Royal Affiliations: Hats, Umbrellas & Whips
John Ross
The founder of Swaine, John Ross, began a long-standing association with the Royal Family, providing them with whips, hats, and umbrellas.
Trading at 238 Piccadilly from March 1770, he advertised himself in the Daily Maker as the “Whip Maker to the Royal Family.” The business was later sold after John Ross requested that all future royal commissions be transferred to Swaine & Co., his successor in trade.
(Read more about John Ross)
Swaine & Co
Following the transfer of ownership, Swaine & Co. had, as early as 1798, advertised themselves on their letterhead as whip makers to His Majesty King George III.
The account book also shows that Swaine’s customers included George III’s consort, Queen Charlotte, and four of his sons: the Prince Regent (later George IV), the Duke of Cumberland (who would become Ernest Augustus I, King of Hanover), and the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Adolphus. Among these, it was the Prince Regent and his dandified circle who truly established the standard for the sale of high-quality whips during this period.
Swaine & Isaac
In 1825, James Swaine invited William Isaac to join the firm. By 1837, Swaine & Isaac had built an elite reputation through their relationship with the newly crowned Queen Victoria.
Securing Victoria’s patronage was highly significant. Although often later depicted as an older widow, she was a young monarch at her accession, bringing a fresh presence to a court previously shaped by three ageing kings since the reign of George III began in 1760. By the 1830s, European royalty, including Louis Philippe, King of France, were among their esteemed clients.
A keen horsewoman, Victoria frequently rode sidesaddle and was often seen on horseback despite pressure to travel by carriage, regularly carrying a whip.
Initially, the whips made for her by Swaine & Isaac were likely as much fashion pieces as riding tools. This remained the case until the 1860s, when improved sidesaddle design allowed women greater freedom to ride more vigorously. As a result, ladies’ whips evolved from decorative objects into practical hunting equipment, many examples of which survive today.
Swaine & Adeney
The brand evolved into a renowned European name, achieving global success at world fairs in Paris, Vienna, Philadelphia, and Chicago, culminating in the award of the Grand Prix at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle
In March 1863, Swaine & Adeney were appointed whip manufacturers to Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, and were commissioned to craft two carriage whips for his wedding to Princess Alexandra of Denmark.
As the railway industry encroached on the market for coaching whips, Swaine & Adeney shifted focus to crafting bespoke pieces for hunting and horse racing enthusiasts. The Prince of Wales’s passion for these pursuits earned praise from manufacturers and the sporting press, who hailed him as a saviour of British equestrian traditions.
Under Swaine & Adeney, the brand accquired other prestigious heritage names: Brigg Umbrellas and Herbert Johnson hats.
Swaine & Adeney Ltd
Edwards official booklet "In Good Hands" illustrates the increasing need in the 1920s, to survive and thrive in the machine made age. In the 1920s they developed an extensive line of handcrafted leather gloves for which they were rewarded in 1931 with a new royal warrant as glove makers to George V.
Brigg Royal Affiliations
Brigg’s commitment to craftsmanship and artistic excellence was rewarded, leading to their first Royal Warrant under Queen Victoria. This was an especially notable moment, as it was the first time an umbrella brand had been granted such an honour.
In 1899, Brigg established a showroom in Paris at 33 Avenue de l’Opéra. This location served as a gateway to the Continent, attracting further royal patrons such as the King and Queen of Spain, the King and Queen of Portugal, the Queen of Norway, and the Duchess of Sparta, further enhancing the brand’s royal affiliations and reputation.
Herbert Johnson Royal Affiliations
In 1901, Herbert Johnson swiftly received a prestigious warrant of appointment as Hatter to His Majesty King Edward VII. This warrant was renewed annually throughout Edward's reign and extended into the reigns of subsequent monarchs.
From 1952 onwards, the press regularly referred to the company as "the Queen's Hatters". Following Edward's lead, other European crowned heads also bestowed patronage and warrants of appointment, including Nicholas II, Tsar of Russia; George I, the Danish King of the Hellenes; and Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany.
