Cerovečki is an artisan shop that has a great reputation around the world and a 100-year-old tradition. Handmade with utmost precision, umbrellas and parasols by Cerovečki are the definitions of craftsmanship, tradition, and heritage.

We are happy to present, Cerovečki artisan family through an interview with Mister Thomislav

Cerovečki umbrellas are a family artisan production with a 100-year-old tradition. Can you tell us more about your craftsmanship history?

We are very proud to be a part of a 100-year-old umbrella production craftsmanship. With love and dedication, we are continuing the family business for the third generation. In 1912 Mr. Mijo Cepanec founded the “Cepanec” umbrella craft company in Varaždin. As Mr. Cepanec did not have children, he took his nephew Gabrijel Cerovečki to study the umbrella making trade and continue the work. In 1936 Gabrijel Cerovečki became manager of the Julia Arbanas umbrella workshop in Ilica 19, and later in 1943, he took over the production as an independent craftsman. Gabrijel passed on the knowledge of umbrella production to his son Krešimir, and they worked together at this address until 1967, when they moved to Ilica 50 from where Gabrijel retired in 1975. The family craftsmanship was continued by Krešimir. We repair and manufacture umbrellas and parasols, and we are the only manufacturer producing the famous Šestine umbrella. Craftsmanship has patiently been passed on from grandfather Gabrijel to his son Krešimir and since 2012 to grandson Thomislav.

One of the symbols of Zagreb – the Šestine umbrella is your piece of art. Can you describe the process of making this famous umbrella?

The Šestine umbrella, being a part of the Šestine folk costume, is a well-recognized symbol of the city of Zagreb. It dates back to the mid-18th century and it is inscribed on the List of Protected Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Croatia. The umbrella is characterized by a red cotton canvas with colorful stripes, a thick wooden rod, and a naturally bent chestnut handle. The production itself includes knitting, sewing, skeleton joining, sewing of small parts, and handle assembly. Almost three hours of work are required to produce one Šestine umbrella.

How would you describe your job?

Sometimes we joke that we are 4 in 1 artisan! Meaning we do everything by ourselves – from production, sales, paperwork, and marketing. Our job is never boring, it is very creative in terms of production and also quite demanding. Our greatest motivators are our satisfied customers, both from Croatia and all over the world.

Can you tell us a bit more about additional assortment to your standard offer?

Kaplja raincoat has been in our offer for 6 years since the collaboration with designer Ana Rimac. It is a product created for the contest for the best contemporary souvenir in which we won two awards; the Prize of the Public and the Prize of the Jury. For additional men’s and women’s accessories we have decided to include other Croatian producers, therefore we offer women’s leather bags and gentlemen’s elegant wooden walking sticks made in Croatia.

Cerovečki umbrellas  – Ilica 49, open Monday – Friday 8:30 am-8 pm, Saturdays from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm