For nearly 200 years, the world’s loveliest umbrella shop has kept Londoners dry
James Smith & Sons has been beaming down on New Oxford Street for as long as I can remember. It is the most distinguished old firm for umbrellas, with as many old-fashioned qualities as you could ever wish to find, yet still going roaringly strong. Driving past its façade, if you stretch your neck for even the merest glimpse of its shop front, you get the purest pleasure. It was established in 1830, which to this day it still proudly acknowledges. You glow with delight at this superbly glass-lettered front and interior. Massive and quite wonderfully distinguished, it brings you screeching to a halt at even the sight of its extraordinarily high quality. In you go, wondering at its most marvellous entrance, with fancy Gothic flourishes of stained glass, with the words ‘Hazelwood House’ leading you on. The Gothic lettering writhes forth: ‘Gentlemen’s Umbrellas, Fox Frames, Gold and Silver Mounts’...
I’m afraid this isn’t one of our four free articles available in full, which are set out in the first two rows of the ‘Magazine’ page.
Please click here to find them.
To buy a digital version of this issue for just £2.99, click here
