The least expensive full-size Brigg umbrella, made from a bamboo handle with a nylon canopy, is $420, or the equivalent of 14 years of cheap umbrellas, assuming a pace of three cheap ones a year.

Brigg has since become an internationally-renowned symbol of great British umbrella-making. So much so, in fact, that it even made an appearance as the umbrella of choice for the Kingsman movies.

Swaine Adeney Brigg makes exclusive umbrellas and has been providing the British Royals with them since 1893. The company also makes props for films. We paid them a visit.