GOODS & SERVICES • FOUND Shop
I have an umbrella – multiple, in fact – but whenever I walk past James Smith & Sons on Gower Street, I yearn to be a Victorian flaneur in need of a matching parapluie for every outfit. I even yearn for rain, an opportunity for these magnificent accessories to be showcased on London’s puddled pavements.
This umbrella shop is a quintessentially London time capsule for anyone seeking highest-quality rain protection with character. These are not designed to be left on public transport. Over the road from the British Museum and nestled amongst Bloomsbury’s literary landmarks, James Smith & Sons combines functionality with true craftsmanship. Somehow, this ancient department store even smells faintly of petrichor.
The shelves and racks are lined with an astonishing variety of umbrellas, from timeless classics to bold, artistic designs, butch to avant-garde, catering to all tastes and budgets. Which handle best represents me: a magic eight ball or a bull dog? A silver snake handle or a small wooden owl? The staff are as charming as the collection, ready to guide you through their curated offering or provide repair services for the beloved or well used.
With its rich history and dedication to quality, James Smith & Sons is more than a store – it’s a London institution. –Amy Rose Holland
→ Shop: James Smith & Sons (Bloomsbury) • 53 New Oxford St • Mon-Fri 1030a-530p, Sat 1030a-515p.