Remember Remember Alfies November

"Remember remember the 5th of November!"

This weekend Britain will commemorate the failed gunpowder plot with traditional bonfires and firework displays all over the country in memory of, mainly, Guy Fawkes who was caught attempting to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.

Gunpowder Plot, 1605

The tradition remembers the failure of the Gunpowder Plot that took in place November 1605 under the Houses of Parliament by a group of Roman Catholic activists led by Warwickshire-born Robert Catesby, who planned to assassinate King James I and restore a Catholic monarch to the throne. 

When Protestant King James I acceded Queen Elizabeth, English Catholics had hoped that the persecution they had felt for the last 45 years would finally end, but when this didn't happen the conspirators plotted to assassinate the King and his ministers during the state opening at the Houses of Parliament. The plotters secured the lease to an undercroft beneath the House of Lords, and Fawkes was placed in charge of 36 barrels of gunpowder that they smuggled in a cellar below the House of Lords. It has been discovered this was enough to destroy not only the entire building but anything within a 500 metre radius.

The scheme started to fall apart when an anonymous letter sent to William Parker, the 4th Baron Monteagle, warned him not to avoid the House of Lords. This lead to the authorities searching Westminster Palace during the early hours of 5 November, and found Fawkes guarding the explosives. Over the next few days, he was questioned and tortured, and eventually he broke. Immediately before his execution on 31 January, Fawkes jumped from the scaffold where he was to be hanged and broke his neck, thus avoiding the agony of the mutilation that followed.

Today the tradition of searching Parliament before a state opening still takes place every November since 1928, by the Yeomen of the Guard, and they are still armed with lanterns.

Fawkes has become synonymous with the Gunpowder Plot, the failure of which has been commemorated in Britain since 5 November 1605. His effigy is traditionally burned on a bonfire, commonly accompanied by a fireworks display.

Take a look at our range of dazzling sparklers, good enough to "Oooohhh!" and "Aaaahhh!" at.

A selection of 1960s silver charms, offered by Good Time Antiques

A stunning collection of 1970s Scottish glass paper weights, offered by Robert McKoy Fine Arts

A hand coloured print over 100 years old, perhaps unloading the barrels of gunpowder, offered by Moe Heidarieh

A dazzling burst of colour that looks like spinning catherine wheels. A 20th century Murano glass mirror, offered by Sambataro

Beautiful fireworks style Scottish glass paper weights, offered by Gloria Sinclair

A pearl and 18ct gold brooch/pendant. An orange Burmese pendant and a stunning amethyst 18ct gold pendant, all offered by Pars Jewellery

A gorgeous 1920s winter coat, offered by Tin Tin Collectables

A fun vintage silk scarf depicting a rainy day, 'Raining Cats And Dogs', offered by Tin Tin Collectables

Trick or Treat?

Halloween is a time of celebration and superstition. Its origins are more typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in, meaning "end of summer") when people would light bonfires and wear masked costumes to ward off souls of the dead, including ghosts, goblins and witches, whom they believed returned to mingle with the living.

The custom of trick or treating has several origins. During Samhain, the Druids believed that the dead would play tricks on people and cause panic and destruction, therefore they were appeased with offerings of food and drink. It is suggested that trick or treating evolved from a tradition whereby people impersonated the spirits, or the souls of the dead, and received offerings on their behalf. The "trick" is usually an idle threat to perform mischief on the homeowners if no treat is given to them.

At Alfies we can assure you there are no tricks, only frightfully delightful treats! Set the scene for Halloween with these creepy curiosities our dealers have on offer...

1930s brass Barclays Bank shop front eagle emblem, offered by Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary

GHOSTS - Stories of the Supernatural, by Elliott O'Donnell, offered by Atomium

Vintage black cat vase, offered by Renato

Apothecary’s morphine bottle, offered by Atomium

1930s paste spider brooches, offered by Carole Collier

1970s celluloid and brass studded scarab brooch, offered by Tony Durante

French 1930s orange silk and black lace with enamel clasp evening bag, offered by Tony Durante

1930s large black velvet hat, offered by Tony Durante

1940s silver & marcasite cat brooch, offered by Connie Speight

Happy Halloween!

Alfies: Curiouser And Curiouser

"Have I gone mad?"

"I'm afraid so, but let me tell you something, the best people usually are."
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland 

Roller-printed cotton chintz - Alice in Wonderland
C F A Voysey, 1920

If you love the fantastic world of Lewis Carroll's Wonderland then a visit to the V&A Museum of Childhood is a must. Delve into a new perspective of Carroll's heroine, Alice, in a beautiful display marking the 150th anniversary of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The exhibition shows how Alice and her Wonderland friends have been embraced and adapted all across the world, and how she has inspired many of the most celebrated designers, stylists and photographers. Follow Alice's evolution through a collection of garments, photographs and rare editions along with a brand new commission by pattern-cutter Josie Smith of Roksanda. The exhibition is on display until Sunday, 1 November.

Alfies is a Wonderland in its own right, here you will find many beautiful curiosities to fall in love with, and be sure to visit our Roof Top Kitchen for your own Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

24 hour large pocket watch in nickle silver, 1910. Offered by Moe Heidarieh.

