I had told Suzie that I wanted to drop by James Smith & Sons, an umbrella shop in London which has been family-run since 1830. The shop is as old as you might imagine, as if it was plucked right out of a novel (with a staff from Central Casting to boot). As you may have guessed, they make and sell high-end umbrellas. Eight years ago, I bought an umbrella from them, and it is a fine umbrella. So we dropped in on Friday, ostensibly to have a look around, but really so that I could buy an umbrella for Suzie.
After she had a bit of a look around, I told her the real reason why were were there. Of course, James Smith & Sons stocks ready made umbrellas, but will also custom fit one for you. The shopkeeper (who I am certain is the same fellow who helped me select an umbrella those years ago), was very diplomatic when I inquired as to which ladies umbrella style was best: "why, whichever one she selects is usually the right one for the job." Wise words indeed.
Thus, Suzie had a grand time selecting a handle style, handle color, umbrella length and umbrella color. She even was able to rummage through drawers and drawers of tassles to select one or two to attach to the handle. Now, even though James Smith & Sons employs full time umbrella fitters, there is still a wait to have a custom one made. However, upon learning that we were departing for New York on Sunday, the shopkeeper arranged to have the umbrella ready for us today, Saturday.
Picking out the handle and umbrella color:
Choosing the tassles:
The finished product, waiting for us on Saturday:
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