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

Newly Open: Sheelin Lace London

Stand F052/53 on the first floor has undergone a delightful makeover, Rosemary Cathcart and Lilee of Sheelin Lace London have created an ethereal display of beautiful antique lace. It really is a sight to behold.  It is the first time Sheelin Lace have opened in London.  Their original shop and museum in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland has become a destination for those looking for antique lace and in particular Irish lace.

We asked Rosemary a few questions...

What first interested you in lace?

I first got interested in lace about 30 years ago and have been collecting ever since, I am interested in all types of antique needlework but particularly lace, the skill involved in making lace has always fascinated me, and I consider it an amazing art form.

How did you start dealing in lace? 

I opened my shop in N Ireland 16 years ago and sold all types of antiques at first, but very soon I decided to specialise in lace and Costume and also developed the lace museum which has the largest collection of Irish lace in Ireland.

Is there a special piece in your shop that is a personal favourite?

We have many beautiful pieces for sale in the London shop but I particularly love the Irish lace wedding gown and the little pincushion ladies with the antique lace gowns.

There are many types of lace do you have a particular favourite?

My favourite laces are any of the Irish needlelaces as these take the most skill to make and are made with the finest thread, sometimes as fine as 400 gauge.

Do you see any current trends in the antique lace market?

Antique lace is always in fashion as the designers are always using it in their new collections, a few weeks ago I had Chanel designers in my shop looking for lace for their up and coming collection.

I think people will always love lace.

Sheelin Lace London

Stand: F052/53 at Alfies Antique Market

Phone: 078 9589 5247

Email: rosemarycathcart1@gmail.com

Sheelin Lace website