Fox Umbrellas

Fox Umbrellas has a rich history that began in 1868 during the reign of Queen Victoria, when Mr Thomas Fox opened a shop in Fore Street, London, making and selling umbrellas. After twelve years, the business was sold to Samuel Dixon, the grandfather of June Dixon, marking the start of the Dixon family’s long association with the brand. The company’s legacy is deeply rooted in innovation, with the introduction of the steel umbrella frame by Mr Samuel Fox in the 1880s, a major advancement that replaced whalebone and set new standards in umbrella manufacturing. Samuel Fox, a wire drawer by trade, began producing solid steel ribs in Stocksbridge, near Sheffield, and his expertise led to the development of the first satisfactory steel ribs for umbrellas. Over time, the company adopted the trademark 'Paragon' and continued to refine its production methods. Fox Umbrellas became known for standardising the frame sizes and pioneering the laminated steel rib with a beaded edge, which underwent rigorous testing before being released to the trade. The business expanded under the Dixon family, with June Dixon playing a key role in modernising production while preserving traditional craftsmanship. During World War II, the company manufactured flare parachutes and was the first to introduce nylon into umbrella covers, showcasing them at the Victoria & Albert Museum in 1946. Fox Umbrellas has supplied globally renowned customers, including Alfred Dunhill, T M Lewin, Fortnum & Mason, Hackett, Harrods, Turnbull & Asser, Ralph Lauren, Mitsukoshi, Isetan, Sogo, Tomorrowland, Paul Stuart, Rain or Shine, Bloomingdale, Barneys, and even the English and Japanese Royal families, as well as the late President J.F. Kennedy. The company’s manufacturing division moved to Sutton in 1985, and in 2003, the company name was changed to Fox Umbrellas Ltd to clarify its identity. A new purpose-built factory and showroom opened in Shirley, near Croydon, Surrey, in 2006, allowing visitors to see the full range of umbrellas and sticks being made. The business remains family-run, with the Managing Director taking over in 2013 and the Director of Manufacturing, who has spent fifteen years mastering traditional methods, overseeing production. Many staff members have been with the company for years, reflecting a commitment to both tradition and continuity.