Under The Umbrella Sky

Umbrellas have been around for over four thousand years and were originally designed to provide shade from the sun. Parasols were very popular with women at a time when suntans were not so fashionable, but it was the Chinese that first water proofed the umbrella with wax and lacquer to allow rain to repel off. Early European umbrellas were made of wood or whalebone and covered with alpaca or oiled canvas. The curved handles were made of hard woods like ebony. Umbrellas have since changed. They are fashionable as well as functional. These days, we have many different types of umbrellas to choose from. There are beach umbrellas, patio umbrellas, side post umbrellas, lifeguard umbrellas and even outdoor promotional and market umbrellas for outdoor cafes and eateries. Best of all, we have umbrellas that have the capability to with stand high winds.

The key component to high wind umbrellas is the fiberglass support ribs. Fiberglass has proven itself for many years in products like fishing poles, golf club shafts and boats. Unlike traditional metal and wood ribs, fiberglass ribs are strong and resilient. They are designed to bend and flex to absorb wind without breaking or disfiguring the shape of your umbrella. This flexibility, combined with an inherent resistance to rust and corrosion, results in umbrellas that last longer than traditional steel or wood-ribbed umbrellas.

Although umbrellas have lasted through the centuries, we never seem to tire of them. We still reach for one on that cold rainy day or gather around that patio umbrella during an outdoor barbeque with family and friends. Whatever your pleasure, umbrellas will be there to serve and protect for many years to come.

Article by Anita Winter

Painting: The Umbrellas by Renoir

Build your Beach Umbrella