Pink silk parasol trimmed with Honiton lace. The handle is chased and embossed, and entwined with the Garter ribbon terminating in a gem-set pommel with a large citrine inset at the end. The enamelled hand, with a bracelet inscribed ‘I GOVERN’, acts as the opening mechanism. With the original presentation case of dark blue velvet, embossed on the cover with a crowned ‘VA’ monogram.

The rich materials and elaborate design of this grand parasol indicate a specially commissioned piece. However, the ‘Royal Victoria’ - as this model of parasol was named - was advertised in the Illustrated London News in March 1851 by Cheek & Marsh of the Golden Perch, Oxford Street, London.

Stamped: Royal Victoria I A Boss Patentee; engraved: I GOVERN

Text adapted from Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010