Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
BR978.12.1.1 |
Object Name |
Swift, Umbrella |
Description |
A wood and metal expandable umbrella swift. The central axis has a carved floral decoration with revolving wheels at the top and the bottom. Red-painted slats are attached to each wheel and tied together with blue or red bows. The slats form a cross pattern resembling the interior of an umbrella. The slats can be pulled outward to change the circumference of the swift. It has a cast iron molded base, which is painted gold. |
Year Range from |
1890 |
Dimensions |
H-122.5 W-45.7 L-45.7 cm |
History |
This swift was made in Scotland, ca. 1890 and would be a common item found in the home used by a loyalist or Victorian family in Canada. An umbrella or yarn swift is intended to hold skeins of yarn in place as they are wind into balls used for knitting or crocheting. They are called umbrella swifts as they are opened up as an umbrella and when fully open can securely hold hanks of yarn into place. The swift can easily turn around to make it easy for someone to roll yarns into balls. Some modern day umbrella swifts can be clamped on to the edge of working table. This one has a flat bottom that can sit on top of a table. Ref: 'John Brown's Time Warp' by Helen Duffy, Ontario Craft, Winter 1985. |