From the beginning of the 19^th century, the use of the parasol as a protection against the sun increased until it became a universal accessory by the mid-1800s. During the first half of the 19^th century, France was considered the “pre-eminent” designer of umbrellas and parasols. Featured is a parasol designed by M. Cazal, a prominent French manufacturer who exhibited at the the 1851 Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations. Read full story.