British Pathe

C/U of an umbrella shaped like an old-fashioned picture hat in black satin with a primrose ribbon around the 'crown'; the umbrella is twirled, then lifted over the shoulder by an elegant model in black dress and yellow gloves. We are told this umbrella is called 'The Lady Hamilton'. Another model appears...

C/U of an umbrella shaped like an old-fashioned picture hat in black satin with a primrose ribbon around the 'crown'; the umbrella is twirled, then lifted over the shoulder by an elegant model in black dress and yellow gloves. We are told this umbrella is called 'The Lady Hamilton'. Another model appears with a black net umbrella (called 'Black Widow'), with chenille thread picking out the design of a spider's web, and a huge spider on one panel. C/U of the spider (pipe cleaner legs).

The next umbrella is in black and white with a tiny music box concealed in the guitar-shaped handle. The model puts down the umbrella and presses a button on the oblong handle to start the music and we hear some plinky-plonky music as the model listens, enchanted! (Very cheesy C/U.) A model in a full-skirted cream lace dress enters with the best umbrella of all; it is made of gold lame, with a mink trim - divine! She has a matching muff (not very nice in my opinion) which is attached to the handle (good idea, but what happens if you get rain on your fur?). Commentator says "but listen for thunder when you ask for a matching coat!".

Next up is 'Jealousy', an umbrella in ruched emerald green fabric with a mirror attached to the handle; model checks her appearance in it. A red and grey umbrella is telescoped out from "cosh length" to full size; the model wears a brilliant white pillbox hat with diamante clip and red ribbon sticking out horizontally. The 'English Rose' umbrella is next seen, in pink fabric overlaid with lace, and some pink fabric roses at the tip and handle; a bit too frilly for me. The model looks lovingly up and down the folded umbrella. The final umbrella is in silver satin trimmed with Lilies of the Valley, designed for the 'April Bride' and carried by a girl in a white lace dress.

Note: on file is correspondence from Bridget Blundell and Dorothy Lewin Public Relations on behalf of the National Federation of Umbrella Manufacturers (saying the clothes were provided by John Lewis Partnership), plus press releases and a small news cutting about these amazing accessories. Show took place at Grosvenor House, London.