” The ancestor of the umbrella ” was invited about 4 000 years in Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greek and China. These first ancient umbrellas – or more parasols – were determined for providing a sunshade. If they wanted to use parasols to protection against rain they painted their paper.

In the beginning of 16^th century the umbrella became very popular especially in rain weather in north Europe. At first it was the accessory suitable only for women. The Persian traveler and writer Jonas Hanway [1712 – 1786] gained recognition for it that men started to use umbrellas too. He wore and used his umbrella full 30 years of his life and this way he saw to its popularization among men. Many of them called theirs umbrellas ” Hanway”.

The first shop specialized on umbrellas – James Smith and Sons – was opened in London in 1830.

The first European umbrellas were produced from wood and were covered impregnated linen and had carved handles from hard wood.

In 1852 Samuel Fox invited steel construction for umbrellas. A crinoline [the stiffened underskirt] and a lady’s corset were inspiration for him.

The inventor, Afro - American William C. Carter had the umbrellas horse patented in 1885.

The main technical improving of umbrellas – the folding system – was discovered only one century later.