PIN James Smith & Sons

Purveyors of fine umbrellas, canes and walking sticks

Umbrellas, walking sticks and seat sticks are the staple of this venerable Bloomsbury establishment. Whether your requirement is ‘off-the-shelf’ or hand-made this shop caters for everything that a gentleman or lady needs in the stick, cane or brolly department. A visit to the shop is a buying experience from another age and well worth the trip.

History

In 1830, Mr Smith founded the now famous firm of James Smith and Sons (Umbrellas) at Foubert’s Place, just off Regent Street in London’s West End. The umbrellas were made in a small workshop in the back of the shop and then sold to customers at the front.

In 1851, Samuel Fox invented the lightweight steel frame, and umbrellas, now easily available, grew in popularity. James Smith II was one of the first umbrella makers to use Fox Frames & his business grew to the point where he had to move to a larger premises in 53 New Oxford Street, where the shop, almost unchanged, remains to this day. The shop was so narrow that to open an umbrella you had to go outside. From this shop umbrellas were sold to many dignitaries such as Gladstone, Lord Curzon and Bonar Law. When the shop in Saville Place was knocked down to make way for a new road another shop was opened in Burlington Street, near Piccadilly Circus.

In 1930 the great grandson of the founder arrived from Tasmania to run the business. The shop in Burlington Street was destroyed in a bombing raid during the Second World War leaving only the New Oxford Street shop.

The shop at 53 New Oxford Street is largely unaltered and is a perfect example of Victorian shop front design. It remains as one of the landmarks of Central London and is commonly referred to as ‘The Umbrella Shop’ by black cab drivers and locals alike.

TripTide Thoughts

We were delighted when finally April showers arrived and gave us a chance to replenish our umbrella collection. A quick trip to Tottenham Court Road and the nearby Smiths proved a great decision with umbrellas of all varieties (and prices) on display. Prices range from 30 to way over budget but well worth it for the sheer luxury of buying such high quality rain wear. Fantastic service is all part of this wonderful experience.

How to get there

The shop is on New Oxford Street, very close to Tottenham Court Road Underground station and the British Museum. Visitors coming from Oxford Street should go to the Tottenham Court Road crossroads, carry on across the lights and the road becomes New Oxford Street.

Owner

Lucy TripTide

Lucy is a TripTide stalwart and has been with the company since inception. She is a font of knowledge of all things in our metropolis but she has a special penchant for London's historical past. She says:"London is a multi-layered confection of hi...