The changing face of Church Street

Church Street isn't just home to Alfies but is also home to a whole host of interesting shops and venues. The street has come a long way since Alfies Antique Market opened in 1976, evolving from a mostly derelict area to a thriving hub within the community and a must visit location for anyone with an interest in art, antiques, interiors and design.

Excitingly, a one day art, antiques and design fair is planned for Sunday 24 September 2017 which will see all the shops on Church Street open their doors and 50 well renowned art, vintage and design dealers stall out on the street, alongside street food and entertainment. Keep your eye on our event page for more information!

Here is our pick of some of Church Street's must visits, or see them all here:

Cutler and Gross Vintage

6 Church Street

Fairly new to the street is British eyewear brand Cutler and Gross, who are well known for their combination of Italian craftsmanship and creative design. Founded in 1969 the company has a long history, and the store on Church Street aims to take a fresh look at vintage.

Matt Mitchell 

24 Church Street

Formerly based in the Second Floor Gallery at Alfies, Matt Mitchell offers original twentieth century furniture, lighting and decoratives with an emphasis on strong European design. 

Daniel Raphael 

26 Church Street

Founded in 2017, Daniel Raphael is a gallery dedicated to contemporary art. The space aims to be a platform to stimulate interaction between both well established artists and emerging ones.

 

Jessica Ogden: Still

31-33 Church Street

Jessica Ogden: Still is a pop-up exhibition based at 31-33 Church Street until 23 June 2017. It features a selection of objects from her archive of designs and contextual resource collections - the display aims to reflect on her practice and influences to present a new understanding of her work.

London Craft Week - Getting Crafty With Alfies

This week we are excited about the second edition of London Craft Week (3 - 7 May), which takes place across several locations in London. Last year they launched with 70 events, this year they will play host to an impressive 130 events across the city, showcasing the wonderful works and craftsmanship of renowned artists to new makers in the industry.

In the studio with London Glass Blowing for London Craft Week

The London Craft Week ethos is to experience the magic of true creativity. They believe in showcasing what quality means and offering opportunities to meet and watch some of the world's most finest artists at work. Visitors will also have a chance to try the skills themselves. Events taking place include beautiful gems such as diamonds being cut and polished, fragrances being developed, silversmithing, fine ceramic painting and glass blowing.

We are particularly looking forward to seeing London Glass Blowing with Peter Layton, demonstrating their spectacular glass art skills. Peter Layton’s contribution to glass art has been at the forefront of British studio glass since the 1970s and has contributed hugely to its promotion and success. In the last 40 years, scores of talented glass makers have worked under his tutelage, producing successful collaborative projects and individual works of glass art. We are pleased to announce London Glass Blowing company will be hosting a week long pop-up at Alfies this September, in collaboration with Alfies 40th anniversary celebrations.

'Cascade' by Peter Layton, London Glass Blowing

At Alfies we are proud to have our own team of craftsmen and women.

Thirteen Upholstery Workshop have been based at Alfies for over 10 years and were established more than 20 years ago. They deal with all materials from silk to leather, on an unlimited range of vintage furniture and other items, in particular mid century pieces.

Luiz of Thirteen Upholstery at work

The finished result; a 1966 Jupiter chair designed by Pierre Guariche for Meurop.

Thirteen Upholstery Workshop | Unit G005 | Tel: 07811 008 144

Symphony of Shadows are our vintage clothing alterations and repairs specialists. Laurie Vanian is skilled in all aspects of dress making including pattern making and creating bespoke pieces. From her studio at Alfies, Laurie is no ordinary seamstress; her unique background in the London punk scene, training at two of the very best fashion institutes, and experience with stage costume and underground fashion give Laurie a certain edge to her original and exquisite work.

Laurie Vanian working on a bespoke piece in her studio in Room D

Symphony of Shadows | Room D | Tel: 07951 527 568 | symphonyofshadowsdesign@gmail.com

William Campbell Fine Frames and Framing have been based at Alfies since 1992. William is an artist in his own right. He is skilled in creating a wide range of high quality bespoke wooden frames, from contemporary box frames to spectacular copies of period gilded frames. William is a proud member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, proving that he has built an enviable and consistent reputation in the business for excellence.

William Campbell

William Campbell's workshop window.

William Campbell Fine Frames and Framing | Unit G006-08 | Tel: 020 7723 7730 | Enquiries@williamcampbellframes.com

Handmade by You & Make, Thrift London - Competition!

Handmade by You studio

As we all know January can be a long and dreary month. The over indulgence of food/drink and irregular sleeping patterns during Christmas and New Year usually takes its toll in January and puts us in a slumber.

So what perfect way to start the New Year than to get creative and learn some useful skills along the way. A new series of workshops called ‘Thrifty Makes’ from Make, Thrift London will be on throughout January at the Handmade by You studios at Alfies. You can learn to how to;

• Upcycle a tote bag - 14th January, 6.30-8.30pm
• Upcycle collar clips from wine corks - 16th January, 6.30-8.30pm
• Make easy clothes alterations - 21st January, 6.30-9.00pm
• Make your own thrifty wrap and stationary - 23rd January, 6.30-8.30pm
• Dye your own ombre tights - 28th January, 6.30-8.30pm
• Make a teacup scented candle - 30th January, 6.30-8.30pm

Make sure you are quick to book as there are a limited number of early bird places at just £10! Do not fret if you miss out on the early bird offer as these workshops are not only thrifty by name, but thrifty by nature as you can still take part for the princely sum of £15 (usually £28!).
So no excuses, get crafty! Click here for more info.

Upcycled collar clips

COMPETITION
To celebrate the Handmade by You Studio's reopening and new partnership with Make, Thrift London, win a place on their 'Make, Thrift and Mend It' alterations workshop.

To enter, just search for @MakeThriftLDN or @alfiesantiques on instagram
and follow instructions on the competition pic.

Not on instagram? Just visit the makethriftlondon or alfiesantiques page on facebook or follow us on twitter @MaketThriftLDN and @AlfiesAntiques for details on how to enter.

One entry will be counted for completed actions on each platform so you can enter up to 3 times!
A winner will be chosen at random at midnight on Friday 17th January 2014.  The winner will be announced on Saturday 18th January.  Full terms and conditions here.