The Gentleman's Umbrella: A British Tradition
Today, the gentleman's umbrella is one of the most recognisable accessories of British style, associated with elegance, practicality and a certain understated sophistication. Yet its place in the British wardrobe was not always so assured. In the 1750s, when the merchant and travel writer Jonas Hanway began regularly carrying an umbrella through the streets of London, he reportedly attracted ridicule from passers-by who considered it an unusual accessory for a man. Despite the mockery, Hanway continued carrying his umbrella for decades, and by the time of his death in 1786, other London gentlemen had begun to follow his example.
What began as an eccentricity gradually became a familiar sight on Britain's streets, evolving into an accessory that would become closely associated with British craftsmanship and gentlemanly style.
From a London Curiosity to a British Tradition
By the Victorian era, the umbrella had become an established part of the gentleman's wardrobe, carried alongside tailored overcoats and bowler hats. London umbrella makers developed a reputation for producing elegant, durable designs that could be rolled neatly, carried comfortably and repaired rather than replaced. The long, slender umbrella, often finished with a curved wooden handle, became as much an expression of personal style as a practical defence against Britain's unpredictable weather.
Over time, the gentleman's umbrella developed a distinctive silhouette that remains recognisable more than a century later. With its neatly furled canopy, slender shaft and elegant crook handle, it can be carried comfortably even when the rain has stopped. Traditionally finished in black, navy or deep green, it complements formal clothing without drawing unnecessary attention.
The Craftsmanship Behind a Fine Umbrella
While the gentleman's umbrella is admired for its elegant appearance, much of what distinguishes a finely made umbrella lies in the craftsmanship beneath its canopy. A well-made umbrella should feel balanced in the hand, open smoothly and provide dependable protection when the weather changes. Achieving this requires careful attention to the frame, shaft, handle and canopy, with each component contributing to the umbrella's strength, comfort and longevity.
Bucklesbury continues this tradition of British umbrella-making, with each umbrella handcrafted in London at a workshop whose umbrella-making heritage dates back to 1805. Rather than relying on the hollow metal shafts commonly found in mass-produced designs, the Bucklesbury Classic English umbrella is built around a solid beechwood core sourced sustainably from English forests. Its polished maple crook handle is scorched by hand using a real flame, creating subtle variations in the wood that give each umbrella its own character.
The attention to detail extends to the frame, which is assembled by skilled craftspeople using springs made in Sheffield and non-ferrous fittings designed to resist rust. These traditional techniques and carefully selected materials reflect a philosophy of making umbrellas that are intended to be carried, maintained and repaired over many years.
For those who appreciate an even more traditional construction, the Bucklesbury London Umbrella is crafted from a single, uncut length of English chestnut or maple, with the handle and shaft forming one continuous piece of wood. Producing an umbrella in this way requires timber of exceptional straightness and quality, alongside the skill needed to shape and finish it. The result is a distinctive example of English umbrella-making that celebrates the natural beauty of the wood and the craftsmanship behind it.
An Enduring Part of British Style
The gentleman's umbrella has remained a familiar presence in British culture, appearing in films, television and images of London life as a symbol of understated elegance. Although the bowler hat has largely disappeared from everyday wardrobes and formal dress has become less common, the traditional long umbrella has retained its appeal.
Its enduring popularity owes much to its versatility. A neatly rolled umbrella looks equally appropriate alongside a tailored overcoat on a working morning or casual clothing during a weekend walk. Despite its traditional association with gentlemen, the design is by no means exclusive to men and appeals to anyone who values its design and craftsmanship.
For those choosing a traditional umbrella today, Bucklesbury offers a range of colours, from classic black and navy to racing green and burgundy, allowing personal preference to sit comfortably alongside heritage design. Each Bucklesbury umbrella carries the Rain Tested in England™ trademark and is presented in a 100% cotton bag within a Rain Tested in England™ presentation box, making it a thoughtful gift as well as a lasting addition to one's own wardrobe.
More than two centuries after Jonas Hanway was reportedly mocked for carrying an umbrella through London, the city continues to produce them using techniques shaped by generations of British craftsmanship. What began as an unusual accessory has become an enduring expression of British style, with the gentleman's umbrella remaining as practical and relevant today as ever.
