Acquisition No. 1: Brolly
The first in a potential series of posts about Things. Although I try not to be terribly materialistic, I do appreciate and am attracted to quality objects. I would much rather spend a good deal of money once on something nice that I will treasure for years to come than spend a little money often on many items just for the sake of having something. Such items are meticulously researched and the decision-making process is exciting to the point of agony. In the past year, I have made some purchases that almost seem to defy sanity.
I love my brolly. I usually can't bring myself to assign proper nouns to inanimate objects, but it really is just the sort of article that ought to have a name. I pause a moment when I retrieve it from the corner of our hall, where it has been standing conspicuously nestled amongst our other umbrellas. Should I need to unfurl it, I always do so with a certain amount of pride.
I had been saving money specifically for the purchase, and by the time I had enough, I knew exactly where I wanted to go and had a rough idea of what I wanted. So, last autumn, I took my wife to the James Smith & Son shop on New Oxford Street, which has been there since 1857. I wanted a sold stick umbrella, and was hoping for a canopy in something other than black. The old gentleman who served me was very happy to show me everything of interest he had on the floor, opening them for inspection, and leaving me to look about. He did not rush me, nor did he lose interest in the face of my inevitable indecision (unlike my wife who knowingly brought a book to read). When I finally made my choice, he let me walk around the store with an adjustable cane, in order for me to work out how long the finshied product should be. He then sent it to the back to be cut to 33" while he gave me tips on care and handling, adding that I can bring it back anytime for repairs.
The maple wood stick has the most beautiful grain, and there is a silver band before the crook. The canopy is burgundy, with a texture to the fabric. It feels sturdy as the canopy is locked open. It's balanced when held above me, and it's the perfect height to walk with. It is a lovely item on its own but also happens to compliment all my dress clothes nicely.
Did I mention I love my brolly?
I love my brolly. I usually can't bring myself to assign proper nouns to inanimate objects, but it really is just the sort of article that ought to have a name. I pause a moment when I retrieve it from the corner of our hall, where it has been standing conspicuously nestled amongst our other umbrellas. Should I need to unfurl it, I always do so with a certain amount of pride.
I had been saving money specifically for the purchase, and by the time I had enough, I knew exactly where I wanted to go and had a rough idea of what I wanted. So, last autumn, I took my wife to the James Smith & Son shop on New Oxford Street, which has been there since 1857. I wanted a sold stick umbrella, and was hoping for a canopy in something other than black. The old gentleman who served me was very happy to show me everything of interest he had on the floor, opening them for inspection, and leaving me to look about. He did not rush me, nor did he lose interest in the face of my inevitable indecision (unlike my wife who knowingly brought a book to read). When I finally made my choice, he let me walk around the store with an adjustable cane, in order for me to work out how long the finshied product should be. He then sent it to the back to be cut to 33" while he gave me tips on care and handling, adding that I can bring it back anytime for repairs.
The maple wood stick has the most beautiful grain, and there is a silver band before the crook. The canopy is burgundy, with a texture to the fabric. It feels sturdy as the canopy is locked open. It's balanced when held above me, and it's the perfect height to walk with. It is a lovely item on its own but also happens to compliment all my dress clothes nicely.
Did I mention I love my brolly?