Where to get a British Umbrella? (1 Viewer)

[Andrew W]

This is for any of the UK members that can help...

Alright, it's the rainy season again and my junker umbrella has collapsed. I thought it would be nice to actually get a nice umbrella. Something made from wood and really solid. And who would know umbrellas better than the British? Being a silly American, I figured a really nice British umbrella would cost around $100 which seems crazy unless you count up all the $$$ you spend 19.95 a shot replacing the junkers every year...

So I did some web searching and could only find one possibility: Swaine Adeney Brigg (with a Royal Warrant, of course) But I was way off on the cost. The least expensive model (In hickory) is $225! And you can always replace the nylon cover with waterproofed English Silk for an additional fee of $295.00US.

Now it certainly looks nice, but I can't believe they're the only umbrella maker in the UK that makes quality umbrellas.

Can anyone recommend something nice, sturdy and wood but maybe not so expensive?

Thanks,
Andy

 

[Kim D]

I saw the subject line and the first thing I thought was suggesting a Brigg umbrella from a store in San Francisco -- that's the last time I saw one.

I have a Brigg umbrella and I love it. Even though it died...

The material developed pinholes and now I don't carry it any more but I can't bear to part with it. Some day I'll figure out how to ship it back to England to be rehabbed (whatever the word is).

Mine was a gift. I thought about getting one for my husband and then I saw the price. At the time, I could not quite justify the cost.

They no longer sell them in Chicago (Neiman's used to carrry them) and I don't get to San Francisco often. If I find one again, I'll buy it.

I'll keep checking your thread though because it would be nice to find out about another high quality brand.

- kim

 

[Anthony Hom]

Maybe you need to re-ask the question and use the word bumbershoot instead :b

 

[Andrew W]

Anthony,

Actually, they don't want to lay any claim to that specific terminology:

bumbershoot

 

[Dennis Nicholls]

Or perhaps "brolly"....

Calling Mr. Steed!

 

[Lew Crippen]

Oxford Street

 

[Peter Kline]

Here's an interesting site:

http://www.britishaccents.com/walcan.html

 

[Dennis Nicholls]

Just be aware that sword-umbrellas are illegal in many jurisdictions.

 

[Khoa Tran]

burberry has some nice umbrellas for around 125....

 

[Peter Kline]

Why don't you just let a "smile be your umbrella"? Much cheaper.