January 2020
Hello my Beauties,
I am penning this on Blue Monday – supposedly the most depressing day of the year. I do so hope it has treated you kindly, and having survived it, you can now courageously face whatever the last of winter throws at us. Here at 20th Century H Q the drawing out of the afternoon has already been remarked upon.
Our little pop up Emporium will next be open for business at Ally Pally on Sunday 2nd February, which happens to be Candlemas – a day when candles are blessed and given to the poor and which also officially marks the end of Christmas! Who knew? It’s also Groundhog Day, so apparently we all have to keep our digits crossed for a cloudy day as rather contrarily, this will herald an early spring. Who knew?
Now that would gladden Mr 20th Century’s little heart no end as the protracted dismalness has made hard work of hunting. Nevertheless, he has made valiant efforts and so we will be able to delight you with shelves of much loveliness. Look out for a smashing pair of Bosse style candlesticks (most apt!), an Erik Höglund chalice and an unusual turquoise cased Lindshammar stepped vase.
We both so very much look forward to being back ‘on the circuit’…we have missed you terribly.
Lorra love
K and P
November 2019
Hello everybody,
A question for you. Wine or wishes? The reason I ask is because I know them as Genie bottles, but it has come to my attention that there are some amongst you who call them decanters. Are you familiar with these gorgeous stoppered bottles? They are much like the ones you used to see in Chemist windows, and I just adore them. We once met a Genie devotee who had a 150 strong collection (surely the collective noun would have to be ‘a wish’ ?) a sight I would dearly like to behold. Take a peep here to get an idea of just what I mean….a64eac7aaafb608ba402d6920361bc2a.jpg, We will be bringing an array of these beauties to Ally Pally on Sunday 1st December, so come and make a wish…or bring some wine.
As well as Genie bottles we have gathered quite a radiant collection of candle lighting, including a stunning Nanny Still Apollo lamp, a pair of Hagenauer (easy for me to say!!) candlesticks and two Scandinavian Hygge lamps. Perfect for these dark days (and I’m not talking politics!!)
This is our last fair of the year, but do remember that if you miss us too much you can always pop in and peruse more of our marvellous merchandise on ebay, just follow this link
Keep well and warm my lovelies and may all your wishes come true.
K and P
August 2019
Bonjour,
Mr 20th Century recently gave me leave (unpaid, I have to say) to sojourn in the south of France. “Don’t you worry about me” he said, “I shall up my stock hunting efforts and widen my search field in order to distract myself from pining in your absence.” Awhh, I thought. “But” he continued, “should you happen to amble past any interesting Brocante would you just pop in and take a peek? You never know what you might find”
Well now, if you too have ever been lucky enough to travel the coast road from Cannes to Monte Carlo, you will know that Brocante is the very, very last thing on your mind. Eze sur Mer you have enchanted me. I could go into absolute raptures, but I shall spare you and simply exhort you to get there tout suit if you possibly can.
At some (wine filled) point I remembered Mr’s words and did indeed take a quick squint (it is awfully bright down there) in a Brocante and made the executive decision that the only ‘shabby chic’ items allowed on our stand are the two of us!
Have no fear, true to his word, Mr 20th Century has been most diligent and I will now give you a little taster of what we are bringing to Ally Pally in just two weeks time.
A Stromberg Sputnik vase.
A magical collection of Genie bottles.
Ornate Indian brassware, and a Tibetan butter lamp.
Hope to see you there.
Au revoir.
Kiss kiss
K and P
May 2019
Greetings from 20th Century H Q,
I am a colour loving gal. No ‘bland/blank canvas’ white walls for me…in fact I have never even bought a tin of white paint. There are just so many divine hues out there that I find it very hard to make a decision (as Mr 20th Century will attest to every time he has to deal with all the bags of colour test pots whilst on attic manoeuvres).
But decided I have, and oh boy, have we got some colours for you! I am hoping for glorious weather on Sunday 19th when we shall be fairing at Alexandra Palace, because I have a vision of sunbeams shining through the Rose Window and lighting up our veritable kaleidoscope of glass:
A pair of cherry red Gulvvases.
