Right into the 1920s, having any seasonal colour was regarded as déclassé, reflecting a life of enforced, outdoor labour. Coco Chanel in the 1920s, feted as bringing the tan to popularity with applications of the sun in foreign climes (or Bovril if you couldn’t afford it!). From Roman times the practice of "apricatio" an early form of upper-class sunbathing, was widely practised — but only by men. Public gardens like Ranelagh Pleasure Gardens in Chelsea, became big business form the 1750s, allowing men and women to parade. To find out more about the history of deckchairs and loungers, look up my archived feature here: irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/lifestyle/homeandinteriors/set-sail-on-the-history-of-the-deckchair-930603.html

Source: Irish Examiner July 09, 2020 16:30 UTC