A Window Full of Christmas

Here at Alfies we always enjoy Christmas and like to start planning early, as do our dealers! From that start of November, Horner Antiques becomes a winter wonderland full of all kinds of interesting, wonderful and rare antique Christmas decorations. His window display becomes the main feature, taking on an ever changing festive theme for the coming months.

There is a huge variety to be seen from '70s American through to 1950s Soviet Russian decorations and, having collected over 1,800 pieces for this year, there is bound to be something that catches your eye. Read on to see just a selection of our favourites...

Clockwise from top: A parrot, 1950s/60s; A gold kremlin glass pine cone, 1950s; A Harlequin, 1950s; A milk glass cat in a basket, 1950s; A Phoenix, 1950s. All from Soviet Russia.

Clockwise from top: A selection of icicles, Soviet Russian, 1950s; A silver clown head, Czechoslovakian, 1950s. All available from Horner Antiques.

Clockwise from top: A concave ball, Polish, 1950s; A mandolin, Soviet Russian, 1950s; A nesting doll, Soviet Russian, 1970s; 'Little Muck Boy' from a German fairy tale by Wilhelm Hauff, Soviet Russian, 1950s; A concave ball, Polish, 1950s/60s. All available from Horner Antiques.

Clockwise from top: A concave ball, Soviet Russian, 1950s; A pine cone, from Lauscha East Germany, 1950s; A concave ball, Soviet Russian, 1940s/50s. All available from Horner Antiques.

Clockwise from top: A pink wolf, 1950s; A milk glass rabbit with a carrot, 1950s; 'The Wizard Chernomor' from Pushkin's tale of 'Ruslan and Ludmila', 1950s; A dog as Santa Claus, 1960s; A bee on a honeycomb, 1940s. All from Soviet Russia and available from Horner Antiques.

P.S - Don't miss our Christmas Shopping Party, Thursday 7 December from 5-8pm, where you can see everything all our dealers have on offer and hopefully find a few gifts whilst enjoying food, drink and entertainment. You can RSVP via Facebook or contact us.

Services: A spotlight on Moe Heidarieh

This week's blog highlights our resident watch repairer, Moe Heidarieh. Moe has been based at Alfies for over 20 years and has established himself as a trusted vintage watch dealer and repairer. His expertise and cheerfulness have won him legions of faithful customers. Not only will you leave with your fully restored watch, you'll also leave with a smile on your face. No job is too big or too small for Moe!

Moe at his stand, G009-011

Moe at work

Vintage watches and pocketwatches

Hamilton watch c1950s, with an engraving on the back that says,
 “presented to James W.Bradfield in appreciation of 30 years service.” 
10k, 22 jewels mechanical winder, made in USA.

Ground Floor | Stand G009 - 011
Tel: 07807 359 931

Happy Halloween!

As ever Alfies is a hub of interesting things to see - and Halloween is no exception!

Traditionally known as All Hallows Eve, Halloween marks the start of the Hallowmas season, which includes All Saints Day and All Souls Day. The entire season is dedicated to remembering the dead.

Rooted in Pagan religion, the nature of this holiday is much darker than the rest of the modern calendar and whilst the celebration has become much more playful in its mood over the years, the original occult symbolism that illustrates the holiday remains largely unchanged.

Here are some of our favorite themed items in store... 

A pair of 1980s paste star and moon earrings. Offered by Gloria Sinclair

An oriental door knocker/handle c1900s. Offered by Good Time Antiques

A contemporary one of a kind mirror, offered by Andrew at Diplomat Treasure International

A 1950s German cat vase. Offered by Renato

A 1980s paste serpent brooch. Offered by Gloria Sinclair

A 1950s silver 'Pan' charm. Offered by Good Time Antiques

Services: A spotlight on Creative Jewellery Company

Over the coming weeks we will be highlighting our many services available at Alfies Antique Market. This week's blog post puts the spotlight on Lawrence who runs Creative Jewellery Company.

Lawrence launched the company in 1999, close-by on Marylebone High Street and spent twenty years there honing his craft and building up a customer database before moving to Alfies last year. His work includes repairing and restoring jewellery, as well as custom jewellery design. Lawrence's passion and speciality is hand made unique jewellery, custom made to suit each individual's design and personality. His beautiful pieces are carefully crafted and make perfect unique gifts for special birthdays or occasions.

A cross necklace shown in development, from start to finish.

A ring that was driven over and flattened was restored to its former glory rather than being scrapped.

The beautiful handmade Daisy Swann ring, made from 29 separate pieces of platinum.

