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Feature: Jenny Coggins
HAVING been in Church Street since the 1970's, Alfie's Antiques
is becoming something of an antique itself. Rarely do independent
shops and markets hold their own for so long against high street
chains. So how has Alfie's done it?
In some ways, Alfie's is more like a museum than a market, with
each stall transporting customers back to a different era and
every curator-like stall holder with different tales to tell.
Yet, unlike a museum, you can actually buy the artefacts in front
of you. To get to Alfie's, first you must resist the sprawling
Saturday market, selling bargain shoes, clothes and food.
Church Street also has a number of other antique shops worth
popping into around the Alfie's area.
The building, itself, charmingly reflects the eras each stall
promote. While the exterior has a mock art deco look, the internal
staircase runs through the middle with futuristic mirrors and
a waterfall.
If your knees can take it, they will be rewarded to find a very
modern roof-top terrace and café serving delectable cakes
and drinks.
The name suggests it is a small-scale market, but the reality
is that with 100 dealers it is growing bigger each year.
As the proprietor, Bennie Gray, explains, Alfie's is yet to be
discovered by the mainstream: "Alfie's is a mecca for interior
decorators and special collectors from around the world".
It is now gaining more interest from the public. Join in and
take a Saturday to wonder round the tardis-like market that is
Alfie's Antiques.
The Stalls
Tin Tin Collectables sell vintage clothing from as far back as
the 19th Century.
Stand out pieces include a 70's floor length Biba, for £495,
and a 1950's fuchsia Harrods coat, for £425, that would
look just right on the Sex and The City set.
More unusual pieces are also sold, such as a lush Velvet cape,
bound to make anyone feel like royalty, and at £385, a princely
sum is needed to afford it.
Bags are expensive, at £265, but are beautifully beaded
and detailed. Tin Tin also sell designer labels from more recent
years, such as Moschino.
Owned by Leslie Verrinder and Peter Pinnington. Tel: 020 7258
1305, or visit the website at www.tintincollectables.com
The Goldsmith and Perris stall is a must for those with magpie
eyes. Having been at Alfie's for almost 30 years, they have built
up a dazzling selection of silverware and customers.
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For the lady within, try a Turquoise hand mirror, for £220.
Just perfect for a dinner party are silver candlesticks (£720),
or a pair of napkin rings, for £110. These are antiques
that will rapidly gather in price, making them a real investment
buy.
Tel: 020 7724 7051.
The Girl Can't Help It brings glamour and kitsch to the ground
floor of the market.
Selling a variety of lace slips (£78), boxed nylons (£24),
and earrings (£10), no girl will be able to resist it's
charms. Also, rather charming is stall owner, Sparkle Moore, who
will take ample time and effort to help customers looking for
a piece to treasure forever.
The stall also sells items for the home such as highball glasses
from the 50s and vintage Playboy issues.
Tel: 020 7724 8984 or visit the website www.sparklemoore.com
Da Silva Interiors buy and sell 50's, 60's and 70's furniture.
Most fun on the stall are the old dial up phones, which range
from £50-£200. Vera, the stall's owner, does not always
price up her stock, so is open to a good haggle. Her stock is
very fashionable at the moment, so make sure you move quickly
to secure the piece you want.
Tel: 020 7723 0449.
Dodo, situated on the first floor, sells advertising posters,
proving that ad campaigns today lack the vibrancy they once had.
Dealing in mainly European posters, from the 20s and 30s, prices
start at around £300. Also on sale are cards from the same
era, and these are a little more affordable at around £80.
Owner, Liz Farrow, Tel: 020 7706 1545.
Jointly owned by Vince Charlton and Dave Cameron, Multicoloured
Time Slip specialises in pop art antiques. As the pieces on sale
are so colourful and recognisable to people, this stall attracts
lots of interest and therefore can get a little crowded.
Stick with it, though, as on offer are 70's floral toasters (£38),
oval clocks, for the same price, and highly collectable items
such as annuals (A Tiswas annual was spotted for example).
If you still haven't shaken off your 70's pop star crush then
indulge it here. Bowie, Bolan and Beatles memorabilia all manifests
itself in various ways, from patches to stickers to records.
Star Attractions
Alfie's attracts top name celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow,
Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. Style idol, Kate Moss, has also
been seen frequenting the building.
Room for improvement
Alfie's are antique in attitude, as well as in stock. The building
is not quite up to 21st Century standards and some of the stall
owners do smoke, making the walk round occasionally unpleasant.
It makes it difficult to stop and peruse when cigar smoke is
blowing your way.
General
Tues-Sat 10am to 6pm
13-25 Church St, London, NW8 8DT Tel: 020 7723 6066
Nearest Tube: Edgware Road.
www.alfiesantiques.com
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