at faire when it rains? If so, what does your umbrella look like? I know they're not H/A, but I feel like, despite the wet, it is usually too warm at faire to wear a cloak. I was thinking about getting something like this: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Galleria-Peacock-Auto-Open-Stick-Umbrella/12179596
I have an umbrella from Lisbeth Dahl which I adore. It has a pointed top and curved handle. It looks like this:
http://www.sibra.dk/product.asp?product=409
But is it true umbrellas aren't period? I mean, I agree that synthetic, foldable versions is of a newer date. But the similar parasol was in use from at least late Medieval times. And they knew how to waterproof fabrics and skins with grease and oils. Is it that unlikely someone at one point waterproofed a parasol?
There is a depiction of a tabbed parasol from 1572 in Tuscany. It might have served the function of a portable baldachin, with those hanging tabs, but it would also protect the noble lady from the sun.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/renaissanceportraits/firenze3/zucchi1572theminegiovanna.jpg
The husband of the depicted lady, Grand Duke Francesco I de' Medici, does in a letter from November 1567 refer to "ombrella"s he has received: "Habbiamo ricevuto con l'altra delli 8 l'ombrella et il stiavetto, il quale ci pare molto a proposito per quello si domandava". The word umbrella did originally only mean "shading", so I would think he refers to parasols - possibly similar to the one his wife is depicted with. But it might also mean "ombrella" was a generic term for an item sheltering against the weather in general?
This blog entry has more examples from Medieval and Renaissance Europe:
http://willscommonplacebook.blogspot.com/2010/08/ombrellino-umbraculum-or-pavilion-and.html
However - these "portable baldachins" were only used by the nobility, as far as I can tell, and especially people of power. The baldachin was a sign of their divine or otherwise elevated status. So a merchants wife or a tailor would not be seen with one.
According to Wiki, operable umbrellas were in use in Greece as early as 500 BC.
Wow, thanks for the info operafantomet! I guess you learn something new everyday.
Lady R, have you read Syrilla's thread on umbrellas (http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=11621.0)?
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on October 31, 2010, 08:29:53 AM
According to Wiki, operable umbrellas were in use in Greece as early as 500 BC.
True, but often items were in use in antiquity, then went out of use for a couple of centuries, and was then re-introduced at a later stage. We can't always assume something was worn in the 16th century because it existed long before (like Hellenic times) and after (like Victorian era).
I have a clickable one that matches my garb that I keep on a latch on my belt for possible rainy days at faire. I'm not historically accurate. I just want to have fun. The Pink Pirate has a large red umbrella he carries on possible rainy days. He uses it as a walking stick/cane. Other times we sheth it in an old short sword scabbard. We got both of ours at walmart.
I checked Walmart yesterday, and I found a nice cheap one for $5. It's the long sort (though since I'm tall, it's about 2" too short to use as a walking stick) and it's black with a white "baroque" pattern on it. It's not the prettiest thing, but it will do.
Now the only problem is how to sling it from my belt, like I thought I was going to do when I bought it, when I have no belt since I'm going noble... I'm sure I'll come up with something.
Quote from: Lady Rebecca on November 01, 2010, 10:13:31 AM
I checked Walmart yesterday, and I found a nice cheap one for $5. It's the long sort (though since I'm tall, it's about 2" too short to use as a walking stick) and it's black with a white "baroque" pattern on it. It's not the prettiest thing, but it will do.
Now the only problem is how to sling it from my belt, like I thought I was going to do when I bought it, when I have no belt since I'm going noble... I'm sure I'll come up with something.
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You have to make/wear a fancy girdle! Beaded or metal, like this one:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/renaissanceportraits/brescia/parmigianino1534gonzaga.jpg
And then you can hook or tie the umbrella to that one. :) Are there any online pics of the one you bought?
Yeah, a girdle is in the planning stages, but the most I'll probably be able to do by this Friday is some sort of fancy ribbon. I still need to finish the sleeves and buttons on my doublet!
And I didn't see pics on the website, but I took a couple, and I'll post them tonight.
Here it is!
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1133.snc4/149575_538832379113_68202342_31371465_2863673_n.jpg)
Ooh, very pretty! It'll at least keep you dry, which is the important thing :)
I've been mulling over the idea of trying to do something with an umbrella when I'm in my noble garb, so I'm glad you started this thread!
I have some gold-toned beaded trim that I picked up at Walmart for about 75c, and I think I might put it along the edges, if I have time.
Though naturally, now that I bought the umbrella, there is no longer any rain in the forcast for Friday...
I have a big umbrella that I sewed a bunch of flowers around the edge and it looks really cool.. I really cant remember if i posted a pic (i just got my shoulder operated on so im in lala land at the mo)
but other than purdy umbrellas i normally swear at the evil wet stuff, a wet garland girl is a grumpy garland girl
Lady Rebecca, that umbrella is beautiful!
I saw an umbrella at Scarby that I just loved. It was covered with Ivy leaves. Would be great for sun but could be a problem for rain. Going to make me one someday.
Mine's got a sword hilt for a handle ;D http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/travel-outdoors/d201/
It's big and great for the rain, but too heavy for just the sun. It's a good conversation starter as well. There's another site that sells a viking style one too, and Thinkgeek.com also has the samurai sword one. I rather like it
Oops, after looking, Think geek has 2 more new ones, that's exciting