Mr Stanford: umbrellas made in England

Mr Stanford is based in Brighton and designs umbrellas. The company was created as a result of the founder's inability to find an umbrella that would stand up to the monsoon rains of South East Asia.

There is an emphasis on British manufacture and design, with umbrellas designed in house and made at James Ince & Sons in Spitalfields, London. This company was founded in 1805 and is still owned by the Ince family. Printing is carried out in London, weaving in Italy and handles are from sustainable sources and produced in the UK and Italy.

I was sent a Rangoon Camel (pictured above) to try out. It sports a classic whangee handle, which reminds me of the umbrellas used by my father and grandfather when I was a child. The shaft is made of oak-stained beechwood and details like the black mother of pearl button add to a feeling of quality.

Overall the brolly feels light in weight but solidly built and it looks better in life than in the images. Robust and very stylish,  it even keeps off the rain! Visit Mr Stanford's website for more information and to buy.