A fabulous 'Queen of Hearts' early Victorian garnet and gold heart shaped ring. Offered by Gareth Brooks

French 1920s 'Looking Glass' wall mirror. Offered by Nadine Okker

1930s Disney House teapot. Offered by Beth

Dodo, the wonderful mascot for our vintage posters, paintings and prints dealer Dodo

French Art Deco peach and blue glass wall clock mirror. Offered by Nadine Okker

A trio of 1950s 9ct gold crown charms, with enamel and semi precious stones. Offered by Good Time Antiques

Pair of French brass early 20th century griffin candle stick holders. Offered by Louise Verber Antiques

A pair of 1930s French chemist 'Drink Me' bottles. Offered by Travers Antiques

 

African Textiles: the Karun Thakar Collection

A passionate collector of African textiles since his childhood days, Karun Thakar has assembled one of the world's leading private collections. Thakar feels that 'African textiles remain under-researched', and in his new book 'African Textiles: the Karun Thakar Collection' he seeks to shed light on the context, technique and significance of the textile art of Africa's weaving cultures. Thakar's book features primarily narrow loom weavings from Ghana, Nigeria and other West African countries and the book illustrates the most important textiles from his renowned collection.

Alfies dealer and West African textile specialist, Duncan Clarke of Adire African Textiles, has contributed towards the book with in-depth essays on local textile heritage, as well as discussing the origin of the collection which consists of over 4,000 pieces.  Anyone interested in textiles or cultural history will find inspiration in this fascinating volume.

Each textile piece is dramatically photographed to highlight the
extraordinary colours, patterns and skill with which it was created.

The book provides a historical perspective that deepens our understanding of
 the importance of woven materials in the African tradition.

A number of previously unpublished styles are illustrated.

African Textiles: the Karun Thakar Collection is available to purchase now from all good bookstores and online.

Duncan Clarke 
Stand F013
Tel: 07710 791 497
adire@btinternet.com
http://www.adireafricantextiles.com 

Robert Welch

A new book on Robert Welch has just been released, 'Robert Welch - Design: Craft and Industry' during the London Design Fesival. Welch was an iconic silversmith during the 1950s and 1960s and specialised in silver, stainless steel and iron. A pioneer of British contemporary design during the post-war years, he was appointed consultant for Old Hall in 1955 and went on to open his own business in Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds. In 1960 he was even commissioned by the Orient Line to create a line of tableware and cutlery for the ocean liner Oriana.

His pieces are well known for their high quality and high gauge design and form, and have become highly collectable, particularly in Japan.

The Oriana Tea Set. Image courtesy of Modernaest.

Alfies dealer Robinson Antiques has a wonderful selection of  Robert Welch pieces, including his well-renowned Campden Collection, which features a coffee set, toast rack, tea strainer, sugar bowl and salt and pepper shakers. The Campden toast rack even won a Design Centre Award in 1957.

The Campden Collection - at Robinson Antiques' stand at Alfies Antique Market.

Campden Coffee Set, offered by Robinson Antiques.

Campden toast rack, tea strainer and salt and pepper shakers, offered by Robinson Antiques.

Robinson Antiques specialises in Antique and Vintage glasses & vases, Mid-Century pottery and Old Hall Steel.

Stand G077-78, G091-92 (ground floor)

Tel: 07955 085 723

A Cockney Knees Up! London Cocktail Week 5-11 October

This year's London Cocktail Week, will run from Monday, 5 October to Sunday, 11 October. Cocktail connoisseurs will be spoilt for choice with over 250 of the finest bars in London all taking part, all have been cherry-picked for their exceptional liqueurs and welcoming atmospheres.

Image and logo from London Cocktail Week

Throughout the week, London's most favoured drinking spots will be opening their doors and providing cocktail tours for gin lovers, whiskey sippers and champagne poppers alike, in much loved areas such as Shoreditch, Soho, Notting Hill, Mayfair, Covent Garden and Clapham, to name just a few.

At Alfies, we're quite partial to a fancy beverage ourselves and not only can we provide everything you would need to host a grand cocktail party, including shakers, glasses, crystal ice buckets and more, our dealers also have a beautiful range of stunning vintage dresses and accessories to complete the party. 

See below a selection of our finest offerings available from our dealers.

Assorted brass pineapple ice buckets, 1950s - 1960s. Offered by Louise Verber Antiques.

Beautiful 1930s Whitefriars glass set. Engraved with Art Deco stylised musicians by Barnaby Powell and William Hogan. Offered by Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary.

1930s Dunhill travelling cocktail set. Offered by Goldsmith & Perris.

Selection of Art Deco cocktail accessories and silverware. Offered by Robinson Antiques.

A late 1940s to early 1950s signed French champagne holder. Provenance Taillevant restaurant, Paris. Offered by Louise Verber Antiques

Bohemian liqueur glasses, tray and decanter. Offered by Nadine Okker.

Victorian to Art Deco champagne coupes and cocktail glasses. Offered by Robinson Antiques.

