New Dealer - Adrian Cohen

We welcome the latest dealer to Alfies, Adrian Cohen, who specialises in antique and modern silver, silver plate and objets d' art.

Stand S002/04

Please tell us about yourself..
I started in the business 25 years ago, for many years I was in the now defunct Antiquarius Antiques Centre in Chelsea, then in Kensington Church Street. My wife Lindsay and son Simon have now joined me in the business. We pride ourselves on our quality goods and personal service.

Stand S002/04

What is your price range?
£50 - £25,000

 Stand G075/76

Find Adrian Cohen's silver goods on the ground floor G075/76 and the second floor S002/04.

For more information go to http://www.adrian-cohen.co.uk/

Email: silver@adrian-cohen.co.uk

Velvet Atelier

With the opening of a brand new cafe in April and several new dealers moving in, there are a lot of changes going on in Alfies. Last week Velvet Atelier opened a new shop on the ground floor. In this wonderful vintage treasure trove you will find the most stunning vintage dresses from the Victorian Era to the 1970s and a nice collection of shoes, bags and hats. Don't forget to have a look at their designer stock, including Vivienne Westwood, Dior, Armani and Alexander McQueen.

 

 The rotating mannequin in the window is wearing a stunning 1950s theatrical feather and net dress.

Velvet Atelier also stock an incredible collection of wedding dresses from the Edwardian Era to the 1950s.

  

 1920s cream beaded dress

1970s Dallas handbag. This telephone purse is a fully working phone, you just need to plug it in!   

1950s American style pink prom dress

Visit our website http://www.alfiesantiques.com/ or Velvet Atelier's website http://www.mikedinken.strefa.pl/ for more information.  

Mother's Day Gifts

We all hold our Mums in high regard, so when it comes to that special day why not thank her with a present she will cherish forever. We've selected a few gift ideas, but if you pay us a visit, you are bound to find something perfect for your Mother.

1960s Owl Brooch, enamel & jelly belly.
From Tony Durante, stand G047-49.

Musical Kigu Pearl Lid Compact, 1950s.

From Melinda Colthurst, stand F015.

Vicke Lindstrand, Kosta, lead cut crystal perfume bottle, 1955-56.
From Thirteen Interiors, stand G001 - G005 & G050.

Silver gilt and enamel rose trinket, 1915, signed.
From Goldsmith & Perris, G059 & G061-63.

Pre war fabric, Exotic Birds printed on linen.
From Persiflage stand S006-008.

1920s platinum, diamond and blue sapphire pendant.

From Gareth Brooks, stand G079-80.

It's rather apt that this post is about Mother's Day as today is International Women's Day - a celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women. So to ALL you ladies..

Happy International Women's Day!

The Way We Live Now

The Design Museum has marked the 80th birthday of British designer and entrepreneur Terence Conran with an exhibition celebrating the contribution he has made to contemporary British design.

 

Born in 1931 in Kinston Upon Thames, Conran studied textiles and design at Central St Martins in London.  One of his tutors was Scottish sculptor and artist Eduaordo Paolozzi.  Conran's first professional work was for the Festival of Britain in 1951 when he was working for an architectural company commissioned by the festival.

Original Advertistment for Habitat, c1960s

Conran set up his own company in 1954 and opened the first Habitat store in Chelsea ten years later.  Habitat revolutionised the UK high street during the 1960s and 70s, with chains opening throughout the country. It was the first time modern and intelligent design was made accessible to the general public.  The Conran Shop was setup much later, along with Benchmark Furniture, a bespoke furniture makers that champions quality craftmanship and sustainability.

Conran's iconic 'Salad Ware' designs for Midwinter Pottery, c1955.

Most notable in Conran's career are the successful partnerships formed with other British manufactures, designers, and companies, including numerous hotels and restaurants.  From the start of his career Conran has strengthened his brand through working together with others.  From his iconic designs for Midwinter Pottery and a shop for designer Mary Quant in the 1950s, to creating the restaurant Bibendum and Bluebird Garage in Chelsea.  Conran also had a major role in the regeneration of the Shad Thames area near Tower Bridge, with the Design Museum itself being managed by The Conran Foundation.

