A Gentleman's London, Episode Five: Swaine

Episode five of "A Gentleman's London" explores Swaine's legacy of craftsmanship and British heritage since 1750, from silk-covered umbrellas to symbolic military headwear.
Videography: Hash Rifai, Public Members Club
For more:
therake.com
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[@johntocho8954]

During my first visit in 1980, I bought a Brigg umbrella and copper hunt horn...have them to this day. The original black rubber 0-ring on my umbrella remains as well. I am so glad you are doing this series, thank you very much!

[@w.adammandelbaum1805]

For equestrian needs, Swaine is Saddle Row.

[@tfchamberlin]

V good.

[@SmallerLives]

I only found this channel yesterday and it has rapidly become one of my favourites. I didn't think I was interested in tailoring or haircuts but so far I've found everything to be really interesting - and Tom is a most excellent presenter!

[@jg90049]

Many years ago, when I lived in San Francisco, Swane Adeny had a small shop just off of Union Square on Post St. I bought an umbrella there in 1990 (or so) and I still have it. It works perfectly. Quality counts.

[@haraldsulzmann3893]

I love all these videos about London. Tom is a great presenter. Hope for more.

[@markbutler9442]

enjoy the bloopers at the end of these episodes.

[@RighteousReverendDynamite]

Very informative about such well-made goods that will last a century or more with good care. Those craftsmen and women are excellent.

[@thegreatone-australia1851]

Loving the episode so thanks - makes us proud to be British.

[@countalma9800]

This is great series. Thank you!

[@fluffybubble2093]

Love the video! Keep on with these because you're smashing it!

[@thom-bennett-tailoring]

Beautiful military caps, and of course the umbrellas are to die for. Thanks for taking the time to make the video.

[@thenazarite2444]

Great work Tom

[@christianliechtenstein4879]

tom is the perfect presenter for this series !

[@barrywa39]

Once again Tom, a most informative, and enjoyable video. Well done on the umbrella pun. I now need to buy myself a whangee umbrella. As always, the out takes were a perfect ending to your video. Well done.

[@henryarn]

People may say the Brigg umbrella is expensive but my experience with one that held its value and may even saved me money by not having to buy cheap umbrellas over a 20 year period. I'm not paid to advertise a brigg umbrella is a true value.

[@michaelfk2548]

Perfect !

[@christinacutlass1694]

That tweed jacket on you♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🥰

[@jonathanraven5939]

My dream is perhaps one day to purchase a Swain Bond attaché case, one of their umbrellas, and a beautiful fedora.

[@michaelmontagu3979]

I remember when it was Swaine Adeney Brigg when it was next door to Fortnum and Mason. Great place for obviously umbrellas, but gloves as well.

[@jakecavendish3470]

I remember SAB, the new one looks a bit too Hong Kong for me but glad they are still making umbrellas

[@dechiatt]

magnifico

[@eddalexander6030]

Never imagined Tom swearing 😮🤭

[@yeahweburnstuff]

Increased his sex appeal significantly....

[@paulmcgee1867]

The same year when who died? The old shop was so nice and brilliant bags. The cherry pickers aren’t called that because of their trousers but because before or during a battle part of the regiment was in an orchard. The trousers serve as a reminder.

[@tfchamberlin]

JS Bach. My understanding, and this is on the official website of the KRH too, is that crimson was the official livery colour of Prince Albert and the regiment wore the colours on the day of his wedding to Victoria in 1840. He granted them permission to continue wearing them from then.

[@Angstroem6563]

While Swain's offerings certainly delight one's inner Q-Branch, Mr Chamberlin's double breasted suit is quite splendid as well. And the lighthearted anecdotes made this episode thoroughly enjoyable.

[@pymslane]

Who is the lady in the old picture featuring the Rolls-Royce? I’m guessing at Clemmie Churchill but intrigued.

[@arthurcatalanotto1151]

Does anyone know the name of the intro music? Shazam is malfunctioning. I am enjoying these The Rake episodes.

