Desert sun is very strong. Ladies of Mrs. Johnson's generation and social standing took great care to protect their complexions. Suntans were not popular at that time. The umbrella warded off the sun but allowed for enjoyment of the outdoors. Mrs. Johnson was photographed with a variety of umbrellas on the grounds of the Castle.
The umbrella on the left may have belonged to Mrs. Johnson to keep the sun from her skin in the desert.