Perk up your patio with East London Parasol Company
14th Jun 2024
Once upon a time, East London Parasol Company founder Lucy Ferguson discovered jewel-coloured temple umbrellas in South India. Living in a quaint pink house in Kerala, she adorned her terrace with these colourful parasols, which later accompanied her back to the UK. Over time, the cheerful impact of these shade protecting pieces sparked the idea to start a business that would bring similar joy to gardens everywhere…
Back then, the market was dominated by garden parasols in mundane shades of white, dark green, beige, and black. Lucy envisioned a brand that would infuse happiness into outdoor spaces with the lively hues of Indian parasols. Returning to the East, she sought out the artisans who crafted these delightful pieces, laying the groundwork for her vibrant enterprise.
Fast forward to today…
Over nine years the East London Parasol Company has established enduring partnerships with artisans in India and Indonesia, as well as with skilled carpenters in the UK. These collaborations have not only fuelled the company’s growth, but also generated employment and sustained traditional craftsmanship. In Bali, two artisan villages thrive due to the work created by the company. In India, the business supports traditional block printers, screen printers, and seventh-generation stone carvers, ensuring these age-old skills continue to flourish.
Dedicated to Craftsmanship
Every parasol is handmade, with no part of the production
process automated. East London Parasol Company’s commitment to traditional
methods results in limited quantities of each design, making every piece a
unique labour of love. Hand-mixed dyes, octagonal frames crafted by
woodturners, carved bamboo poles and hand-painted fabrics all contribute to the
distinctive appeal and luxury of their parasols.
East London Parasol Company aims to bring colour, style, and a touch of
theatricality to outdoor spaces. Each season, Lucy pushes the boundaries of
garden parasol design, creating stunning pieces complemented by matching
cushions and beautiful bases. From bright fabrics and bold chevrons to elegant
tassels and scalloped designs, the parasols cater to a variety of tastes. Her latest
collection draws inspiration from a summer exploring botanical gardens,
particularly the Waterlily House at Kew Gardens. New designs for SS24 feature a
rich palette of maroon, tawny, raspberry, and violet, combined with marigold,
orange, green, and primrose yellow.
Seeking to add a splash of colour and joy to your gardens? East London Parasol
Company delivers unmatched charm and quality, turning any outdoor space into a
vibrant haven. Each of their creations provides a simple, elegant, and
luxurious way to extend living areas outdoors. Ideal for alfresco dining,
creating a festive or holiday atmosphere, or simply lounging with a good book,
these parasols offer stylish and shaded comfort.
3 Perks of Garden Parasols
1. Enhanced Outdoor Comfort
Parasols create a cool, shaded area where you can relax, dine, or entertain
guests without worrying about harsh sunlight. This extended comfort transforms
patios, decks, and garden areas into versatile living spaces that can be used
throughout the day, even during peak sun hours.
2. Protection from the Elements
Offering significant protection from harmful UV rays, parasols help to prevent
sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, allowing time outdoors to
be savoured safely. High-quality parasols frequently include fabrics with splash proof protection, making them ideal for handling sudden rain showers.
3. Versatile and Adjustable
This adaptability of parasols ensures that you can maintain a shaded area as
the sun moves throughout the day, enhancing the overall functionality of your
outdoor space. If you’re looking to select an East London Parasol Company base,
here’s some further
handy
advice
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The competition
On Friday 21st June 2024, one lucky competition entrant will be selected at random to win East London Parasol Company’s Grace 2 Octagonal Parasol design (RRP £785); an elegant and luxurious garden parasol that’s set to provide adjustable shade, protection against UV rays and transform outdoor spaces into gloriously versatile living areas.
Offering significant shade with its 3-metre canopy, the Grace 2 Octagonal Parasol brings a sophisticated East-West aesthetic to a patio, alfresco dining table, summer seating area, or terrace. Constructed with a sturdy blonde wood frame, this spectacular sunshade boasts water-resistant natural cotton canvas with an interior printed with moss green polka dots, plus a scalloped valance with matching green piping.
Exquisitely handcrafted, each component of this beautiful piece is specially designed for East London Parasol Company and adorned with its unique brass fittings. Meticulously assembled to order in the UK, it features a double pulley system for effortless opening and the parasol’s rope secures around a nautical style brass cleat hook. Also include is a waterproof turquoise PU bag, with a telescopic rod to lift the cover over the parasol when in situ.
Please note: the parasol will not be supplied with a base, allowing the winner to purchase one that fits octagonal parasol designs separately, to suit their personal preferences. Matching cushions and napkins are also available via the East London Parasol Company.
An added bonus…
The lucky prize recipient will also be treated to a £1000 Garden Trading voucher, allowing them to shop our complete SS24 home and garden ranges. All in, this prize has a combined RRP of £1785. The competition closes at 5pm on Friday 21st June 2024 and T&Cs apply.
