Gillian Horsup: 'The items I buy have to be distinctive'

Gillian Horsup in her stand 

Gillian Horsup has been buying and selling vintage jewellery and accessories in London and the UK for 35 years. Before moving to Alfies Antique Market this summer: she previously shared a stand with Lola of Unicorn in the Mews at Grays Antiques.  Gillian, Lola and the rest of The Vintage Modes collective are now based on the Second Floor of  Alfies Antiques Market.

We asked her about how she first started in the vintage world...

A view at Gillian's stand 

Gillian please tell us how did you start trading in vintage pieces?

I have been trading for 35 years. I started in the vintage world by collecting myself. I lived in the East end of London and used to go to jumble sales as there were lots around my area. I slowly got interested in all sorts of antiques and in particular Art Deco pieces, mostly jewellery. I had a young family and I've done various jobs- I worked in teaching and as a secretary. At the same time I started doing fairs. I don’t know how I did it. But I did it. I’ve been everywhere. I’ve done Covent Garden Market, Greenwich Market, and I had a shop for years in Camden Passage. When that closed down I moved to Grays Mews and was then trading with Unicorn from Bond street.

Could you tell us what has changed in the vintage world throughout this time?

There aren't as many Antique Events on any more and the number of markets is shrinking. Alfies is great because it is a dedicated space. I’ve done various things but in the end I decided I wanted to be indoors. My family changed  and I didn’t want to carry things anymore-I still end up carrying. What has changed all those years is different shopping patterns but most startlingly is the venues. It’s difficult to find Art Deco events in the London area anymore because the venues are so expensive. People want variety and here we have a bit of everything-  glasses, compacts, ring boxes, fans, pins, hats, bags, jewellery from pearls to early plastic.

We are very intrigued to know how do you choose your stock?

I buy anything that catches my eye, and anything I like. We have such a variety of customers that I can’t restrict myself to a specific era or style. I used to specialise in Art Deco, but it doesn’t pay to be a specialist anymore. I look for items with good style and of good quality- I don’t like boring.

What do you consider boring?

I consider boring anything that I see lots of or that I do not notice at all. The items I buy have to be distinctive in their specific field and a little different. They have to stand out. They have to say hello to me.

Would you like to choose a piece for us that you're particularly fond of and tell us something about it?

My favourite items at the moment are Czech glass jewellery. I love items that people have taken care in the making of. You are dealing with objects created by skilled workers and skilled designers.



Interviewed 21st August 2018 by Titika Malkogeorgou

We've photographed some of our favourite distinctive items now available in Gillian's shop...

Vintage green and gilt chains earrings

Gold Tone Diamante Snake Brooch

Lea Stein Half Colerette Brooch 

Gillian Horsup at Vintage Modes | Second Floor, S057/58 | gillian@horsup.globalnet.co.uk | 02074998121| www.gillianhorsup.com | Instagram @gillianhorsup | @gillianhorsupvintagejewellery 

Mother's Day

This Sunday, 6 March is Mother's Day, when we celebrate and honour our mothers and grandmothers, as well as the concept of motherhood. Another celebration of the female is International Women's Day, taking place next Tuesday, 8 March. Hurrah for women! 

International Women's Day is an annual celebration of women in both history and society. The focus of the day differs throughout the world, from a general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women, to a discussion of women's economic, political and social achievements. There is also a tradition of choosing a theme for each year and this year the theme is; "Make It Happen - Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality".

Throughout March London is playing host to an event called "Women's History Month", which is a diverse programme of events and exhibitions centred around female artists, activists, performers, writers, community groups and organisations, and is curated by Alternative Arts. 

Here at Alfies we have a fantastic array of stock that would make great gifts, whether you're shopping for Mother's Day, or simply spoiling the woman in your life.

Gilt bronze photo frames c1880, from Nadine Okker.

1970s enamel abstract brooch, from Gloria Sinclair.

Jade Opaline Glass Murano Trinket Box, from The Moderns.

Late 19th century mercury glass gilded interior, with flora and fauna etching. From Louise Verber Antiques.

Ostrich egg lamp with gilt metal in pineapple design, MidCentury or earlier. From Louise Verber Antiques.

Antiques lace hanging decoration from Sheelin Lace.

