So much has been written in recent years about the need for greater sustainability in a world driven by consumerism.. There are several ways in which individuals can affect genuine change for this issue that are all concerned with nurturing a greater understanding of how we buy, use and dispose of the items we use. The philosophy of reduce, reuse and recycle is now so well known that the ultra-modern trend of upcycling is evident everywhere.
This is perhaps best exemplified in the worlds of fashion and furniture. Red carpets and catwalks are now a wonderful showcase of how luxury vintage clothing and accessories can be aligned with newer pieces to create entirely new looks and aesthetics. Similarly, the interior design landscape has always been open to using retro and vintage pieces and influences as statements in eye catching ways.
A big part of the thrill is actually finding these wonderful gems in the first place. Searching through markets and stalls for antique and vintage items can be a rewarding treasure hunt that is also a fantastic way to spend the day. London has an incredible selection of vintage markets to explore, and these are a selection of our recent favourites.
Northcote Road Antiques Market
The Northcote Road Antiques Market in Battersea was created in 1986 with a collection of 30 freelance dealers trading in Georgian chests, vintage kitchen furniture and everything in between. You can now find unique items that range from classic 19th and 20th Century designs across the art movement eras with a specialisation in retro vintage. This is a classically elegant emporium that displays carefully curated items against the wonderful scenery of the premises themselves.
Here you may see regency class chandeliers just waiting to be rediscovered and claim a new place to be admired in your home. The mahogany and walnut Georgian furniture collections connect you to a London from generations ago that you can bring back to life in the design scheme of any modern room. There are also ceramics, jewellery and prints from the Victorian era on view and for sale that will undoubtedly hold intriguing tales from the past too.
Old Spitalfields Market
Old Spitalfields Market had an illustrious start over 350 years when it was granted a prestigious royal charter by King Charles II. Ever since, the market has been central to the development of this area of East London from its beginnings serving fresh produce to a growing population, through to its prominence as a textile trading destination in the 19th Century, before arriving as the modern market we see today. There are market stalls, street food traders, fashion boutiques and restaurants all under one stunningly preserved Victorian roof.
The Thursday Antiques market, curated by Sherman & Waterman, is where you will be rubbing shoulders with interior designers, film studio creatives and fashion house royalty in search of the most coveted pieces from all over the UK and Europe. This is an opportunity to see how the experts in vintage retail demonstrate the passion and knowledge for what they do in a joyful and engaging atmosphere.
Portobello Road Market
It would be impossible not to mention Portobello Road Market in any guide to the capital’s vintage market scene. Nestled in the luxurious surroundings of West London’s exclusive Notting Hill area, this is definitely one of the most famous markets on the planet. In fact, the truth is that Portobello Road Market is actually a combination of markets now with clothing & fashion, antiques and second hand goods all on display within distinct sections across Portobello Green, Golborne Road and the surrounding vicinities
Fridays here would be our selection for a visit with vintage clothing stalls and the Antique sellers open for your delight without the busier crowds that a Saturday brings. Be sure to arrive as early as possible though to ensure that you have the best chance of finding that unique treasure. Aiming to begin your own voyage of vintage discovery before 10am would be our advice for a successful day on Portobello Road Market.
The Greenwich Vintage Market
The Greenwich Vintage Market is ideally placed in the Royal Borough of Greenwich to make it part of an unmissable day visit amongst other notable attractions such as the Cutty Sark, Greenwich Park and The Queen’s House. The owners and vendors have worked hard to make this a real community asset that brings people together through an uplifting atmosphere with a wide variety of eclectic product offerings. The Jewellery on show is a delightful mix of vintage and costume that competes with silver and resin pieces for the ultimate fashion accessories or even unique gifts.
If you are looking to find standout ceramics, then Greenwich Vintage Market has to be on your list with Royal Doulton crockery and retro Hornsea pottery amongst the pieces you can expect to find. With the functional furniture of a polished Georgian dressing table next to the fun fabrics of a vintage beaded Indian bedspread, there is something here for every kind of seeker to enjoy.
Wood Street Indoor Market
Wood Street Indoor Market represents a much quirkier offering for all your vintage requirements in a much more intimate, indoor setting. This former cinema houses a family run retail establishment that has been faithfully passed down the generations since 1955. The vintage clothing traders here are a special attraction with stalls dedicated to outfits from the 1960s and 1970s and collections ranging from a tribute to London’s world famous Mod scene through to cabaret performances and post war fashion.
Wood Street Indoor market is a bit of a secret amongst vintage finders and so may offer something a little more unusual for you to pick up from West German pottery to antique kitchen utensils. This fantastic cove of curiosities will leave you charmed and informed with artisans and knowledgeable dealers that are always happy to talk you through what they have to offer.
Start your own journey of discovery through the vintage markets of London today and uncover that perfect piece to start the next chapter of its story.