A superb quality Bohemian cut glass vase with gold plated rim. Offered by Travers Antiques

For any cocktail party, a dazzling statement piece of jewellery or crystal encrusted bag is a must!

Art Deco platinum sapphire and diamond ring. Offered by Kieron Reilly.

This 1940s cocktail ring is guaranteed to cause a stir. Studded with diamonds and gold bands. Offered by Pari's Jewellery

1940s brown felt embroidered and sequinned tilt cocktail hat. Betsy-co-Ed U.S.A. Offered by Carole Collier.

  A 1950s crystal pink amethyst paste evening bag/compact case and an orange Art Deco Bakelite clutch bag. Both offered by Tony Durante.

Robin Day - Chair Man To Modern Design

Robin Day is recognisably one of the most influential furniture designers of the 20th century. In 2015 he would have celebrated his 100th birthday, and with a remarkable career spanning almost seven decades it is almost impossible not to be aware of, or have sat on one of his designs. Most globally known is Day's 1963 polypropylene stacking chair, seen in almost every school or office worldwide.

Born 25 May 1915, Day grew up in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, known for its furniture making. He attended the High Wycombe Technical Institute and had close links with the local furniture industry. Being gifted at drawing, Day progressed to High Wycombe School of Art in 1931 and won a scholarship to study design at the Royal College of Art in 1934.

On graduating the Royal College of Art in 1938, there were no suitable openings in the furniture industry, so he made architectural models and took a teaching post at Beckenham School of Art, where he developed an innovative, groundbreaking course in 3D design, where he also met fellow design lecturer Clive Lamiter. Day's 'big break' came when he, together with Lamiter, won first prize in the 1948 International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture Design organised by the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MOMA). Their ingenious concept for a range of multi-purpose storage units, composed from a tube of preformed moulded plywood, received international acclaim. This led to the start of a world acclaimed career in furniture design and to his collaboration with the London furniture manufacture Hille.

1963 Polypropylene chair. Image from www.hille.co.uk

In 1951, Day was approached and commissioned by the Festival of Britain to design all the seating for London's Royal Festival Hall. His prolific work for Hille included 1950s ranges in moulded plywood and the incredible polypropylene chair created in 1963, which to date has sold in tens of millions. Designs for other clients included seating for the Barbican centre, televisions and radios for British company Pye, and the interiors for aircrafts for the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC).

To celebrate his centenary year, the Victoria and Albert Museum is showcasing a display dedicated to Robin Day during the London Design Festival 2015 with the Day In London exhibition, a series of events all across the capital.

Robin Day display at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

At Alfies we are hosting our own London Design Festival event throughout Thursday, 24 September, from 10am to 6pm, and we are fortunate enough to have an original Robin Day 'Leo Chair' offered by Matt Mitchell of Matt Mitchell London. The 'Leo Chair' was designed in 1965 and famously used by Sean Connery in the 1967 James Bond film 'You Only Live Twice'. The chair and matching footstool are in complete original condition with two sets of different feet and upholstered in quality black leather.

1965 'Leo Chair' by Robin Day, offered by Matt Mitchell London

During the London Design Festival, Alfies hosts talks, workshops and displays including Thirteen Interiors,  Tin Tin Collectables, Paola & Iaia - The Originals, and Matt Mitchell London. 

Clockwise from top left: Matt Mitchell London, Tin Tin Collectables, The Originals and Thirteen Interiors
  

The London Design Festival: Alfies and the Church Street Design Trail

We're excited that Alfies and the Church Street Design Trail will launch on Thursday 24 September, during the London Design Festival this year. This special day will consist of talks, exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops.

We have collaborated with the Church Street furniture shops to put Marylebone on the map, many of which stock covetable design pieces. A tour of these shops will be led by Leon Young of Young & Son, an established antiques furniture dealer and LAPADA member. Follow Leon as he gives a fascinating insight into the range of design pieces on the street and how many of these dealers launched their businesses.

Alfies dealers Emilia & Luis of Thirteen Upholstery Workshop will hold an upholstery demonstration; watch in awe as they work their magic touch on tired furniture, giving it a new lease of life. Leslie of Tin Tin Collectables will be hosting a talk about the influence of politics on fashion design through the ages, and Matt Mitchell London will have on display two iconic pieces by British furniture designer Robin Day, to coincide with his centenary this year.

1950s single Italian armchair reupholstered in yellow velvet, offered by Thirteen Interiors

1950s leather desk lamp by Jacques Adnet, offered by Matt Mitchell London

1950s style mobile by Manuel Marin, offered by Angry-Agent

Sam Gullam of Lacock Gullam will be discussing how he conceived the design for Church Street’s new market sign posts, which draws some inspiration from the modernist nature of pieces on offer at Alfies and Church Street.

Lacock Gullam Church Street sign post

Not only that we will also have complimentary bubbly on offer, plus tasty treats will be available at the Roof Top Kitchen, as usual. Do not miss out!

The London Design Festival runs from 19 – 27 September and is one of the world’s most important annual design events encompassing a wide range of design disciplines.