A Look Inside the Oldest Umbrella Store in London

A Look Inside the Oldest Umbrella Store in London


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London is famous for its historic shops and many of these can trace their history back for decades. However, there are certain venues which tend to stand out from the rest.

One interesting example is without a doubt James Smith & Sons. If you are curious to learn more about one of the best-kept London secrets, you will find the information below quite interesting. 

Humble Roots

This history of this London umbrella store stretched back to the year 1830. Mr. James Smith first began selling handmade umbrellas from a shop located close to Regent Street. However, it was not before long that he was able to move to larger premises. This new umbrella store was found at 53 New Oxford Street and its location has not changed since 1851. 

A Slice of Traditional London History

One of the most interesting aspects of James Smith & Sons is that it has stayed true to its roots over the years. Unlike many other venues which have opted for a more modern appeal, this umbrella store appears as if it were cut from a Victorian-era greeting card. From the incredibly quaint signage to the wooden exterior trim, very little has changed since its inception. 

The same holds true in regards to its interior. While it may appear to be slightly cluttered, the fact of the matter is that such a quality only adds to the charm that customers can expect to experience. The warm wooden tones of the counter and the seemingly endless umbrella racks silently echo more than a century of continuous use. As there are other artefacts and historical pieces that can be traced back to the 19th century, James Smith & Sons could very well be mistaken for a museum if not for the nearly endless customers who purchase their quality products on a daily basis. 

Continuing Well Into the 21st Century

James Smith & Sons still offers the same attention to detail that has made them famous over the years. From men's and women's umbrellas to speciality items such as walking sticks and drinking vessels, this London store seems to have it all. 

The good news is that this unparalleled sense of ambience is not expected to change anytime in the near future. Anyone who is searching for quality umbrellas alongside a taste of true British history should make it a point to frequent James Smith & Sons.

News written by the team of The-shops.co.uk The-Shops.co.uk

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A Look Inside the Oldest Umbrella Store in London