Quintessentially British?
By Ron Rybs
@Ronrybs (21488)
London, England
July 16, 2026 3:48am CST
In 1830, at Foubet’s Place, just off of Regent Street, the shopping Mecca for the rich, an umbrella shop was opened by James Smith. His son adopted a newly invented, lightweight, umbrella frame (honest!) and with the business thriving, moved to new premises on New Oxford Street around 1865.
Jas Smith & Sons continued to do well and if you want an umbrella, a walking stick or just a shoehorn, this the place to visit.
I have several umbrellas and walking sticks, but not a one from this shop. I really need to pop in and invest in a quality ‘brolly and can then be quintessentially British, just like the shop!
12 people like this
12 responses
@DaddyEvil (179042)
• United States
16 Jul
I used to own several umbrellas but have no idea what happened to them. Younger people here buy hooded sweatshirts and wear the hood up if they go out in the rain. I do that now, too.
4 people like this
@Fleura (36165)
• United Kingdom
16 Jul
Most hooded sweatshirts have a hood that is just made of a double layer of the main sweatshirt material, so it keeps the rain off for a while - by just soaking it up. Eventually of course the water will seep through and down your neck. And the double thickness hood takes ages to dry!
4 people like this
@DaddyEvil (179042)
• United States
16 Jul
@Fleura True enough, if you're actually walking somewhere in the rain. Most Americans just go from their house into their car and drive someplace and then get out of the car and go into a shop or another house. Umbrellas are just something to keep one of your hands busy.
4 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (126316)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
22 Jul
The first time I have ever heard of James Smith and Sons umbrella shops.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (48639)
• Denver, Colorado
16 Jul
I think the last time I had an umbrella was in the 90's. I'm just used to getting wet at this point. 
2 people like this
@teamfreak16 (48639)
• Denver, Colorado
16 Jul
@Ronrybs - I'm also talking about just walking around. I was in the army. Rain just isn't a big deal once you've been in some of that stuff.
2 people like this
@aninditasen (18453)
• Raurkela, India
16 Jul
I used a raincoat before now I use an umbrella both for the sun and rain.
1 person likes this
@Ronrybs (21488)
• London, England
26 Jul
@aninditasen Sometimes you just have to go out in the rain
@aninditasen (18453)
• Raurkela, India
24 Jul
@Ronrybs That's true but we have to adjust to the carting during the rain. I therefore avoid going out when it's raining.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (214366)
• United States
16 Jul
I would love to go in there and browse around. I do have an umbrella I really like with cats all over it. I have had it for years. My other is a totes umbrella.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (214366)
• United States
22 Jul
@Ronrybs Yes, those that fold into a small shape you could fit in a bag or tote are best.
1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (17330)
• China
16 Jul
This umbrella shop boasts a long history ! I wonder if its products are still popular with young people now.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (101916)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
16 Jul
How much does an umbrella cost?
1 person likes this
