Dark Times for Waterford Wedgwood

Waterford Wedgwood has been forced to call in the administrators after 250 years in business. This international symbol of quality British craftsmanship and design will be sorely missed by the collectors of Wedgwood and also by the many hundreds of workers and families whose skills, passed down through generations are forced to shut up shop. There is still some hope for this renouned business as buyers may step in to purchase parts of the company and keep production going, but like the rest of the economy at the moment nothing is certain.

Wedgewood was started by Josiah Wedgwood in England in 1759. Waterford was started in Ireland in 1783. The two merged in 1986 bringing together two of the most recognised brands in fine crystal and china. Their famous brands include Waterford Crystal, Wedgewood and Royal Doulton fine bone china and Rosenthal porcelain.

Image source: The Guardian.
To view more photos of Waterford Wedgwood click here for The Guardian online.

When Josiah Wedgwood started as an apprentice in his brothers workshop he must have had little idea how successful his future business was to become. Now remembered as the 'Father of the English Potters' Wedgwood earnt this title through his innovative approach to ceramics and the advancement he brought to his company.

In 1762 Wedgwood created a cream-coloured tea and coffee set for Queen Charlotte, wife of George III. She was so pleased with the set she allowed him to use the name 'Potter to Her Majesty' and use the name Queens Ware. This was the start of Wedgwood's illustrious career. His three most famous contributions to the ceramics industry include Queens Ware, Black Basalt a fine black porcelain, and a new type of stoneware Jasper. Later in his career Wedgwood also invented the pyrometer. This instrument allowed for higher kiln temperatures to be measured and is considered by some the most important development in ceramic history since the Chinese invented procelain over 1000 years before.

I've been having a look around Alfies searching for some Waterford Wedgwood pieces to remind myself of the range of items the company produced. Wesley Payne showed me a couple of items he has at the moment including this beautiful Royal Doulton floral tea set from 1933:

He also has a much older piece from 1880 reminding me just how long Wedgwood has been going:

Just across the corridor Janes Antiques were also hiding a few Wedgwood treasures such as this large soup terrine:

The figurines below are Royal Doulton and are called the Four Seasons as each figurine represents a season of the year:

I am guessing now that the company has called in administrators, Waterford Wedgwood crystal and fine china will, if it is at all possible, become even more collectable. Something that will mean the Waterford Wedgwood name will continue to live and be remembered on for many more years to come.

Kate Moss and Jamie Hince

Photos taken from the Bauer Griffin blog, you can see the rest of their photos here.

Yet again Kate Moss was hustled by photographers as she stepped out of Alfies with boyfriend Jaime Hince in December. Luckily Alfies is such a great hideaway from the press she could enjoy a relaxed day of shopping. Looks like she stocked up on a few gifts from our dealers before heading off in her silver Bentley. That rather fetching golden palm lamp is from Lousie Verber on the first floor of Alfies. Louise has a fabulous collection of mirrored glass furniture, mirrors, lamps and Val St. Lambert lamp bases among other glamorous items. No wonder Kate and Jamie couldn't resist!

Shoes to Dance Away the Winter Blues

What is it about shoes that can make you feel so content? Every time I see some beautiful shoes I get a tingle in my toes and a surging feeling of overwhelming happiness! It is easy to see how people can become slightly obsessed and how the simple shoe can become objects to be revered and admired. Here are some beauties that I found at Alfies today:

These three fabulous pairs are all from The Girl Can't Help It.

Interview with...Beth.

Name: Beth
Stands: G023-25, S010/12 & S059/60

1. What do you sell/what service do you provide?
Anything and everything from 1870-1960s, mainly ceramics and beautiful objects.
2. How long have you been at Alfies?
26 years

3. How did you get into selling antiques?
Through family, my mother Beverley is also a dealer at Alfies.

4. What do you think makes Alfies unique?
The atmosphere and the friendships.

5. What is your favourite item you are selling at the moment and why?
A 1930s vanity overnight case. It has two compartments one for makeup, powder and perfume and the other below for jewellery. There is even a hankercheif case to keep your hankies clean and safe.

To see more of Beth's lovely items click here!

Interview with...Persiflage

Name: Persiflage
Stand No.: S006-S008.