A trio of amber gold Sklo vases.
A set of sea green Pala vases.
A cobalt blue and plum Bohemian bowl.
And much, much more.
I am very excited to see it all on show…and to see you all too… of course!
After Ally we are again going to try roughing it outside, this time at Brentwood Leisure Centre on 26th May. Or we might just surprise you somewhere!
But should you find yourselves missing us too much we have now amassed quite an array of goodies on Ebay which can be found if you look for User Name 20thcenturystock. Take a peek.
Colourful blessings
K and P
April 2019
Hello my little Easter bunnies,
You may have gathered by now just how much Mr 20th Century and I enjoy all aspects of this little enterprise of ours. Whether it’s hunting “out in the field” at silly o’clock; bringing a filthy, battered find back to its former glory or meeting all you lovely folk …we relish it all.
However, there is one drawback, a kind of pleasurable pain if you like. I constantly struggle with letting some of our stock out of the house, and much as I love you guys, I would often rather keep it than let you have it! It is a splendid dilemma, and common sense (and scant space left at 20th Century HQ) generally prevails. Such is the case as we excitedly prepare for the Peterborough Festival of Antiques (doesn’t that sound grand?) on 19th and 20th April. I am packing, with some reluctance, a gorgeous kingfisher blue Aseda candle lamp, a couple of striking pieces of Skrdlovice glass, some unusual enamel ware from Quebec and a Holmegaard lamp. Come and get it before I change my mind.
If we don’t see you there, we may well be (weather permitting) roughing it outside at Detling on 27th April, and then back to Crook Log at Bexleyheath on 5th May.
I adore the Easter break (yes, even when “fairing”), four whole free days with none of the toil and strain of Christmas, Mother Nature is in full zing and there is chocolate in oh, so many delectable variations everywhere. Enjoy!
Chocolatey blessings to you all
K and P
March 2019
Springtime salutations one and all.
We are fast approaching the vernal equinox when day and night are of equal length. Then minute by minute the days pull rank and draw out. As a lover and worker of the land, this time of year thrills me and gets me all of a flutter.
But this year, my usual spring flutterings have been pre-empted by a thrill of a completely different kind. Mr 20th Century and I were recently honoured with an invite to a private viewing of a truly astounding collection of Scandinavian glass.
Somewhat dizzy and with jaws agape we left with a determination to try and find items of the ilk for us…possibly for you. So, thank you Mr Moore for the inspiration, as having since then had the opportunity to travel East (Norwich) and West (Bristol) we have indeed found some gems: a pair of rare oxblood red Holmegaard Gul vases, a sapphire blue Ruda vase by Gote Augustsson and a classic Royal Copenhagen Faience vase. We might just let you have them!
We’re at Crook Log Bexleyheath next. I have promised myself that this time I will sneak off and take a peek around William Morris’s Red House which is just a jaunt away. An iconic Arts and Crafts house, I sense more inspiration on the way.
Blessings
K and P
January 2019
These are crazy times we are living in my friends. We would probably have headed for the hills by now were it not for our excited anticipation at catching up with you lovelies at some of our upcoming fairs. We can then have sane conversations about things like glass and its blowers and baked mud and its throwers…amongst the usual diverse range of topics of course. Politics and politicians come and go (some not quite quick enough), our wares on the other hand, being objects of simple and honest beauty have already stood the test of time, brought decades of joy and delight and will continue to do so for years to come.
Tell me, what could be more joyous than a stunning Isle of Wight ball vase? More delightful than a trio of Art Deco travelling photo frames? More simple than a seagreen Whitefriars UFO vase? And for a just a little touch of bonkers?… a huge abstract Alexandrite bowl.
These are the things that really matter, so forget the mad politics for a day, vote with your feet and come and have a chat.
Our sanity depends on you!
