Lockwood

Those who admire fine craftmanship are often drawn to quality in every aspect of their life. Take umbrellas, for example. There’s quite a difference in the range you can find, but the first-class choice in brolly fashion must be a Lockwood’s. Based in London since 2014, their beautifully crafted umbrellas simply stand out in a downpour.

Handles are tactile and smooth, made from hardwoods sourced in sustainable woodlands. Fine cloth rain shields come hand stitched, supported by a steel frame and brass fittings. You won’t find a Lockwood turning inside out in the wind, and if correctly cared for – it will last a lifetime. The only issue will be which one to choose – a classic solid maple wood with black canopy, a telescopic chestnut root in jaunty red or an extremely covetable slim umbrella with 24k gold plated finish – not one to leave on the bus.

Unashamedly citing themselves as ‘crafters of the world’s finest umbrellas’, founders Moses Manley and Edward Gucewicz merged a centuries-old tradition with a modern forward-thinking approach to marketing – and created Lockwood’s to be an online shop in 2014.

Despite the lack of face-to-face, your experience is remarkably personable. With a made-to-order function you can select your cloth colour, type of stick wood (choose from ash, maple, oak and chestnut) then desired height of umbrella. Added extras include the opportunity for engraved initials and you’re all set with a fine brolly in the post, arriving in a smart hand-printed bag. You’ll be praying for rain!