1. What do you sell? Vintage clothes and accessories. Trimmings, patterns and fabric.

2. How long have you been at Alfies? 8 years

3. How did you get into selling antiques? Always my hobby, changed jobs when I had my son.

4. What do you think makes Alfies unique? Friendly atmosphere and a vast array of different objects.

5. What is your favourite object you are selling at the moment and why? Tiaras. They bring out the little girl instinct, and they are upbeat and glamourous for Christmas!


Persiflage have some incredible glamourous dresses at the moment. Best get in and snap one up for Christmas before everyone beats you to it! Perfect for Christmas and New Year celebrations!

Botany Inspired

A recent drink at The Botanist on Sloane Square gave me inspiration to do a organic and foliage lead post today. I went in search around Alfies to find the sorts of decorative things that I could use if I wanted to recreate that look. I found that some many things from prints, to ceramics and fabrics have some great foliage patterns that could really add a natural element to an interior.

Mo Heidarieh on the ground floor had these really lovely antique prints that were similar to the botany prints that were hung up on the walls at The Botanist. Mo has loads of these sorts of prints and they actually date as far back as 100 years ago.

Upstairs on the second floor I found this ceramic water casket with an organic pattern in a blue and white glaze at Manley Black’s. I think he said it was Victorian and it was missing it’s lid but I think it look wonderful nonetheless.

For fabrics and textiles, I had a look at June Victor’s stand on the second floor. She had this beautiful blue silk embroidered Japanese sleeve trimmings from an old kimono that could be used on cushions, npkins or table cloths. I thought they would look really strinking with white fabric.

At Beverly’s, I found a couple of sweet little teacups and saucers. One of which was a Shelley trio from the Victorian era and looked so delicate and elegant. I have a penchant for lustreware and I found this stunning lustre jug there too!

Interview with...Victor Caplin

Name: Victor Caplin
Stand: G79

1. What do you sell? Ancient antique amd collectable beads. Mid 20th Century English ceramics. Antique and collectable textiles, lighting, lighters, glass.

2. How long have you been at Alfies? 3 years

3. How did you get into selling antiques? Needed more space for my bead collection. Started dealing to fund my collecting and it grew from there!

4. What do you think makes Alfies unique? A community of friendly dealers offering a diversity of interesting objects.

5. What is your favourite object that you are selling at the moment? Roman and Pre-Roman beads and neckaces.


To see more ancient collectables of Victors click here!

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING PARTY 2008!!!

Well what an evening we had here at Alfies last Thursday!! The building was literally packed to the rafters with guests shopping and enjoying the party atmosphere.


Two sets of musicians filled the halls with the sounds of violins, accordions and guitars. Food and drink flowed heartily and everyone who came had a fantastic time. Christmas after all will always be an excuse to celebrate and that is exactly what we managed to do! Many had their Tarot read by the fabulous and wise Estelliane in a secluded corner of the second floor. Part way through the evening 'The Girl Can't Help It's' window became centre stage for Trixie Malicious' Turkey Tease. This beautiful burlesque lady had more than a few tassles in a twirl as everyone gathered outside Alfies to watch her terrific show. Now that the party is over the market seems almost back to normal, busy with Christmas shoppers and people looking for the perfect gift, but still full of the Alfies magic that seems to always last a bit longer than the festive season. Thanks to everyone who came and we hope to see you again next year!!

BBC Bargain Hunt!

BBC Bargain Hunt came to film a celebrity version of the popular show right here at Alfies Antique Market!
Here are some photos from the shoot and you can also watch the show here:



The second airing of the show will be on the 8th December on BBC2.

Interview with...The Girl Can't Help It!

Names: Sparkle Moore & Cad Van Swankster
Stand: The Girl Can't Help It

1. What do you sell/what service do you provide?
1930s-1950s American Vintage Clothing & Accessories. We provide glamour.

2. How long have you been at Alfies?
11 years

3. How did you get into selling antiques?
Collecting something we love.

4. What makes Alfies unique?
Diversity of stalls, personalities and atmosphere.

5. What is your favourite item you are selling at the moment and why?
A Pauline Trigere Designer Opera Coat. When the collar is down it looks like a beautifully cut black coat. Turn the collar up and it is red velvet and jewelled for evening!

You can see more beautiful clothes and accessories from The Girl Can't Help It online here.