Vintage French Brass Umbrella Stand with 10 Umbrellas

A vintage French brass umbrella stand from Chanteduc, Patricia and Walter Wells’ home in Provence. Its brass frame shows a time-softened oxidation, with four turned finials and slender uprights supporting a lattice top neatly divided into ten compartments. Below, a removable zinc drip tray with a small pull ring collects and empties rainwater; the tray carries a chalky gray patina with age-speckling that speaks to durable, workaday craft. The footprint is tidy while the capacity is generous, ready for a busy doorway. Patricia and Walter found the stand at a favored brocante, it comes complete with ten umbrellas. Patricia explains, “The umbrellas are brand new and beautiful. We bought them for the students, but it rains so infrequently that we never really needed them! They would be great in a restaurant or hotel.” Set it in a foyer, or mudroom, or follow Patricia’s lead and let it anchor the entrance of a restaurant or small hotel. With Provençal provenance, practical elegance, and useful patina, this is a hardworking classic with character.