M. Cazal was a renowned French manufacturer who exhibited at the Great Exhibition and created parasols for the Empress Eugenie. France was considered the “pre-eminent” designer of umbrellas and parasols. The tasteful designs, the sharp and excellent carving of the ivory handles, the artistic grouping of the colours of the various silks used in the manufacture of parasols, and the supple dressing of the silks for umbrellas, gave the French manufacturer a decided superiority. Added to which, the frames were much lighter and neater than those made in England.
M. Cazal patented a spring for parasols in France in 1839; these are found in most Cazal parasols. Cazal also wrote a book titled: "Umbrellas, Parasols and Walkingsticks" in 1844.
The Cazal shop was located on the Boulevard des Italiens in Paris. In his guide, How to Enjoy Paris in 1842, Francis Hervé fawned over the French establishment:
| "Whilst dilating upon different inventions which either contribute to comfort or convenience, I must not omit that of M. Cazal, who has obtained two patents, and medals for the umbrellas and parasols he has invented, with which he furnishes the Queen and Princesses, and which are entirely superseding all those of any other construction.… His establishment is No. 23, Boulevard Italien, where there is always some one in attendance who speaks English." |
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In the 1851 Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, M. Cazal received the Prize Medal For Parasols and Umbrellas elegant in form and of excellent workmanship. Cazal’s carved ivory handles were said to “evince much taste and are well sculptured.” The framing was "very light and presented novelties of construction." At this exhibition, Cazal also featured canes made of rhinoceros horn, white whalebone, and conglomerated horn.