[@tfchamberlin]

It’s Summer from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

[@justjacqueline2004]

Several of my bosses have a whole host of Swaine Umbrellas all ensconced in umbrella stands at the front and back doors that all go missing when their children's friends escape into the rainy night.All replaced soon after. Dread to think of the cost.

[@stevenquirke981]

I am so glad to learn I am not the only one to turn into an utter poser when walking with an umbrella. I have a modern Blunt brand which I love but honestly the way it affects me is ridiculous....

[@richoneplanet7561]

What a fun comment 😅 good for you man 👍

[@Bjartone]

👏🌂👏🌂👏🌂👏🌂👏🌂👏🌂

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

I do not see how an umbrella would/could replace a nice walking stick. The idea of walking around carrying an umbrella on a nice sunny day is ridiculous. There is a time and a place for everything.

[@yeahweburnstuff]

In England, the umbrella is ALWAYS needed!

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

@@yeahweburnstuff I think you are right! 😁😁😁

[@mikewingert5521]

Swaine, Adeney, Brigg and Son…..aka, The Piccadilly Gunroom. Today’s incarnation is dreadful; too flash and Bond Street.

[@mrd64]

That's how I remember it during the 80s and early 90s.

[@lizzapaolia959]

Thank you for sharing. It's sad to see the criminal element in your beautiful country. The moral decline of society is also disturbing. Britain's rich culture is definitely under attack. The USA is experiencing the same issues. The USA has promoted the export of immorality and rewards those that follow the advice from the USA. Hopefully your beautiful historical country can stop the decline. The USA has corruption deep in the government. The good news is we have men and women of honor and morality. God bless our European brothers and sisters 🙏

[@ericgutierrez5708]

I've always love The Rake but I prefer the videos of the past that were truly about lifestyle and quality of life. A Gentleman's London series is just a number of commercials. What about food, architecture, automobiles, even literature and arts? In essence, why is The Rake now thinking of gentlemen only in terms of consumerism? Are you more beholden to your advertisers and retail partners than to your readership?

[@daniell2217]

It’s a good point, but I’ll just offer a little pushback. One, the commercial institutions highlighted are quintessentially British ones. So, in that vein they do represent an important part of the cultural milieu. Not just a billboard. Two, Tom is limited to who will give him access. Maybe Aston Martin, the British Museum, and whatever erstwhile publishing house, aren’t interested in being featured. Or, maybe they are and you just gotta stay tuned…

[@ciaranoloan6199]

Yes I have been enjoying this series too.

[@theofarmmanager267]

I don’t forget that these videos are free for me to view - but cost to make. So, I expect to somehow pay for my supper. That said, I agree that a gentleman is not defined by the money he spends on clothing and accessories. Indeed, some of the most perfect gentlemen that I’ve known through my long life had little money but they had class.

[@awarwick]

I’d argue they are supporting British craftsmanship rather than consumerism. None of these companies produce mass-produced junk.

[@theofarmmanager267]

@@awarwick I think that’s a valid argument. I would also hope that people understand the definition of gentleman is not who spends more but rather character and style. I would urge people to seek out local craftsman for leather goods, suiting, shoes etc. who may not have the cachet of a London address but produce some high (higher?) quality goods. In terms of small leather goods, I look for details such as the leather (top grain?), lining (any? Suede?cloth?), stitching (machine or hand?). I make leather goods as a hobby just for family and friends and am not a seller but I think I’ve learned to tell a really high quality piece from a piece with a famous label attached. A gentleman should opt for the former and not the latter.

[@michaelgourlay1746]

It is not for oneself to claim to be a gentleman. Others describe you as such. Please use descriptors such as “a man of taste and style”. To claim to be a gentleman is pretentious and means that you are not so.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

Excellent observation. To be a gentleman is much more than a question of good manners and fine taste regarding clothes. A true gentleman is a man of strong ethical principles who would not hesitate to fight in their defence or in the defence of anyone who is being treated in a humiliating manner. My father was like that and EVERYONE who knew him told me so. As Napoleon said: "An honourable name is the most precious legacy a man can leave to his children"