1950s textiles, furniture and ceramics by Terence Conran.

A replica of Terence Conran's workspace at his home.

Terence Conran received a knighthood in 1983 and after 80 years is still passionate about design and continues to work at his studio in London and at his home in Barton Court.  The Conran Group now encompases architecture, interior, product and graphic design, as well as the operation of shops, restaurants and hotels.

A selection of various Conran products on display.

Conran's philosophy has always been the same: "that good design gives you pleasure and improves the quality of all our lives through products, buildings or interiors that work well, are affordable and look beautiful." - www.conran.com.

You can find original Conran designs at Alfies, in particular 1950s Midwinter ceramics. Have a look at Robinson Antiques on the ground floor and with Ian Broughton on the second floor.

The exhibition 'The Way We Live Now' runs until the 12th April at the Design Museum, Shad Thames.

One of Alfies Hidden Gems...

Sometimes our dealers at Alfies come across the most unique and wonderful items. Whether it's an object with a brilliant design or a rare piece in perfect condition, often it's the history or story behind it which makes it so interesting and desirable. Probably the most magnificent piece at the moment is an original Pablo Picasso suit from Tin Tin Collectables (Stand G38-42). This suit is a stage costume that has been worn during the Moulin Rouge Revue Show in 1924. It was designed by Pablo Picasso and made by the in-house costume department.

The suit is handembroidered on a cotton base.

Picture of performers wearing the costumes at the Moulin Rouge in 1924.

Tin Tin Collectables offers one of the finest selections of vintage clothing and accessories in the world. Handbags, dresses, coats, shoes, hats, gloves, costume jewellery, suit cases, chests and trunks, from the Victorian Era to the 1970s. www.tintincollectables.net.

Valentine's Day

Find a unique Valentine's card for your loved one,  East West Antiques has a fabulous selection of vintage cards...

 

 

Put it in the post. Goebel Hummel 'Postman' figurine, East West Antiques.

Going on a date? Get ready in style! We love this glam 1920s German porcelain figure, original swansdale powder puff, unused. From Carole Collier.

And for the men, 1920s grooming set from Ian Broughton.

Your outfit will make his heart skip a beat! 1950s Velvet heart skirt from The Girl Can't Help It.

Gentlemen, make sure you're looking dapper! 1930s Cartier cufflinks from Kieron Reilly.

 

When the moment is right, surprise her with a ring. 1920s 18ct white gold and platinum, sapphire and diamond ring. From Gareth Brooks.

And finally, celebrate your day in style with these Victorian thumb press cocktail/champagne coupes, from Robinson's Antiques.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Imprint Festival at the Centre for Possible Studies

On Friday 27th January the Serpentine Gallery's Centre for Possible Studies on Edgware Road hosted artists, performers and writers from the art collective Fabelist who have been working with residents of Alfies local neighbourhood, Church Street, NW8. 

Church Street Library Workshop (Image: Francesca Goodwin)

Imprint Exhibition at the Centre of Possible Studies (Image: Francesca Goodwin)

You may have seen members of the collective at the Alfies Christmas shopping party back in December, when they held a workshop here.  Since then they have been busy collecting and documenting stories for the collaborative arts project, Imprint, inspired by the Church Street community and neighborhood.  The resulting festival and exhibition captures the past, celebrates the present and introduces the future through a range of media, from music and art to spoken work and gastronomy.

Poppy's Paper Doll Parlour (Image: Carlos M Burgos)

Story Salon (Image: Edible Art Movement)

You have a chance to visit the exhibition until the 4th February and see individual and collaborative imprints from Fabelist's established artists and writers and discover the results of the collaborative work with the Church Street Neighborhood.

Location: The Serpentine Gallery’s Centre for Possible Studies, 21 Gloucester Place, 
London W1U 8HR

Exhibition runs until: 4th February (opening hours: 1pm-5pm)

For more information, please see: www.thefabelist.com

Alfies Fashion Resolutions for 2012

Start the New Year fresh & organised by cleaning out your closet. Get rid of everything you haven't worn for over a year. Throw away pieces that no longer fit. Hang up your dresses, fold your shirts neatly and put your accessories back where they belong. Once the clutter is gone, you can start creating a style and look that works for you.

