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

Clerkenwell Design Week: International Design at Alfies

This year's Clerkenwell Design Week will take place 23-25 May 2017 (less a week, more an intense two day extravaganza) and celebrates its 8th anniversary. As the leading  UK’s leading independent design festival, CDW expects an increase on last year's 34,000+ attendees and will host design led exhibitions and events across 8 official, and several more unofficial, CDW venues. Last year it was also announced as Winner of Best UK Tradeshow at the AEO Awards 2016.

The focus for 2017 is the best of international design and to celebrate, we've rounded up our top picks of new in design pieces from around the globe at Alfies.

Czech educational chemical molecular models (left model c6 h12, right model ETANOL)
 – Mid Century. From The Moderns at Alfies.

Leucos domed table light, 1970s. From Cupio on the First Floor Mezzanine at Alfies.

Modular tubular vase, brass plated, 1970s/80s. From The Moderns at Alfies.

Elegant Italian desk c1955. Mahogany top, black lacquered metal legs, cream lacquered panels and drawers.
Available from Martin Rooney at Alfies.

1960s Chrome chairs By Poul Nørreklit. From Thirteen Interiors at Alfies.

Women Of The World

The 2017 edition of the Women of the World festival is due to begin next week at London's Southbank Centre and coincides with International Women's Day, which falls annually on 8th March. The event runs from Tuesday 7 - Sunday 12 March and tickets can be purchased here.

The Festival was set up in 2010 with the aim of celebrating women from many cultures and backgrounds across the globe, looking at obstacles they face and championing achievements, in the hope of inspiring future generations of young women.

The festival is set up to be diverse; showcasing a range of performers and holding workshops and mentoring sessions. Influential speakers are also an important part of the festival and in the past have included names such as Annie Lennox, Vivienne Westwood, Julie Walters and Grayson Perry.

Being home to a diverse range of stock, Alfies of course has a number of items depicting women across the world. Here are a few of our favourites.

Chinese reverse glass painting, late 19th Century. Offered by Hongman Yang

Namji fertility doll from Ghana, early 20th Century. Offered by Diplomat Treasures International

Art Nouveau alabaster maiden sculpture, 19th Century Italian. Offered by Diplomat Treasures International

Portrait of a Hindu lady by Archibald Zigler, oil on canvas, 20th Century. Offered by Robert McKoy Fine Arts

English wood carving of a Tribal African woman, 1950s. Offered by Andrew Martin at stand F046-49/F057-58

Headshots of famous American actresses, 20th Century. Offered by i Fine and Contemporary Art

Pencil drawing of a woman signed by P J Hopkins, late 20th century. Offered by John Cserny Fine Arts

Austrian painted terracotta tribeswoman, 1950s. Offered by Andrew Martin at stand F046-49/F057-58