Welcome to one of the 2 versions of this design (please refer to “Umbrella – Sing Me A Chapel In The Language Of Bells” for the other one).
“Don’t you think, monsieur, that woods are like churches?” — Alexandre Dumas, The Three Musketeers
Perhaps he was onto something.
Wander deep amongst the trees of Eltham’s village-like shire and, sooner or later, the path may lead you to the Chapel of Montsalvat — tucked amongst the greenery like a secret kept by the trees, and carrying the wistful romance of a medieval village somewhere in the South of France.
There is something quietly sacred about finding your way here. Stone, timber and trees seem to conspire to make time slow down; the kind of place where artists, dreamers and wanderers might reasonably believe that a little magic still lingers.
Montsalvat is Australia’s oldest continuously operating artists’ commune, and today, amongst its weathered stone walls, trees and quiet enchantment, you’ll also find the home of Storyholding Studio.
The original artwork behind this umbrella is a hand-cut collage embellished with gold foil, centred around a photograph I took of the Montsalvat Chapel — a place that has become a vision, a sanctuary and a wellspring of dreams for so many.
Perhaps that is what churches, forests and art have in common: they give us somewhere to wander, somewhere to wonder, and somewhere for the soul to find its way home.
Specifications:
- Shape: Octagonal (8 panels)
- Length: M: 52cm [21″]; L: 102cm [40″]
- Open Canopy size:
- (M: 135x135cm [54″x54″] – easily fits into a standard tote/handbag, comfortably can shelter up to 2 people standing/walking in half-circle shape,
- (L: 150x150cm [60″x60″] – wow factor, lightweight, comfortably can shelter up to 3 people standing/walking in half-circle shape, perfect for special occasions/golf, great walking stick/self-defence apparatus if unsavoury characters approach
- Easy & fast opening action in case of rainmergency (just press button on handle)
- Material: Polyester
PRE-ORDERING:
🎁Next pre-order deadline: Fri, 9th Oct 2026⏰
TIMELINES (calculated from pre/order deadline, unless in current, immediate stock)
Australia: Because all umbrellas are made to order, please allow up to 14 days (after pre-order deadline) for your order to be shipped. All umbrellas are delivered by Australia Post (however, if urgent, please contact us directly to find out if your choice is currently in stock).
International: Because all umbrellas are made to order, please allow up to 3-4 weeks (after pre-order deadline) for your order to be shipped (perhaps sooner – subject to current airfreight circumstances). (However, if urgent, please contact us directly to find out if your choice is currently in stock).
POSTAGE/DELIVERY options:
- FREE pick-up at Montsalvat, Eltham (free) – use promo-code pickup at checkout!
- SHIPPING:
- Australia: $15
- International: $50
