When it's raining cats and dogs like today, I think of James Smith & Sons Umbrellas, a beautiful Victorian shop in New Oxford Street. They've been a family business for more than 175 years. The First James Smith started their tradition of umbrella making in 1830 when he opened a small shop in Fouberts Place, off Regent Street. He made the umbrellas at the back of the shop and customers were served at the front.
That tradition is still maintained in the New Oxford Street premises. Their workshops have been situated in the basement and it is there that they still make umbrellas and walking sticks. The shop itself is a perfect example of Victorian shop front design and has remained virtually unaltered for 140 years. Inside it is a unique experience - most of the fittings were designed and made by a fitter employed by Mr Smith.
I was a bit too shy to get photos of the dreamy interior, but you can see a few photos on their website. Check out the seatsticks, walking sticks and canes while you're there!
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