Still life flowers, oil and pastel, signed Nigel Lyyton. Offered by Nadine Okker.

Chinese New Year: Year Of The Monkey

Celebrate Chinese New Year With Alfies- Year Of The Monkey

Chinese New Year is the most important Chinese festival celebrated at the turn of the traditional luni-solar Chinese calendar. This year it lands on Monday 8th January, the year of the Monkey. It is also known as the Spring Festival, which is the literal translation of the modern Chinese name. Celebrations traditionally start on the evening preceding the first day and continue to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first calendar month.

The New Year festival is centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Traditionally, the festival was a time to honour deities as well as ancestors. Regional customs and traditions vary widely, traditionally the evening after Chinese New Year's Day is an occasion for families to gather for the annual reunion dinner. It is also traditional for every family to clean the house, to make way for good luck throughout the year. Windows and doors will be decorated with red colour paper-cuts with popular themes of good fortune, happiness, wealth, and longevity. Other traditional celebrations include firecrackers and giving money in red paper envelopes.

Taken by Alfies staff at Longleat- Chinese Festival Of Lights Display

At Alfies we have a wide range of not only beautiful Asian antiques, but a wonderful array of animal themed collectables too, to suit your Chinese zodiac sign.

1860 'The Marmozettes' original print, available from Moe Heidarieh

A beautiful Chinese 1st Republic (1912-1920) double lidded pot for making soup, available from Horner Antiques

An unusual selection of 1920s silver marked monkey brooches, available from Zeeba Jewels

1860-1880 Buddha snuff scoop carved from cow bone, available from Horner Antiques

A wonderful carved wood African Monkey Dance mask, one of a pair, from Cameroun, available from The Moderns

Hand painted Imari vase made in Canton, c1825, available from Horner Antiques

Taken by Alfies staff at Longleat, Chinese Festival Of Lights

Taken by Alfies staff at Longleat, Chinese Festival Of Lights

Taken by Alfies staff at Longleat, Chinese Festival Of Lights

Last Minute Gift Ideas

Still searching for the perfect gift? Don't panic! You can rest assured Alfies will have that item you are looking for. With such a diverse range of vintage and antiques, and a price range to suit every budget, you might find yourself buying a little something extra! We handpicked a few special items to inspire you...

Gifts for him

Silver covered watch face, mechanical wind-up, c1920s, offered by Moe Heidarieh

1930s Silver cocktail shaker, offered by Goldsmith & Perris

Silver & red enamelled cufflinks, offered by Gareth Brooks

Rare English light by Walligraph with black shade, c1950s, offered by Steven Lazarus

Gifts for her

Victorian cameo, offered by Naneen Brooks

Edwardian old cut Colombian diamond with natural pearl, offered by Pari's Jewellery

Beaded Victorian bag, offered by Sheila Cameron

Mid century Venetian green glass beaded necklace, offered by Gloria Sinclair

Gift for the home 

1950s Murano glass table lamp by Archimede Seguso (more colours available), offered by Louise Verber Antiques

1970s Spanish 'Boomerang' lamp, offered by Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary

Set of six 1930s silver and enamel spoons by David Anderson, Norway, offered by Zeeba Jewels

A selection of antique and vintage globes, offered by Travers Antiques

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 Christmas Opening Hours

Thursday, 24 December: 10am - 2pm
Friday, 25 December – Friday, 1 January: CLOSED
Saturday, 2 January: 10am - 6pm

Woof Woof

Cheer yourself up and have a look at these fabulous celluloid dog brooches! How great would they be on a warm winter coat lapel or brightly coloured beret around the fire on Bonfire night.

Celluloid is a type of plastic first created as a replacement for ivory in 1870 and is generally regarded as the first thermoplastic. As it is so easily molded and reshaped it began being used for a whole variety of objects from knife handles to table-tennis balls and of course fun and exciting jewellery that is still highly sought after today.

Celluloid stopped being widely used due to its highly flammable nature and the fact that it readily decomposes. It was just not a practical plastic to produce in the end and so the pieces that are still around now are quite rare and extra special.

These particular pooches can be found at Alfies in 'The Originals' shop on the second floor. Paola and Iaia have a huge selection of celluloid and bakelite jewellery among other fascinating items. Definitely worth a look in!