Last Minute Gift Ideas

Alfies is the perfect place to find your last minute Christmas gifts, we have something for everyone. Below is just a small selection of ideas for your friends and family. Our last day this year is Saturday 21st December, so you still have time to find that special gift.

We will re-open on Thursday, 2nd January at 10am.


For the Kids:

Vintage childrens books offered by East West Antiques

For the Home:

1920s Magpie Figurines, Russian. Offered by Gloria Sinclair

For Him

1950s/60s Invicta Watch offered by Moe Heidarieh

For Her

1930s Beaded Evening Bag offered by June Victor

For the Office

Desk Calender, 1936. Offered by The Originals - Paola & Iaia

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Alfies Christmas Shopping Event

Last night was the Alfies Christmas shopping party 2013, our lovely guests created a lively atmosphere and our dealers were in the festive mood. Meanwhile in the Roof Top Kitchen customers were treated to delightful tunes sung by The Haywood Sisters. Overall it was a great success, thanks to all who came!

The Haywood Sisters at The Roof Top Kitchen

Lilee of Sheelin Lace (centre) and friends

Dealer Gloria Sinclair

Kieron Rielly (centre) and friends

 Stylish guests

Dealer Beth (right)

Handmade by You workshop, making snow globes

The Flapper Dress

The festive party season is almost here, it's time to get glamorous and plan your Christmas and New Year's Eve outfit. When we think of Christmas party attire we think sequins, ruffles, fringe and beads - which makes the flapper the ideal party dress.

1920s Beaded Peach Flapper Dress, offered by Sheelin Lace London

1920s Taupe Beaded Flapper Dress, offered by Sheelin Lace London

Edwardian Peach Flapper Dress, offered by Velvet Atelier

Lame 1920s Dress, offered by Velvet Atelier

1920s Dress, offered by Tin Tin Collectables

1920s Dress, offered by Tin Tin Collectables

Read more about the elegant flapper dress in the Financial Times 'How to Spend It' article where Tin Tin Collectables is also mentioned!

Winter Warmers

The chilly season is upon us but that does not necessarily mean we must wear bulky puffa jackets, fleece zip ups or any other type of plain garment usually associated with winter. At Alfies you will find chic vintage winter wear that will ensure you look stylish and on-trend all year round!

Biba of Kensington Coat - Beige window pane, check wool coat with internal belt, single button fastening and swing back. Offered by Tin Tin Collectables.

Biba of Kensington Coat

1940s Ski Suit - 2 piece suit in boucle wool with original metal zip and fastenings. Offered by Tin Tin Collectables.

1940s Ski Suit

Edwardian Coat - Black cotton velvet with cornelli cord embroidery. Offered by Tin Tin Collectables.

Edwardian Coat

Sid Greene of London - 1960s Long sleeved mini dress. Offered by June Victor.

A selection of vintage leather gloves. Offered by June Victor.

Vintage Faux Fur Jacket. Offered by Velvet Atelier.

Vintage Faux Fur Jacket. Offered by Velvet Atelier.

Alfies Christmas Shopping Party

On Thursday 12th December Alfies Antique Market will once again opening its door for exclusive after-hours Christmas Shopping. Escape the high street and join over 75 independent antique, vintage and 20th century dealers for a festive night of Christmas Shopping.

Join us from 5pm-9pm on the 12th December for complimentary drinks and treats from the Rooftop Kitchen, musical delights from the Haywood Sisters and four floors full of original gifts. Take part in a snow globe making workshop in the Handmade by You studio or see what's in store for 2014 with our tarot reader.

Invitations are free, but you must RSVP for entry!

For more information contact us via info@alfiesantiques.com

Vintage Kitchenalia

We've recently noticed that the trend for collecting vintage kitchenalia is very popular and so we thought it would be a good idea to share some inspiration with you. One of our Alfies' dealers who has been collecting vintage kitchenalia for many years, is Iaia from the Originals. Together with her partner Paola, she runs a wonderful shop on the second floor specialising in vintage costume jewellery and collectable items for the home including a fantastic selection of vintage kitchenalia. Here are some of her items...

1950s Biscuit and Pastry Cutter for mince pies and biscuits.
From Paola and Iaia - The Originals

Vintage Double Blade Chopper
From Paola and Iaia - The Originals

1950s Vegetable Slicers
From Paola and Iaia - The Originals

Early 20th Century Tin Openers
From Paola and Iaia - The Originals

Selection of Herb and Cheese Choppers from the Victorian period and the 1930s.
From Paola and Iaia - The Originals

Vintage Triangle Grater with different grating textures on each side
From Paola and Iaia - The Originals

1950s chipper to cut chips and a matching tool to make ruffled shapes
From Paola and Iaia - The Originals

1950s Pastry Cutter
From Paola and Iaia - The Originals

Selection of vintage cookery books from 1910s until the 1960s
From Paola and Iaia - The Originals

For more information visit

www.alfiesantiques.com

British Midcentury Design: Merrow Associates

We've noticed an increase in demand for Merrow Associates furniture at Alfies recently.  The man behind the highly sought after company is Richard Young.  A graduate from the Royal College of Art, Young was also a cabinet maker and the importance of materials in the design process is clearly visible in all his pieces.  

Merrow Associates rosewood sideboard with brushed stainless steel doors, chrome feet and stretcher c.1960. Offered by Martin Rooney at Alfies.

Rosewood, glass, brushed and polished steel are usually combined to create high quality pieces with luxurious finishes.

Young also trained under Professor Ole Wanscher at the Royal Art Academy Copenhagen and a strong 1950s Scandinavian influence permeates his designs.  

Merrow Associates rosewood dining table with chrome legs. Offered by Francesca Martire at Alfies.

The company made a lot of custom pieces for trade and distribution to the public was limited to Heal's and Harrods.  Some larger items such as dining tables are more widely available but still hold the appeal of this lesser known British designer.

Making quality traditional modern classics was the ethos of the company and the designs certainly reflect that.  The glossy finishes and sleek shapes fit as easily in a modern setting as they did when they were produced, which adds hugely to their desirability.

A rosewood and chrome trolley by Merrow Associates. Offered by Travers Antiques at Alfies.

Find a selection of Merrow Associates pieces and many similar styles at Alfies Antique Market.  Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am -6pm.

Astor Place Opens 5000sq ft Showroom at Alfies

This autumn Astor Place opens to the public with a new 5000sq ft showroom at Alfies Antique Market.  After 20 years sourcing rare pieces for an exclusive client list, they now have a permanent base offering high end 20th century design.

Astor Place offers a contrasting shopping experience to the close knit warren of shops on the upper floors of Alfies.  The expansive space presents a luxury edit of vintage and bespoke furniture, with designer pieces displayed alongside a range of decorative accessories.  A collection of vibrant vintage movie posters and art adorn the walls.

Iconic pieces include a pair of fabulous 1960s swivel tub chairs by Leon Rosen for Pace and a pair of Brutalist form sculptural lamps by Maurizio Tempestini (pictured above).

“We are enamored with vintage objects, beautiful shapes and unusual finds. What matters to us is the history, the personality and the craftsmanship.”

The arrival of Astor Place reinforces Alfies’ position as one of the world’s leading destinations for the very best in original 20th Century furniture and accessories.  With more 20th century dealers than anywhere else in London and with a diverse collection of vintage design rivaling any modern design showroom, savvy collectors are coming to Alfies for pieces to love and invest in.  

Visit Astor Place from Tuesday - Saturday from 10am-6pm.

Website: www.astorplacelondon.com