New Dealer: Andy's Antiques & Collectables

This month we welcome Andy Powell to Alfies. Andy has led an illustrious life, in the 1970s he was a radio personality for Radio London and CBS. Soon afterwards he became a photojournalist capturing key international news events in the 1980s, from the wedding of Diana Spencer to the Gulf War, freelancing for top international media organisations.

His true vocation became apparent in the '90s when he focused on what he truly loved - painting. He became a well known artist whose work has been likened to Picasso and Kandinsky. In 1997 he exhibited at the Royal Academy. 

Examples of Andy Powell's art

You will find an eclectic mix of antiques and collectables in his stand. We asked Andy a few questions...

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your company?

I have been an artist, painter, antique collector and dealer for many years. I have been buying, selling, collecting and dealing since I was 7 years old.

How would your describe your stock?

Antique to historical items from 80 years old and collectables to antiquities over 1000 years old.

What is the most highly sought after item you have in at the moment?

Thomas Toft slipwear charger plates and pottery jugs.

Do you have any personal favourites in your collection?

Slipware and first edition books.

First Editions

A display featuring 17th century slipware plus a few Thomas Toft pieces

What piece would you love to find?

Thomas Toft Smoke Your Nose plate.

Do you have a favourite gallery to visit in London?

Have many but Tate Modern & Tate Britain.

What antiques, besides those you already deal in, would you be interested in collecting?

American historical items.

Vintage cameras

A selection of trinkets

A variety of antiquities and vintage items

Pewter mugs and tankards from the 1800s, jugs from the 1700s

Russian doll set circa 1930s

17th century original hand carved novelty stopper with moving figures

Frederick Remmington original Indian head buckle 1880s 

Andy's Antiques & Collectables | Stand G031-32 | Tel: +44 7806 667 950 | Email: artistandypowell@gmail.com

Summer Catering: Antique Partyware from Alfies

Summer has finally arrived! Temperatures have been soaring this week and with that has come the clinking of Pimms glasses and the smell of the barbecue. If you're planning a picnic, barbecue or summer party this weekend - or want to be prepared for the next mini-heatwave (after all, it's impossible to predict) - then Alfies is a great place to stock up on vintage and antique drinkware and picnicware. A vintage dinner set or water set adds interest and a touch of class to a garden table, so get rid of that plastic atrocity you've had in the cupboard for years, and take a look at what Alfies has on offer.

We have found a great selection of glasses, pitchers and more from some of our dealers here at Alfies, here are our favourites:

1920s/30s American Art Deco Chrome plated cocktail shaker with engraved recipes. From Andy's Antiques & Collectables.

As above.

1920s 1930s Art Deco Whitefriars sapphire blue glass jug and glass set with silver plate drink stirrers. From Robinson Antiques.

1920s/30s English Art Deco green alabaster glass water set. From Robinson Antiques.

1930s silverplate and Bakelite cherry pot with cherry cocktail sticks. From Beth.

1940s red and cream Bakelite ice bucket. From Beth.

1950s Whitefriars ruby glass mixer jug. From Robinson Antiques.

Emmeline Pankhurst

Emmeline Pankhurst was born on this day, July 14, 1858. In 1903, she founded the Women's Social and Political Union, which used militant tactics to agitate for women's suffrage.

As the leader of the British Suffragette movement, Emmeline Pankhurst was highly controversial both in the establishment and the movement itself. Pankhurst was imprisoned many times, but supported the war effort after World War I broke out.

Green, white and violet became the rec­og­nised colours of the Women's Social and Political Union. Since the suff­ragette movement slogan was "Give Women the Vote," Emmeline adopted the three colours: Green = Give, White = Women and Violet = Vote. The WSPU ex­orted women to "wear the colours" and show support for the mo­vement.

Suffragette jewellery flourished until 1918, the year in which British women first obtained the right to vote. Pankhurst died in 1928, sadly shortly before women were given full voting rights.

In celebration of Emmeline Pankhurst, we take a look at the Suffragette jewellery and items in Suffragette colours available at Alfies.

Silver and paste necklace, 1900s, offered by Zeeba Jewels

9ct gold, peridot, amethyst and split pearls, offered by Zeeba Jewels

Suffragette style vintage ring, offered by Gareth Brooks

Deco green frost glass 1930s bowl. Two part piece, from Renato

Set of 3 White Glass Celing Lights with Brass details, Danish 1950s, from Thirteen Interiors

Curved sofa, Italy 1950s, from Matt Mitchell London

The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

Flower shows are the ultimate quintessential British Summer events and - as the largest flower show in the World - The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is the show to visit. There are a number of events taking place throughout the six days, including a variety of show gardens, demonstrations and talks.

