02 Sep 2016
Tags: parasol, Summer, Garden, umbrella, Bright, Indian, kerela
I am delighted to introduce the East London Parasol Company, the UK's first brand for flamboyant garden parasols. Sumptuous summer shading for gardens, parties, weddings, festivals and picnics. Supported by The Princes Trust.
www.Instagram.com/eastlondonparasolco
They are a cheery thing in the midst of this unsettling summer- the world's looking pretty grim so we may as well look at something pretty.
These are decadent and different garden parasols, gorgeous staging and shading for your outdoor scene. Hand made from taffetas, embroidery, antique textiles and block print, there is nothing else like them in the UK.
Our parasols blend elements of Kerala temple umbrellas, traditional Rajasthan textiles and contemporary style to produce something truly unique. These are something special to celebrate under.
The parasols are a labour of love and artisanal alchemy. The silver fringes and top pieces are made in Kerala by the temple umbrella makers. The parasols are from Jaipur where a community of Rajasthan women have learned how to work with Kerala temple umbrella fringing. The canopies are made from taffetas, block prints and antique Rajasthan textiles.
Almost every part of every canopy is hand made. People in India drank countless cups of spiced sweet chai whilst making them. They took days off to play the colours of Holi, one passed his train driver exam and another got married. The parasols weren't made in a dark room full of sewing machines, lots of hands have worked on them to make them splendid. The parasols wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the people.
The parasols were made by cheerful people. I worked alongside them and we shared sweets and stories. These people are the human ingredients in each parasol's story. I will publish photos and happy snippets about all the people involved in the parasol process on the website. I hope that when people open their parasol it will be like shaking hands with people on the other side of the world- it doesn't matter what governments do as long as we remember that we're all fellow humans.
Whilst living in Kerala, southern India, I saw decorative parasols used in religious celebrations. Inspired by the riotous colours I bought my own to celebrate under, little knowing this would lead to a business. On my return to east London I continued to celebrate under my parasols and soon no occasion was complete without one.
It's been quite a journey to create and import these brollies, I've travelled thousands of miles, met people all over India and learned some hard lessons. I've gained some arm muscles, some new friends, and esoteric knowledge of parasols.
The East London Parasols are opulent and gorgeous. I hope people use them, love them and make each day a celebration.
Please get in touch, I have parasols available to buy or perhaps lend for a photoshoot. My contact details are below.
I hope to hear from you soon.
All the very best,
Lucy Ferguson
07879813687