The world famous James Smith and Sons Umbrella Shop was founded in 1830 and is still owned and run as a family business. For 175 years the company has been making umbrellas, sticks and canes for both ladies and gentlemen and their reputation as the home of the London umbrella is well justified.
The historic and beautiful shop is on New Oxford Street in the heart of London’s West End and is a stunning reminder of the Victorian period. The shop retains the original fittings designed and made by the master craftsman employed by the business and is a work of art in itself.
I was after a new umbrella as a gift for a friend so thought I would give James Smith a visit. First of all I must say the staff are very friendly and obviously know their product, which is very reassuring. I opted for the ‘Fox Frame’ Slim Rolled Umbrella with a red marbled cue ball style handle at £75.00. The construction exudes quality and a swift sturdy opening reassures me that the wind will not get the better of the brolly, at least without a good fight!
4 Comments
I often walk past them on the High Holborn, and the shop is a sight wonderful to behold. I wish the City were still full of men in bowler hats carrying tightly rolled umbrellas, a la Mr Banks in Mary Poppins!
I agree, it’s a beautifully evocative shop front and whilst I’ve never been inside myself, I imagine it to be like stepping into the past, to a time where craftsmen took a degree of pride in what they created.
Not at all like those ghastly vendors who seem to appear like magic outside tube stations when it rains hawking shoddy umbrellas for £2!
I have one of these umbrellas that I bought a few years ago and I agree, it’s great I would recommend everyone to buy one.
Glad you are still enjoying your Umbrella John, they really are built to last