George Randall's souvenir umbrella
Production date
1901
Country
England
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Object detail
Description
Umbrella with ribbed, black steel 'Paragon' frame; a brass collar fixed to the stick with inscriptions showing the name 'Reid & Todd' and ivory handle containing George Randall's initials inscribed in black font onto the end. 'Paragon S. Fox & Co Limited' is printed into ribbed metal frame. Canopy of umbrella is missing.
Classification
PERSONAL EFFECTS
PERSONAL EFFECTS Travel Goods
PERSONAL EFFECTS Travel Goods
Maker
Production date
1901
Production place
Measurements
88cm (L) x 10.5cm (W) x 3.3cm (D)
Media/Materials description
Ivory, brass, steel, copper, wood, wire.
Signature/Marks
"GR"
"Reid & Todd / GLASGOW"
"PARAGON (next to an image of a fox) / S. Fox & Co LIMITED"
SOUVENIR \ G.I.E. 1901
"Reid & Todd / GLASGOW"
"PARAGON (next to an image of a fox) / S. Fox & Co LIMITED"
SOUVENIR \ G.I.E. 1901
History and use
The umbrella belonged to Mr George Randall who lived and worked in Queensland during the mid-Ninteenth to early-Twentieth Centuries. Mr Randall was born in Hertford, England in 1843 and emmigrated to Queensland on board the 'Planet' in 1868 with his wife Naomi (nee Jackson). From a young age, Randall was an avid reader of literature and poetry and read widely. As a young adult he became very interested in the idea of emmigration and had previously published poetry on the topic of travelling a far before arriving in Australia. He began working for the Queensland Government in 1881 as Queensland Emigration Lecturer. The position required him to travel back home and tour England for long periods of time with the aim of promoting the colony of Queensland as a preferred destination for emmigrants. Randall toured England a total of four times during his tenure with the Queensland Government (1881 - 1883, 1885 - 1889, 1891 - 1894, 1897-1902) to give lectures and encourage emmigration. During the third tour he took particuar interest in engaging agricultural farmers and labourers.
Towards the end of his professional career as Queensland Emmigration Lecturer, Randall began attending agricultural exhibitions and events around Great Britain as another way of encouraging farmers and labourers to emmigrate. It is believed he even arranged stalls, displays and samples of Queensland produce to entice prospective emmigrants. In 1901, Randall was heavily involved in what was then regarded as a great event - the Glasgow International Exhibition of 1901. Randall took on the role of Manager of the Queensland Court. Only two Australian states were represented at the event - Qld and WA. An article appearing in 'The Scottish Trader' features Mr George Randall and the Queensland Court of the Exhibition in detail.
The umbrella was a souvenir from the Glasgow International Exhibition held in 1901. It is uncertain whether Randall purchased the umbrella or whether it was given to him as a gift.
The Paragon patened wire umbrella frame was designed by Englishman, Industrialist and steelworker, Samuel Fox in the mid to late 1850s. It became widely popular due to it's unique light weight and improved strength, thus creating what is known today as the 'modern umbrella'. Before this, umbrellas were traditionally made with whalebone frames.
Towards the end of his professional career as Queensland Emmigration Lecturer, Randall began attending agricultural exhibitions and events around Great Britain as another way of encouraging farmers and labourers to emmigrate. It is believed he even arranged stalls, displays and samples of Queensland produce to entice prospective emmigrants. In 1901, Randall was heavily involved in what was then regarded as a great event - the Glasgow International Exhibition of 1901. Randall took on the role of Manager of the Queensland Court. Only two Australian states were represented at the event - Qld and WA. An article appearing in 'The Scottish Trader' features Mr George Randall and the Queensland Court of the Exhibition in detail.
The umbrella was a souvenir from the Glasgow International Exhibition held in 1901. It is uncertain whether Randall purchased the umbrella or whether it was given to him as a gift.
The Paragon patened wire umbrella frame was designed by Englishman, Industrialist and steelworker, Samuel Fox in the mid to late 1850s. It became widely popular due to it's unique light weight and improved strength, thus creating what is known today as the 'modern umbrella'. Before this, umbrellas were traditionally made with whalebone frames.
Associated person
Registration number
H49762
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