Perhaps it’s the bad British weather, or more likely their expertise and craftsmanship, but the business in umbrellas has always been thriving for James Smith and Sons in London.
Foundet at Foubert Place in London’s West End in 1830, the company soon started selling umbrellas to Gladstone, Bonar Law and Lord Curzon among many dignitaries.
The company was one of the first to use the famous Fox Frame, named after Samuel Fox who invented the first steel umbrella in 1848, and they have always led the field in utilising the most recent advances in fabrics and structure. For a long time they also specialised in making ceremonial umbrellas and gentlemen’s canes, which until the 1920′s were an essential part of the well-dressed man’s attire.
Today, the shop on New Oxford Street is a legend in itself. It’s a perfect example of Victorian shop front design and has remained virtually unaltered in 140 years.
Inside not much has changed either: wicker baskets full of walking sticks in different types of wood are everywhere while traditional black and brightly coloured umbrellas with hand-carved handles are displayed in oak stands.
The workshop, where umbrellas and walking sticks are made, is still in the basement – just as when the shop first opened.
Many of us won’t be able to afford a bespoke suit or custom-made furniture, but a hand-made umbrella designed after your specifications is a small bit of affordable luxury and craftsmanship.
Prices for umbrellas range anywhere from £25 to well over £150.
Location:
53 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1BL
Open weekdays 9:30am-5:25pm; Sat 10am-5:25pm
image: James Smith & Sons