K and P
August 2018
Oh dear hearts we have missed you so, positively pining we have been of late, hence this very early pre-fair ramble, I just couldn’t wait,
You should know that you are never far from our thoughts, and with you all in mind we have devoted a goodly amount of our free time this summer jollying working. We have scoured and trawled; unearthed and uprooted. We have pried and delved; hunted and bagged. As far west as the Malvern hills and as far east as the Deben estuary we have been dogged and daring in our endeavours. Mr 20th Century has been especially dedicated, rising at indecent hours to answer the call of duty. Whilst travailing thus it just so happens that we have heard sky larkers; watched dragonfly manoeuvres; supped fortifying beverages; partaken of a picnic or two and walked many many miles. All for you.
The result of al this arduousness? Such a glittering, glistening haul. A bevy of Wedgwood Brancasters, a stunning and weighty Skruf flower dish, an iridescent Adrian Sankey vase and a most pleasing collection of studio pottery to name just a few. A fruitful summer harvest indeed.
We very much hope to see you in September at Alexandra Palace on Sunday 2nd and at the Peterborough Festival of Antiques on Friday and Saturday 28/29th.
Not long now my lovelies, and I trust the fact that I have NOT mentioned the weather has not passed you by….excruciating though it was!
Ta ta
K and P
May 2018
Sun kissed salutations to you my lovelies,
This wee ramble is being penned whilst reclining in the garden on what is set to be the hottest May Bank Holiday on record. I am catching wafts of lilac, lily of the valley and BBQ’s; I am listening to the wind in soft new leaves, lazy birdsong and children playing. Yet this exact same time last week I was huddled next to the wood burner having been confined to barracks by weather so foul I wondered if I had somehow missed spring and summer and was back in autumn. I am in hopes that all beastliness is now behind us and we can welcome summer most exuberantly. I could carry on with tales of weather woe but fear my ‘bore-peating’ may test your patience, so shall desist, let it go and move swiftly on.
We have had a delayed (bet you can guess why!) birthday jolly. We packed all weather clothes, poured over OS maps and crossed the water…into deepest darkest Kent. The orchards were glorious, the walking good and the chips even better. We re-visited an amazing shell grotto that even in this all knowing age of technology is still veiled in mystery, and I just adore it. I now have grand plans for the end of the garden! We also did a little bit of ‘work’ and so, since the last time we met we have sourced some loveliness, mainly of the melted sand variety – by Smalandshyttan, Nuuutajarvi and Bo Borgstrom. Also a couple of fine examples from the Keswick School of Industrial Art and some gorgeous Deco lights. Come feast your eyes at Alexandra Palace on Sunday 20th May, we’ll be most pleased to see you.
‘Til then,then
K and P
March 2018
Greetings all,
How dearly I wish I could find a suitable word to replace ‘excited’. Feverish, overwrought or delirious just don’t seem quite right, so the best that I can come up with is that Mr 20th Century and I are all of a flutter at the notion of ‘standing’ at the Festival of Antiques, Peterborough in less than two weeks time, 30th and 31st March. I know that technically we are there to work (ha ha), but to us it seems much more like heading off on a jolly. We do have to pack our nightshirts and caps, so I suppose that does mean that it is a little bit serious?….nah…it’s a hoot!…and one that we very much look forward to.
I think it’s the vastness and the variety of the event that appeals. Last autumn, whilst out on an outside wander, I gawped at a row of wooden legs on one stall and at the next stood in wonder in front of a spectacle of cut glass chandeliers, each costing more than a life time of pocket money, tinkling in the breeze. And oh, the bright continental enamelware; the textiles; the garden paraphernalia; the jewellery; there’s a haberdashery stall that makes me swoon….but enough of the other stalls, what about us? On stand X244 in the main hall we shall be proudly exhibiting some beautiful Isle of Wight and Gozo glass, Carn pottery, a striking collection of Per Lutken smoke glassware and a selection of cased apothecary bottles…and much, much more. So roll up, roll up.
I’m off. (Is it too soon to pack?)
Keep snugly.
