Happy Halloween!

As ever Alfies is a hub of interesting things to see - and Halloween is no exception!

Traditionally known as All Hallows Eve, Halloween marks the start of the Hallowmas season, which includes All Saints Day and All Souls Day. The entire season is dedicated to remembering the dead.

Rooted in Pagan religion, the nature of this holiday is much darker than the rest of the modern calendar and whilst the celebration has become much more playful in its mood over the years, the original occult symbolism that illustrates the holiday remains largely unchanged.

Here are some of our favorite themed items in store... 

A pair of 1980s paste star and moon earrings. Offered by Gloria Sinclair

An oriental door knocker/handle c1900s. Offered by Good Time Antiques

A contemporary one of a kind mirror, offered by Andrew at Diplomat Treasure International

A 1950s German cat vase. Offered by Renato

A 1980s paste serpent brooch. Offered by Gloria Sinclair

A 1950s silver 'Pan' charm. Offered by Good Time Antiques

Services: A spotlight on Creative Jewellery Company

Over the coming weeks we will be highlighting our many services available at Alfies Antique Market. This week's blog post puts the spotlight on Lawrence who runs Creative Jewellery Company.

Lawrence launched the company in 1999, close-by on Marylebone High Street and spent twenty years there honing his craft and building up a customer database before moving to Alfies last year. His work includes repairing and restoring jewellery, as well as custom jewellery design. Lawrence's passion and speciality is hand made unique jewellery, custom made to suit each individual's design and personality. His beautiful pieces are carefully crafted and make perfect unique gifts for special birthdays or occasions.

A cross necklace shown in development, from start to finish.

A ring that was driven over and flattened was restored to its former glory rather than being scrapped.

The beautiful handmade Daisy Swann ring, made from 29 separate pieces of platinum.

Second Floor | Stand S052

Tel: 07754 059 856

help@creativejewellery.com

London Literature Festival

For 20 days of wordy events, featuring big names from Hillary Clinton to Tom Hanks and Philip Pullman, this year's London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre, is set to be bigger than ever. Opening with the 50th birthday of Poetry International, it sets out to explore how literature can remind us of our shared humanity. 

Budding writers can take part in Q&A sessions with big name authors as they offer tips and advice on succeeding in the literary world. There’s something here to appeal to all ages and tastes, with live poetry readings and short plays mixed in with talks and workshops from the likes of ‘His Dark Materials’ author Philip Pullman, acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz and the Man Booker Prize nominees. 

On the final day of the festival, Tom Hanks will read his first collection of short stories, entitled Uncommon Type, each themed around his passion for typewriters. Hanks is said to own more than 100 classic typewriters!

In keeping with the theme of books, we took a look around Alfies and discovered lots of desirable items for the bookworm..

1950s wood and glass bedside book holder, available from Diplomat Treasures International

Classic vintage books available from Dream Retro

1970s metal and turquoise bookmark, available from Gloria Sinclair

Victorian storage chest or book storage/display, available from Hongman Yang

Edwardian rotating book holder, available from Gloria Sinclair

London Literature Festival takes place at the Southbank Centre from 13 October to 1 November.

The London Restaurant Festival

The aim of the London Restaurant Festival is to make dining an experience, delivering memorable events based around the capitals best food. Comprising of more than 350 of the cities best venues, you can participate in restaurant hopping tours, tasting events with great British chefs and specially curated festival menus.

Taking place for the entire month of October and taking place all over the city whilst catering to a variety of tastes and price ranges, it's truly an event that everyone can enjoy.

As always Alfies is the place to find every day items such as dining ware, but in a more unique form. Read on for a select few picks from around the building.

A 1950s cruet set. Offered by Dream Retro

A Midwinter Pottery teapot serving 6. Offered by Robinson Antiques

Victorian rosewood and oak corkscrews. Offered by The Originals

Midwinter Pottery "Spanish Garden" teacups. Offered by Robinson Antiques

A 1960s Murano jug. Offered by Dream Retro

Copeland Spode soup tureen, c1907. Offered by W&L Antiques