Lithographic umbrella advertising print featuring John Stuart Blackie, 1880s
Scope and Contents
This is a lithographic advertisement for umbrellas, depicting Prof. John Stuart Blackie using an umbrella in a rainstorm. Printed for Joseph Wright, Glasgow Umbrella Manufactory, 48 Argyle Arcade, Glasgow. That text includes "With Compliments", so the card may have been given with the purchase of an umbrella.
Dates
- Creation: 1880s
Creator
- Wright, Joseph, fl 1880-1912 (Glasgow-based umbrella manufacturer and lay preacher) (Manufacturer, Person)
Language of Materials
English
Conditions Governing Access
Open. Please contact the repository in advance.
Biographical / Historical
Joseph Wright was an umbrella manufacturer based in Glasgow, and also a lay preacher, philanthropist and writer. His umbrella was quite famous in Victorian Scotland; it was known as a "Drooko", taken from "drookit": soaked.
Full Extent
1 sheet ; 16.6 cm x 10.7 cm
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased in January 2026. Accession no. SC-Acc-2025-0128.
Physical Description
Single sheet, 116.6 cm x 10.7 cm, text on both sides. Brown spotting.
Processing Information
Catalogued by Aline Brodin in July 2026, using information supplied by the seller.
Repository Details
Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379
heritagecollections@ed.ac.uk