1. Wear More Colours.
It's scientifically proven that colours affect our emotions and our behavior. Try to wear a more colourful palette and you will feel happier.

1960s pink & lace evening dress from Persiflage. Vintage yellow evening dress 

with sequins from Velvet Atelier. 1960s red cotton velvet dress from Persiflage.

2. Invest in Classic High-Quality Pieces.

Always choose quality over quantity. Invest in classic high-quality pieces and create a vintage and timeless look. 

1920s Art-Deco kimono,1940s sailor dress and a 1920s pink & lace evening dress. 

All dresses are from Velvet Atelier.

3. Experiment with Accessories.
With the right accessories you can turn an ordinary outfit into something amazing. Create excitement and variety in your outfit by wearing a bold floral hat or a pair of multi-coloured killer heels. 

Selection of hats and accessories from The Girl Can't Help It.

4. Wear More Prints.
Don't be afraid to experiment with prints. Try something new like a psychedelic print or a floral motif.

Selection of vintage dresses with colourful prints from Persiflage. 

 5. Invest in a High-Quality Vintage Handbag.

Every stylish lady should invest in a quality vintage handbag that lasts a lifetime. With a creamy vintage handbag you simply can't go wrong.

Selection of vintage creamy handbags from June Victor & Carole Collier.

Have a look at www.alfiesantiques.com for more gorgeous dresses, colourful hats and other wonderful vintage accessories.

New Dealers

Teria Shapani and Yasmen UK Ltd are the latest dealers to join Alfies.

Faiez of Yasmen UK Ltd specialises in old and antique Persian rugs.

A view of Faiez's stand, F022

Some facts about Faiez:

His interest in antiques developed in his mid twenties when his father was an antiques dealer.

The oldest item he has is a Tabriz rug which is 97 years old.

His favourite item is the Kashmir rug because it is beautiful in design. They are intricate designs that are primarily Oriental floral style and come in a range of colors, designs, sizes and qualities.

Persian rugs

Yasmen UK Ltd  Stand F022.


Teria Shapani sells mid 19th - 20th century furniture and home furnishings such as mirrors and chandeliers. She also has a large selection of silverware and jewellery.

French 10 arm crystal chandelier, circa 1910

I asked Teria a few questions.

How did your interest in antiques develop?

I have always had an appreciation and love for the craftsmanship and skill that went into creating what I can only call works of art. They feed my creativity. I can sit in this french corner chair and marvel at the creators imagination and the talent and physical skill applied to manifest what was once just a vision in his mind. Each scroll, each leaf delicately carved, and with such precision before covering with gesso.  And then the crowning glory of gold leaf. These beauties never fail to inspire me. Or look at these wonderful mirrors with original mercury glass,  how can I not help wondering,  'did the mercury  involved in creating these literally drive someone mad?'  Or I can stare over to the chandelier and delight in the magnificence of the ballroom where it once lived.

Pair of Swedish bergeres, circa 1920's

I am fascinated and intrigued by the history of both the furniture and silver which I sell. I have silverware which are inscribed or monogrammed.  People ask me why I don't have these removed.  I tell them it's for the same reason I sell Victorian lockets with the original photos, 'It is not my place to erase history'.

What is your favourite item?

I do not have a favourite piece. Each has it's own beauty and it's own story to tell.  And all are equally valid.

What is your price range?

My price range is vast. from £3.00 silver vintage charms to the £5,500 19th century Swedish sideboard.

Teria Shapani  Stand S003/S005

Happy New Year!

 

Wishing you all lots of happiness and success for the new year! With all the wet weather we've been having here are a couple of ideas to smarten up your hallways for 2012.

Vintage Umbrella Stands:

Fun 1950s Brass Umbrella Stand. From Thirteen Interiors

Elegant Art Deco Umbrella Stand with Nutwood Veneer. From Lorna Lee Leslie.

Alfies is the perfect market to visit during the wintery weather.  All four floors and over 75 shops are all under one roof so you can avoid the blustery showers.  On the top floor visit our cosy Rooftop Cafe where you can warm up with hot drinks or a glass of wine and a hearty lunch.