A good umbrella is one of the few accessories used in every kind of weather, and it is expected to look as well on the hundredth wet morning as on the first. Wood plays a large part in that. A solid wooden shaft, or a handle and shaft formed from a single length of timber, gives an umbrella its weight, its balance and its character, and it repays a little attention.
This guide sets out how to look after a wooden umbrella from day to day: how to open it, how to dry it, how to furl and store it, and the few things best avoided. The same habits apply to every Bucklesbury umbrella, from the full-length designs to the telescopic umbrella carried in a bag.
Know Your Umbrella
Wooden umbrellas are made in different ways, and it helps to know which you own.
The Bucklesbury Classic Umbrella is built on a shaft of solid English beechwood from sustainable forests, beneath a canopy of Japanese-engineered fabric 106 cm across. It is about 91 cm long and weighs about 0.5 kg.
The Bucklesbury London Umbrella is made in the most traditional way of all: its handle and shaft are one continuous length of English chestnut, with no joint between them. The Bucklesbury London Ladies Umbrella is made in the same way from a single length of English maple.
In each case the wood is the part of the umbrella you hold and see most often, and the part most affected by how the umbrella is dried and stored.
Opening and Closing
Open your umbrella pointing downwards: lift the ribs slightly, then slide it open. This eases the canopy and frame into position rather than forcing them. Close it in the same unhurried way, letting the canopy fall into its folds before you draw it down.
Drying After Use
The single most important habit is drying. After use, leave your umbrella open to dry, so that the fabric can breathe and the metal parts stay free of rust. A hallway, a cloakroom or a quiet corner of the office will do; somewhere with a little air is best.
Keep it away from radiators and other heat sources while it dries. Direct heat can cause a wooden crook handle to lose its shape. Room temperature and a little patience are far kinder to the timber.
If the handle or shaft is wet, wipe the wood with a soft, dry cloth before you leave the canopy to dry.
Furling and Storing
Once the canopy is completely dry, fold and furl it neatly. A neat furl keeps the umbrella looking new and protects the fastener, which would otherwise take the strain of a loosely rolled canopy.
Never store an umbrella wet or creased, as this can damage the fabric. Store it somewhere dry and out of strong sunlight, since long exposure to direct sunlight can fade the canopy.
Every Bucklesbury umbrella is dispatched in a cotton cover and a Bucklesbury presentation box. Both make a sensible home between outings, particularly for an umbrella kept for occasions such as a wedding, or one that is to be given as a gift.
Cleaning
Clean the canopy with plain water only. Cleaning products can remove the canopy's protective proofing. For marks on the wood, a soft cloth, dry or barely damp, is all that is needed.
What to Avoid
- Strong winds and storms. Avoid very strong winds, particularly in exposed places such as the seafront. An umbrella is made for rain, not for a storm.
- Using it as a walking stick. A full-length umbrella with a crook handle may resemble one, but leaning on it can strain the frame.
- Heat. Radiators, heaters and other heat sources can cause a wooden crook handle to lose its shape.
- Damp storage. Never put an umbrella away wet, creased or furled while still damp.
The Telescopic Umbrella
The same habits apply to the Bucklesbury Telescopic Umbrella, which folds to 45 cm for the bag or briefcase. Because a telescopic umbrella is so often put away in a hurry, it is worth opening it again to dry once you arrive, rather than leaving it folded in a bag.
Made to Be Carried for Years
Every Bucklesbury umbrella is constructed by hand in London, in small batches, using traditional techniques, in a workshop with umbrella-making heritage dating back to 1805. Each is individually finished by a craftsman and Rain Tested In England™ before it leaves us. Looked after in these simple ways, it will remain a pleasure to carry for many years.
Our full care notes are on the Umbrella Care page. For any questions about caring for your umbrella, please write to hello@bucklesbury.com.
