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.

Newly Open - Atomium

A warm welcome to Tom of Atomium, who has recently moved into the Second Floor Gallery. You'll find an incredible range of antiquarian books and an eclectic mix of vintage objects such as furniture, posters, jewellery and glassware, dating from the Victorian period to mid century. Prices range from £5 to £500.

Tom's personal favourite item in his shop is Tabatha
"a tailor's dummy from Selfridges, so she's posh!"

"All items are carefully chosen (or occasionally randomly selected), especially the books, where it's always best to be eclectic. The First Editions are always popular."

When it comes to buying vintage, Tom advises to "buy what you like, even if you paid too much, at least you like it". This could be our new mantra!

Atomium

Unit S008 

Second Floor Gallery

Website: www.atomium.co.uk

Email: home@atomium.co.uk

Tel: 07905 271 082

Meet the Dealers...

Here at Alfies, it's nice to see the wonderful mix of antiques and collectables the dealers have on offer, along with a price range to suit most people. There really is something for everyone. A perfect destination for gifts, early Christmas shoppers or just a treat for yourself, why not. I had a look around the market and decided to highlight the newcomers.

Phil Startup has been based at Alfies for just over two months...

He sells a wide range of delightful collectables such as books, TV related toys, stamps, decorative glass, camera's, smoking pipes, records, postcards, kitchenalia, sports memorabilia and a whole lot more, his price range starts from 50p - £250.

The oldest items he has are books dating back to the 1850s.

His favourite items are the Dinky TV related toys.

All items available from Phil Startup, unit S013.

Kieron has been with us for 1 month. He has been in the business for 30 years. Kieron sells cufflinks, jewellery and decorative arts. Here is just a small selection of his lovely cufflinks...

Prices start from £100 - £1,500 and upwards. He has items dating back as early as the 1820s and as late as the 1960s.

One of his favourite items is the Cartier cufflink.

All items available from Kieron, unit G066.

Melinda Colthurst has most recently joined us...

She sells antique costumes and accessories, ecclesiastical vestments, small devotional objects and vintage moda flamenca. Her price range starts from £10 to around £400.

The oldest item of clothing is a brown silk taffeta jacket from the 1850s. She also has some latin liturgical books from the 1840s.

Her favourite item is "Impossible to choose." She loves all the ecclesiastical textiles.

Her favourite dress is the Edwardian silk day dress.

She is also particularly attached to her Mantilla combs.

"Like many dealers, I began as a collector and collecting turned into a job."

All items available from Melinda Colthurst, unit F015.

Hopped-Up - An event not to be missed!

We are mad about vintage, not much of a surprise there, but we are also into art, style and fun. All of these can be found here at Alfies, but there is also a new exhibition in town that will guarantee to satisfy you vintage lovers' need for all of the above.

From tonight you can extend your visit at Alfies by taking a short bus ride to Camden to see a new exhibition. The work shown is (partly previously unpublished) photographs by Berlin based photographer David Biene, who has spent the majority of the past few years travelling around Europe attending so called 'weekenders'.

His book 'Hopped-Up' is a portrait of the European scene of the Hot Rodding culture. David Biene uses fine art photography and sophisticated face-to-face interviews to present all the different facets of this subculture and some of its protagonists. This book is about real people and about personalities. It is about true enthusiasm and passion, about sweat and fun, about friendship and individuality. As well as about style and photography.

If you would like to see stunning evidence of a very much alive subculture inspired by the past, enjoy some music from a long gone era and meet the photographer himself you should RSVP to info@proudgalleries.co.uk now. The private opening will be between 6:30pm and 8:30pm followed by live music and the chance to explore 'Hopped-Up' a bit deeper 'til late. Should you not be able to make it tonight don't fret, the exhibition is on until early April.

For those of you who would like to look the part but don't have the wardrobe yet we recommend a little shopping spree to Alfies beforehand where you will definitely be able to find some stunning outfits. And to finish off the look we suggest you get on the phone to Nina's Vintage Hair Parlour and book an appointment to get a sleek hairdo. Oh yes, it will be a long night, so be sure to grab a bite to eat from our Rooftop Restaurant! Right, all set, what's stopping you?