Founded by The Royal Horticultural Society, along with The Chelsea Flower Show, in 1990, this is one of the society's most popular events. However, whilst having all the hallmarks of a traditional flower show, this is one with a slight twist. The Hampton Court edition puts more of a focus on environmental issues, sustainability and food growing.

Taking place until Sunday 10th July, this is definitely an event that will appeal to all of Alfies' friends with 'Green Fingers' - as will all of these floral inspired designs we have found in store.

A floral Chanel necklace. Offered by April Antiques

A floral Chanel necklace. Offered by April Antiques

A selection of brooches. Offered by April Antiques

A floral painted urn. Offered by W & L Antiques

A selection of botanical illustrations. Offered by Moe Heidarieh

The Second Floor Gallery: Matt Mitchell London

A view of Matt Mitchell's stand

Venture up to the second floor and you will discover a design lover's haven. Ever since Matt Mitchell London moved in four years ago, their eye for modernism and unusual decorative pieces has transformed the Second Floor Gallery into a breathtaking 20th century design destination. They have recently expanded, adorning the extra light-filled space with their extensive collection of well designed objects evoking timeless beauty.

We asked Matt Mitchell a few questions...

How did Matt Mitchell London begin?

It all began with a Bertoia chair in the travel agent next door to Vivienne Westwood’s shop, Seditionaries, on the King’s Road back in the '70s.  I was about 15. I asked the manager if I could buy it - he said no at first but eventually said yes, and that was the beginning.

How would your describe your stock?

It’s a very personal mix of individual pieces.  At the heart of the collection is the simple aesthetic of European modernism, with a touch of glamour.   

Do you have any personal favourites in your collection?

I particularly like a rare brass vanity mirror from Sweden for the fabulous patina – and coming soon we have a terrific set of Italian teak dining chairs with very unusual architectural lines - but overall I think my current favourite is a fantastic minimal steel ceiling light with extra long brass stems and brass details.  It’s a 1950s piece from the Netherlands, and that’s all we know, but it has a strong presence, and would be a great piece to go over a dining table.

Personal favourite: Rare 1960s brass vanity mirror, available at Matt Mitchell London

Personal favourite: 1950s minimal steel ceiling light with brass details, available at Matt Mitchell London

What is the most highly sought after item you have in at the moment?

We have a beautiful Boomerang chair by the Danish designer, Peter Hvidt, with new linen upholstery and seductive feather cushions.  I bought this piece for myself about 30 years ago, and as they’re very much harder to find these days I think I might keep it!

Boomerang chair by Danish designer, Peter Hvidt, available at Matt Mitchell London 

Which designer do you admire the most and why?

I like Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld because they made everything from chairs to lampposts and even trams.

Pyramid Chair by Wim Rietveld, available at Matt Mitchell London

Friso Kramer "Reply" Drafting Table, available at Matt Mitchell London

What piece would you love to find?

At the moment I’d love to find a Maico Mobil scooter, and I’d love to be able to afford it if I did!

Your favourite film set design and why?

This is a great question! There are some beautiful scenes in Mon Oncle by Jacques Tati. I like the counterpoint between the Uncle’s apartment and the modern house. It was one of the early influences on my interest in design. 

A scene from Mon Oncle, 1958

If you could own any piece of art from history what would it be?

I recently visited the Cosmonauts exhibition at the Science Museum, so I’m currently thinking about Soviet bronzes or any other Soviet Constructivist works.

What do you think is the next big interior trend?

I’ve never been a big believer in trends, I prefer to follow my own instinct. I like pieces with character and history, that look like they belong and might always have been around, rather than pieces we’ve added to follow rules. I think a lot of people who shop with us approach their choices that way. It’s not a question of getting a look, more of something indefinable and individual.

A view of Matt Mitchell's stand

A view of Matt Mitchell's stand

French Modernist Dining Sets, 1960s, available at Matt Mitchell London

Brass & Silk Fringe Chandelier, Sweden 1960s, available at Matt Mitchell London

Matt Mitchell London will be holding a Midsummer Sale in Rooms S011 and S013 with special prices on selected pieces across their other Second Floor Gallery showrooms. For more info please contact Matt or Jayne, details below.

Matt Mitchell London
Second Floor Gallery | Stands S001-S013
Tel: 07776 196 550 | Email: matt@mattmitchell-london.com
www.mattmitchell-london.com

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Just around the corner at stand S052, is Creative Jewellery Company whose main area of speciality is in hand made unique jewellery, custom made for each individual to their own personal requirements. They also provide a jewellery repair and restoration service.

Face of Fortune chandelier earrings, inspired by the Mouth of Truth in the Church of Santa Maria, Rome. By Creative Jewellery Company

Read our blog post about Creative Jewellery company here.

Creative Jewellery Company 
Second Floor Gallery | Stand S052 | Tel: 07754 059 856