Eleanor Houghton, Charlotte Brontë’s Fringed Parasol, Pen and ink with watercolour, 2021
This beautiful parasol has been printed with a complex paisley pattern of greens, pinks, gold and burgundy. In keeping with more exuberant styles of the 1840s and 1850s, there is a deep gold fringe at the outside edge and around the outer rosette of the parasol. The slim handle is hinged to fold, and features a metal sliding stopper to keep it straight whilst open. It is one of those purchased by Charlotte in her post-fame years.