Artikel: The Ultimate Guide to British Umbrellas
The umbrella has been part of British life for more than two and a half centuries. When the merchant and travel writer Jonas Hanway began carrying one through London in the 1750s, he was reportedly ridiculed for it; by the time of his death in 1786, other Londoners had followed his example. Today the long, furled umbrella with a curved handle is one of the most recognisable accessories in British dress.
Yet two umbrellas that look alike on a stand can be very different in the hand. This guide explains how a traditional British umbrella is made, the main styles to choose from, and the details that separate one made to last from one that will be replaced within a season.
The Main Styles of British Umbrella
The classic stick umbrella. The most traditional form: a full-length umbrella with a straight shaft and a crook handle, carried furled when it is not in use. The Bucklesbury Classic Umbrella is made in this tradition, on a shaft of solid English beechwood, with a canopy 106 cm across. It is about 91 cm long and weighs about 0.5 kg.
The solid stick umbrella. The most traditional construction of all, in which the handle and shaft are one continuous length of wood rather than two pieces joined together. The Bucklesbury London Umbrella is made in this way from a single length of English chestnut, with no joint between handle and shaft; the Bucklesbury London Ladies Umbrella is made in the same way from English maple.
The telescopic umbrella. A compact umbrella whose shaft folds down so that it can be carried in a bag or briefcase. It offers less coverage than a full-length umbrella but far more convenience for travel and commuting. The Bucklesbury Telescopic Umbrella folds to 45 cm, opens automatically and has a canopy 102 cm across.
What to Look for in a Well-Made Umbrella
The shaft. Many mass-produced umbrellas use a hollow metal shaft. A solid wooden shaft feels more substantial in the hand and ages well with use. The Bucklesbury Classic Umbrella is built on solid English beechwood from sustainable forests.
The handle. The handle should be comfortable to hold and, on a full-length umbrella, easy to hang over the arm. Where handle and shaft are a single length of timber, as on the Bucklesbury London Umbrella, there is no joint at all.
The canopy. The canopy should be generous and taut when open, and fold neatly when closed. Bucklesbury canopies are made from Japanese-engineered fabric; on the Bucklesbury Classic Umbrella the canopy is 106 cm across, which gives generous cover.
The frame. The frame takes the strain each time the umbrella is opened and closed. Look for one that opens smoothly and sits firmly when open.
The finish. Small details reveal how an umbrella was made. Each Bucklesbury umbrella is constructed by hand in London, in small batches, using traditional techniques, and is individually finished by a craftsman. Every one is opened, checked and rain tested before it leaves us.
Choosing a Colour
Black remains the most versatile choice: it suits tailoring, outerwear and weekend clothing alike, and draws no unnecessary attention. Navy and racing green are equally traditional and pair well with country and city dress, while burgundy adds a little more character. For weddings, ivory white and champagne umbrellas complement bridal attire and photograph beautifully.
Caring for a British Umbrella
A well-made umbrella will last for many years with the right care:
- Leave it open to dry after use, so that the fabric can breathe and the metal parts stay free of rust.
- Never store it wet or creased.
- Fold and furl it neatly to protect both the canopy and the fastener.
- Keep it away from radiators and other heat sources, which can cause a wooden crook handle to lose its shape.
- Avoid very strong winds and storms, particularly in exposed places such as the seafront.
- Clean the canopy with plain water only, as cleaning products can remove its protective proofing.
Our care notes are on the Umbrella Care page, and our full care guide explains each step in more detail.
Made in London
Each Bucklesbury umbrella is made by hand in London, in a workshop with umbrella-making heritage dating back to 1805. Every umbrella is Rain Tested In England™ and is dispatched in a cotton cover and a Bucklesbury presentation box, which makes it a fitting gift as well as a lasting addition to one's own wardrobe.
Whether you choose the Bucklesbury Classic Umbrella, the Bucklesbury London Umbrella in a single length of chestnut or maple, or the Bucklesbury Telescopic Umbrella for everyday journeys, the principles are the same: good materials, careful construction and an umbrella made to be carried for many years.
