Parasol

Art Historical Context

This elegant parasol, created around 1865–1870 by the Gorham Manufacturing Company, exemplifies the refined accessories that defined Victorian fashion. Crafted with black Chantilly lace layered over ivory taffeta and lined in delicate white silk, it features a practical folding design with a rustic wooden handle and steel tubing frame. Gorham, renowned for its metalwork, here demonstrates versatility in combining intricate textiles with functional engineering for portability. In the mid-nineteenth century, parasols served both practical and social purposes, shielding women’s complexions from the sun while signaling status and taste. The use of Chantilly lace—a fine, bobbin-made fabric prized for its floral patterns—adds a layer of delicate sophistication, contrasting beautifully with the sturdy yet stylish handle. Such objects highlight how everyday items became canvases for artistic expression during this period. Today, this piece in the Art Institute of Chicago’s textile collection offers visitors a glimpse into the era’s blend of utility and ornament, where craftsmanship elevated functional accessories into works of art.