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A Colourful Sight in the Heart of Bath
Bath has a reputation for being one of the most visually charming cities in the UK, but every so often, something comes along that makes its Georgian streets feel even more magical.
One of the most memorable examples? The rainbow canopy of umbrellas that once stretched across SouthGate, stopping shoppers, students and tourists in their tracks.
Although the installation has appeared in different forms over the years, and is never guaranteed to be permanent, it remains one of the most recognisable and talked-about visual moments in Bath.
Below, we take a closer look at the display, its global inspiration, and how simple umbrellas can transform a space. And if you’re planning a similar installation (or simply want beautifully printed umbrellas), you’re in safe hands with The Umbrella Workshop.
About Bath’s Brolly Walk
Originally written June 2016, updated.
In recent times, Georgian Bath (a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, no less) has looked more photogenic than ever before – hard to believe, we know, but it’s thanks in part to the installation of Umbrella Street in the city’s SouthGate development.
As umbrella connoisseurs, we’re obviously BIG fans of the rainbow brollies and the cheery touch they’ve brought to the shopping district… come rain or shine!
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen or heard of Umbrella Street, either. There was a similar display in Agueda in Portugal in 2011. Photos of it were shared the world over and with the installation proving so popular, it’s been followed up with more displays every summer since then.
They’ve been seen decorating Borough Market in London, as well as Anne’s Lane in Dublin. Who knows where they’ll pop up next…?
Simple yet incredibly effective (not unlike our own umbrellas) these brollies have all done a great job of attracting attention with their striking appearance while proving their worth by providing shoppers with some shelter from the elements as well. Who says functional can’t be beautiful?!
A Global Trend: The Rise of “Umbrella Streets”
What happened in Bath isn’t a one-off. Over the last decade, “umbrella streets” have appeared in cities all over the world – from Portugal and Spain to South Korea and the US.
Why? Because:
- They’re eye-catching
- They’re incredibly Instagrammable
- They draw footfall into retail and outdoor spaces
- They create a sense of place
- They can be themed for events, festivals or seasons
From a creative perspective, they prove how something as simple as a beautifully printed umbrella can become art when scaled and thoughtfully installed.
How These Installations Are Made
Here’s something many people don’t realise: umbrella installations like the one in Bath rely heavily on commercial-grade printed umbrellas designed to withstand weather, sun exposure and long-term display.
A typical installation involves:
- Choosing a colour palette or theme
- Sourcing durable umbrellas (often custom-printed)
- Working with shopfronts or councils for mounting points
- Securing the umbrellas with lightweight rigs or tension wires
- Ensuring the display holds up safely over time
It’s practical engineering meets creative design.
Our Craft: Beautiful, Custom-Printed Umbrellas
At The Umbrella Workshop, we pride ourselves on producing beautiful umbrellas with top-quality printed designs on behalf of some of the world’s most famous names in:
- Food & drink
- Travel & tourism
- Fashion & retail
- Health & beauty
- Hospitality & events
We’ve worked with everyone from Bentley and Bollinger to Monaco Tourism and RBS, so whether you’re planning a display, an event, or simply want striking branded umbrellas, you’ll be in very safe hands.
Check out our printed umbrella gallery to see some of the stunning designs in our portfolio. We’ve worked with everyone from Bentley and Bollinger to Monaco Tourism and RBS, so you’ll be in safe hands working with the trusted and experienced team at The Umbrella Workshop. Send us an enquiry now!