Second Floor | Stand S052

Tel: 07754 059 856

help@creativejewellery.com

London Literature Festival

For 20 days of wordy events, featuring big names from Hillary Clinton to Tom Hanks and Philip Pullman, this year's London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre, is set to be bigger than ever. Opening with the 50th birthday of Poetry International, it sets out to explore how literature can remind us of our shared humanity. 

Budding writers can take part in Q&A sessions with big name authors as they offer tips and advice on succeeding in the literary world. There’s something here to appeal to all ages and tastes, with live poetry readings and short plays mixed in with talks and workshops from the likes of ‘His Dark Materials’ author Philip Pullman, acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz and the Man Booker Prize nominees. 

On the final day of the festival, Tom Hanks will read his first collection of short stories, entitled Uncommon Type, each themed around his passion for typewriters. Hanks is said to own more than 100 classic typewriters!

In keeping with the theme of books, we took a look around Alfies and discovered lots of desirable items for the bookworm..

1950s wood and glass bedside book holder, available from Diplomat Treasures International

Classic vintage books available from Dream Retro

1970s metal and turquoise bookmark, available from Gloria Sinclair

Victorian storage chest or book storage/display, available from Hongman Yang

Edwardian rotating book holder, available from Gloria Sinclair

London Literature Festival takes place at the Southbank Centre from 13 October to 1 November.

The London Restaurant Festival

The aim of the London Restaurant Festival is to make dining an experience, delivering memorable events based around the capitals best food. Comprising of more than 350 of the cities best venues, you can participate in restaurant hopping tours, tasting events with great British chefs and specially curated festival menus.

Taking place for the entire month of October and taking place all over the city whilst catering to a variety of tastes and price ranges, it's truly an event that everyone can enjoy.

As always Alfies is the place to find every day items such as dining ware, but in a more unique form. Read on for a select few picks from around the building.

A 1950s cruet set. Offered by Dream Retro

A Midwinter Pottery teapot serving 6. Offered by Robinson Antiques

Victorian rosewood and oak corkscrews. Offered by The Originals

Midwinter Pottery "Spanish Garden" teacups. Offered by Robinson Antiques

A 1960s Murano jug. Offered by Dream Retro

Copeland Spode soup tureen, c1907. Offered by W&L Antiques

Antiques Anonymous Flea Market

Last Sunday was the highly anticipated Antiques Anonymous flea market, a collaboration between the 80 dealers on Church Street NW8 (including Alfies), and an additional 50 antique and vintage traders from across London and further afield. Never before has Church Street been host to an exposition of this kind. Thankfully the sun was shining and the traders pitched up with everything from vintage clothing to midcentury furniture on offer.

The street was bustling and the atmosphere was electric, not only were customers presented with a range of high-calibre treasures, there was also live music and delicious street food and coffee. Needless to say, it was a great success and we would like to thank everyone involved and all the customers for making it a truly special day. Watch this space for the next edition!

Bohemian Flea

St John's Hospice

Levant & Taylor

Taqlid

Rag & Bone

Colette

Retrouvius

Stylish customers

The London Design Festival

Set up in 2003, The London Design Festival has become an annual event that aims to promote London as a the design capital of the world. Drawing in designers, makers, thinkers and retailers, it's a creative hub that showcases the best the UK has to offer. Taking place from 16 -24 September, it's a busy week of events mainly consisting of exhibitions, trade shows, installations and workshops. There is really something for everyone here and you are guaranteed to leave feeling inspired.

Unique and interesting design can also be found all over Alfies, everything from Italian and Scandinavian through to South American, all ranging a number of periods and artistic styles.

Read on for just a few interesting pieces of design along with some of our stands at Alfies.

A view of the Cupio Gallery stand located on the First Floor Mezzanine

An English copper table lamp, offered by Christine Murray

A view of the Thirteen Interiors stand located at G001-04 & G049-51

A Japanese silver vase with enamel overlay, c1950. Offered by Kieron Reilly

A view of Steven Lazarus' stand located at F017

A 'Space Age' lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega c1969, offered by Cupio Gallery

A view of Christine Murray's stand located on the First Floor Mezzanine

Dutch Groeneveldt vases, c1960s. Offered by The Moderns

Coinciding with the last day of The London Design Festival, Church Street will be hosting an art, antiques and design flea market on Sunday 24th September. Antiques Anonymous is a collaboration between 80 art and antique dealers based in Church Street, Marylebone, including those within Alfies Antique Market. Along with 50+ independent traders from across London and further afield, plus live entertainment and street food, the event aims to highlight Church Street as a last outpost for high-quality decorative objects, both old and new.