James Smith & Sons

The ultimate vintage vault of umbrellas has been weathering London’s storms since the early nineteenth century, when the first Mr. Smith founded the renowned James Smith & Sons (Umbrellas) in London’s West End. The umbrellas were made in a small workshop in the back, then sold in front.

The humble shop became the favorite of dignitaries from Winston Churchill to Queen Victoria, who was so smitten with their umbrella prowess that she offered the retailer her royal seal of approval in 1838.

Mastering the art of blocking rain in London yields superb business, and with the Smiths’ familyrun success came several upgrades and relocations: the shop briefly had a home in Saville Place that was too narrow to open an umbrella inside. Those snug quarters were knocked down, so they reopened near Piccadilly Circus. They may have opened a few too many brollies inside that one, as that shop was decimated in a bombing raid during World War II.

This pearly white shop on New Oxford Street, for the most part, has not been changed since its opening and has proudly maintained its Victorian shop-front design. It remains one of Central London’s landmarks and a common, very convenient reference point for black-cab drivers, travelers lacking a map, and locals who may have had one too many ales.

As for the inside, James Smith & Sons has exhausted all possible renditions of a brolly: from adjusting their curved handles according to grip preference to fashioning secret compartments for a stash of candy, mood enhancers, or important documents. There are even bespoke umbrellas for your four-legged companions.

And for those who thought an umbrella was just an umbrella, think agai —better yet, venture a visit and pick your parasol. A healthy stock of styles will be presented, including the London, the City, the Slim, the Fit Up, the (marvelously named) Solid Stick, the Birdcage, the Pencil…and that’s before you even arrive at their distinguished selection of walking sticks.

While you’re perusing, inside or on the sidewalk, you’ll find sundry proverbs and witticisms about rain, sun, and all things meteorological so there’s always something dry to smirk about at James Smith & Sons.

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