Victorian Parasol

I have a great fascination with Victorian parasols.

As a child I would love to take my little umbrella out into the sunshine and watch it spin around.

The silver metal spokes would catch the sun and I would be mesmerised. I would play dress ups in my mum's old dresses and heels and pretend that i was a lady.

Just like every other little girl loves to do.

I drool over Pinterest pages at all of the glorious old parasols.  Some are in museums and have belonged to princesses.

WELL OVER THE WEEKEND AT THE FLEA MARKET I FOUND MY VERY OWN PARASOL.

SMILE !

It actually belonged to some body's Grandmother.

I asked the young lady why she would ever let such a beautiful heirloom leave her clutches.

Her reply, "because my husband has threatened to throw many of my treasures out because I have so much so I thought I would let some of them go to a good home."

I actually scratched my head in wonder why a loving husband would do such a thing ?

But I was so taken with this pretty parasol that the lady was happy that it would now be mine.

It is made of silk and has a pretty rose pattern on it.

The spokes are all perfect and it is in good working order. The handle is hand carved wood and a little cream tassel hangs from it.

Unfortunately moths have taken to the silk in patches in a couple of areas but it's beauty still shines through.

If I close my eyes then I can picture the lady's Grandmother walking along the street shading her face from the sun.

She would have looked quite the picture with her very pretty parasol !

If you could just see it in real life and feel the silk you would adore it as much as I do.
                     Moth holes or not, I love it anyway !

                I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow for  
                             THURSDAY FLOWERS