Old Umbrella Shop

A rare glimpse into Tasmania’s retail heritage.

 

Step into the Old Umbrella Shop for an authentic 19th – early 20th century shopping experience.

Built in the 1860s, the shop took on its current identity in 1920 when it became the premises of R Shott & Son. Robert Walter Shott had operated an umbrella shop in Melbourne from the 1880s and developed a patented folding umbrella frame. His son joined the Launceston business, manufacturing and selling quality souvenirs using Tasmanian timbers.

The Old Umbrella Shop houses a collection of rare umbrellas and early souvenirs in original blackwood display cases. In the spirit of the original business, the shop today has a wide range of umbrellas for sale, as well as Tasmanian-made gifts.

Plan your Visit

Old Umbrella Shop

Address:

60 George Street, Launceston, 7250 TAS (free admission).

Open:

Monday – Friday, 9.00 am– 5.00 pm.
Saturday, 9am – 12 noon

Closed:

Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day, Good Friday and Public Holidays

Phone:
(03) 6331 9248
Entry Fees:

Free

What we offer:

Nearby attractions: Launceston CBD, Holy Trinity Anglican Church (Arts & Crafts design by Alexander North), the Albert Hall and Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.

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Three Favourite Things

In the 1880's British industrialist, Samuel Fox, invented a successful steel rib umbrella frame (previously umbrella frames were made of whalebone). His company's umbrella brand 'Paragon' was proudly sold and promoted by the Shotts at their Launceston store.

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Three Favourite Things

This 1980 picture postcard features an oil painting by Jo McIntyre of the shop interior.

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Three Favourite Things

This original Old Umbrella Shop till was once full of Australian shillings, twenty of which made up one Australian pound. They were first issued in 1910, with the Australian coat of arms on the reverse and King Edward VII on the face. Their last year of issue was 1963, and then in 1966 Australia's currency was decimalised and the shilling was replaced by a ten cent coin.

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"As a National Trust Member I was so proud to visit this beautiful shop full of character"

5 star review on TripAdvisor