Alfies: Curiouser And Curiouser

"Have I gone mad?"

"I'm afraid so, but let me tell you something, the best people usually are."
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland 

Roller-printed cotton chintz - Alice in Wonderland
C F A Voysey, 1920

If you love the fantastic world of Lewis Carroll's Wonderland then a visit to the V&A Museum of Childhood is a must. Delve into a new perspective of Carroll's heroine, Alice, in a beautiful display marking the 150th anniversary of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The exhibition shows how Alice and her Wonderland friends have been embraced and adapted all across the world, and how she has inspired many of the most celebrated designers, stylists and photographers. Follow Alice's evolution through a collection of garments, photographs and rare editions along with a brand new commission by pattern-cutter Josie Smith of Roksanda. The exhibition is on display until Sunday, 1 November.

Alfies is a Wonderland in its own right, here you will find many beautiful curiosities to fall in love with, and be sure to visit our Roof Top Kitchen for your own Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

24 hour large pocket watch in nickle silver, 1910. Offered by Moe Heidarieh.

A fabulous 'Queen of Hearts' early Victorian garnet and gold heart shaped ring. Offered by Gareth Brooks

French 1920s 'Looking Glass' wall mirror. Offered by Nadine Okker

1930s Disney House teapot. Offered by Beth

Dodo, the wonderful mascot for our vintage posters, paintings and prints dealer Dodo

French Art Deco peach and blue glass wall clock mirror. Offered by Nadine Okker

A trio of 1950s 9ct gold crown charms, with enamel and semi precious stones. Offered by Good Time Antiques

Pair of French brass early 20th century griffin candle stick holders. Offered by Louise Verber Antiques

A pair of 1930s French chemist 'Drink Me' bottles. Offered by Travers Antiques

 

A Cockney Knees Up! London Cocktail Week 5-11 October

This year's London Cocktail Week, will run from Monday, 5 October to Sunday, 11 October. Cocktail connoisseurs will be spoilt for choice with over 250 of the finest bars in London all taking part, all have been cherry-picked for their exceptional liqueurs and welcoming atmospheres.

Image and logo from London Cocktail Week

Throughout the week, London's most favoured drinking spots will be opening their doors and providing cocktail tours for gin lovers, whiskey sippers and champagne poppers alike, in much loved areas such as Shoreditch, Soho, Notting Hill, Mayfair, Covent Garden and Clapham, to name just a few.

At Alfies, we're quite partial to a fancy beverage ourselves and not only can we provide everything you would need to host a grand cocktail party, including shakers, glasses, crystal ice buckets and more, our dealers also have a beautiful range of stunning vintage dresses and accessories to complete the party. 

See below a selection of our finest offerings available from our dealers.

Assorted brass pineapple ice buckets, 1950s - 1960s. Offered by Louise Verber Antiques.

Beautiful 1930s Whitefriars glass set. Engraved with Art Deco stylised musicians by Barnaby Powell and William Hogan. Offered by Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary.

1930s Dunhill travelling cocktail set. Offered by Goldsmith & Perris.

Selection of Art Deco cocktail accessories and silverware. Offered by Robinson Antiques.

A late 1940s to early 1950s signed French champagne holder. Provenance Taillevant restaurant, Paris. Offered by Louise Verber Antiques

Bohemian liqueur glasses, tray and decanter. Offered by Nadine Okker.

Victorian to Art Deco champagne coupes and cocktail glasses. Offered by Robinson Antiques.

A superb quality Bohemian cut glass vase with gold plated rim. Offered by Travers Antiques

For any cocktail party, a dazzling statement piece of jewellery or crystal encrusted bag is a must!

Art Deco platinum sapphire and diamond ring. Offered by Kieron Reilly.

This 1940s cocktail ring is guaranteed to cause a stir. Studded with diamonds and gold bands. Offered by Pari's Jewellery

1940s brown felt embroidered and sequinned tilt cocktail hat. Betsy-co-Ed U.S.A. Offered by Carole Collier.

  A 1950s crystal pink amethyst paste evening bag/compact case and an orange Art Deco Bakelite clutch bag. Both offered by Tony Durante.

Time For Tea

Afternoon tea, the perfect British pass time. If ever there's a rainy day, put the kettle on. Any problem big or small - a nice cup of tea will make it better. Tea has been a firm favourite with us Brits since the 18th century, and we have the world's greatest tea consumption per capita! To celebrate our love for the beloved hot beverage, this week - Monday 10th to Sunday 16th August - it is National Afternoon Tea Week.

National Afternoon Tea Week. Image by Afternoontea.co.uk

Between 1720 and 1750 the imports of tea to Britain through the British East India Company more than quadrupled, making it a highly valuable item to trade. Again, between 1872 and 1884 the supply of tea to the British Empire increased with the expansion of the railway to the east. From 1884 onwards, due to it's growing popularity, the prices dropped and the drink thus became a choice not only for the upper classes but for people of all backgrounds to enjoy. London became the centre of the international tea trade and with this came a large increase in the demand for porcelain from tea cups, pots and saucers.

At Alfies we have a number of dealers who specialise in fine china, oriental porcelain, silver teapots and everything in between. Here are just a few we have to offer.

A 1930s Sadlers car teapot. Offered by Beth

1930s Japanese tea set, decorated with Moriage detailing. Offered by Horner Antiques

1920s boxed and signed Murano gilt glass cups and saucers decorated with cherries. Offered by Nadine Okker

1790 English silver teapot, with one of the rarest marks on English silver,
Peter and Jonathan Bateman, sons of Hester Bateman. Offered by Janes Antiques

A selection of Art Deco Shelley trio sets. Offered by Beth

1930s Wade Heath Disney house teapot. Offered by Beth

1970s Japanese blue and white shallow teapot. Offered by Horner Antiques

1935 Art Deco platinum ring Royal Doulton tea set, casino pattern. Offered by Robinson Antiques

If this has whetted your appetite for a delicious afternoon tea, then be sure to visit our fantastic Roof Top Kitchen who offer a range of superb teas, coffees and homemade cakes.

Newly Open: Nadine Okker

Stand F015 on the first floor has a new occupant, Nadine Okker, who specialises in porcelain and glass. This is not Nadine's first time at Alfies however. Her first appearance as an antique dealer here was in 1978.

We asked Nadine a few questions...

Please tell us about yourself and your business.
I've been dealing since 1978 at Alfies, Grays and later in Camden Passage. I've always dealt in porcelain and glass, later on I expanded to inlcude bronzes, lighting and mirrors.

What first interested you in antiques?
My mother was an antique dealer, so I was used to going on buying trips with her, and helping her out in her shop.

Why did you start dealing in porcelain and glass?
It was a natural thing, as I followed in my Mother's footsteps.

Nadine Okker

Stand: F015 at Alfies Antique Market

Phone:07740367072

Email: nadine.dobrik@wanadoo.fr