Ince Umbrellas – Throwing Shade on the Rest for 200 Years

James Ince and Sons Umbrellas Ltd has a history as the oldest umbrella maker in the UK. James Ince, a silk weaver from Spitalfields, London, founded the company in 1805. He originally made parasols for ladies, but later also umbrellas for men and children.

Expansion and Diversification

In the 1860s, the company began to wholesale and export its products. By the early 1900s, James Ince and Sons was one of the largest umbrella manufacturers in the world. The company also began to produce garden furniture, although in a limited way.

In the 20th century, James Ince and Sons faced a number of challenges, including the two World Wars and the rise of mass-produced umbrellas. However, the company survived and continued to innovate. In the 1960s, it introduced its first fully automatic umbrella, and in the 1980s, it launched its first golf umbrella.

The Process – Then and Now

The process of making umbrellas has changed significantly in the past 200 years. Here are some of the key differences:

Ribs: In the past, ribs came from wood or whalebone. Today, ribs come from fiberglass or carbon fiber. Fiberglass and carbon fiber are stronger and more lightweight than wood or whalebone, which makes the umbrella more durable and easier to carry.

Canopy: In the past, the canopy contained silk or cotton. Today, the canopy contain water-resistant fabric, such as polyester or nylon. Polyester and nylon are more water-resistant than silk or cotton, which makes the umbrella more effective at keeping you dry in the rain.

Handle: In the past, the handle were wooden. Today, the handle is made of plastic or metal. Plastic and metal are more durable than wood, which makes the umbrella more resistant to wear and tear.

Manufacturing process: In the past, umbrellas were hand-made. Today, most umbrellas are made using machines. This has made it possible to produce umbrellas more quickly and cheaply.

The changes in the manufacturing process and materials used have made umbrellas more durable, lightweight, and water-resistant. As a result, umbrellas are now more popular than ever before.

Staying Power

Today, James Ince and Sons is still a family-owned business. It is based in Hackney, London, and employs around 50 people. The company produces a range of umbrellas, including promotional umbrellas, golfing umbrellas and garden sun shades and furnishings. It also produces umbrellas, both historic and modern, for film, television and theatre productions.

James Ince and Sons has been crafting umbrellas for over 200 years, and it continues to produce high-quality products that are in demand all over the world.

Milestones

Here are some of the key events in the history of James Ince and Sons:

1805: James Ince founded the company in Spitalfields, London.
1820s: The company begins to make parasols for ladies.
1860s: The company begins to wholesale and export its products.
Early 1900s: The company begins to produce garden furniture.
1960s: The company introduces the first fully automatic umbrella.
1980s: The company launches the first golf umbrella.
Present day: The company is still a family-owned business based in Hackney, London.