K and P
February 2018
Salutations to you all,
In my other life (if you were to pry, you would find that many of us purveyors of fine things have secondary existences) there are some lovely folk in our area who let me play/work in their gardens….and pay me to do so! I am, therefore, an inveterate watcher of weather. And oh boy, by the sounds of things we have some mean weather heading our way, and for once us usually smug south easterners are going to bear the biting brunt.
So, promise me that no matter how meteorologically challenged you are on Sunday 11th March you will do everything humanly possible to get to us at Crook Log, Bexleyheath. Even if you have to break out the huskies and we have to send out the brandy toting St Bernards. You will regret it sorely if you don’t as Mr 20th Century has been a most proficient hunter of late and we have much that will please your eye and gladden your heart. For example: a rather stunning pair of Per Lutken High Life vases; a very ambient EMI heater lamp and a sweet Gladstone Doctor’s bag just crying out to be filled with some of the wince inducing instruments from our ‘scientific’ section.
Keep snugly.
K and P
January 2018
I bid you all the warmest of welcomes,
We’ve made it! Our heroic efforts through the dark drear have brought us all fresh and shiny into a new year. I hope it treats us well and is just a little less globally crazy than last!
We have exciting news for you (well, we’re thrilled!)… and are most delighted to announce that we now have what we are fondly calling a ‘wee shop’.
Being fully in the throes of Fair withdrawal symptoms, we ventured out during a Yuletide lull seeking a fix, and boy did we strike lucky when we found The Maltings, Sawbridgeworth, Herts. Four separate antiques establishments, all of them large and well stocked with all manner of everything. Well, so impressed were we with one in particular that having enquired and found out that there was a cabinet free, we snapped it up right there and then. A few days later we were back to set up shop, filling the shelves with our signature mix of glass, ceramics, scientific and intriguing odds. Right proper chuffed we be.
So, if you too are at some time in need of a hit, you now know exactly where to go :
Riverside Antiques, Unit R, The Maltings, Station Road,
Sawbridgeworth, Herts CM21 9JX.
Oh, and there is The Shed, a fantastic cafe and a pretty canal side walk. What more could you possibly want? Cabinet 39, Riverside Antiques. Go take a peek.
Our first fair of the season (woo-de-hoo) is at the Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff on Sea on Sunday 4th February. A great venue, beautiful cliff top location overlooking the Estuary, lovely people (us) selling lovely stuff. Maybe see you there.
K and P
November 2017
Hellooo,
A bitter sweet moment this my friends, my last pre-fair scribble of the year. Whilst we are most excited to be once again Ally Pally bound, we are just a smidge saddened by the fact that there will be no more stalling out this year.
The clocks have been turned back and the all too short days are upon us, and much like the science of Marmite you either lovingly embrace this time of year, or hate it with a sour-faced vengeance. Me, I am fearless in the face of winter and truly feel for those of you who hate the dark stuff. What ever your bent, might I suggest that on Sunday 19th November you head up to Alexandra Palace and basically spoil yourself for once. Whether as a treat or as therapy…just do it.
We might be able to entice you with some of our Scandinavian ceramics and Danish tableware. Or we have quite a collection of divine Art Deco frames, some beautifully worked khatam boxes, a sparkling array of gorgeous glass and a very eclectic mix of lighting. And… there are over 200 other stalls, so you will find the perfect something.
Hope you can make it, if not we wish you the merriest of all happy things.
K and P
September 2017
How do?
We have been on our jollies, forsaking the flatlands of Essex for the enchanting nuclear gravel-lands of Dungeness. And what a gladsome time was had, with much rambling, sea watching, pebble pointing, reposing, star gazing…I’m guessing you’ve got the general gist. But even whilst thus relaxing, you are all never far from mind, and as we do adore a good old rootle in the ‘stuff’ emporiums of foreign lands, we went hunting on your behalf.
And we came home with a beauteous haul. Some lovely pieces of the ever harder to find studio pottery, including a piece of Graham Peter Glynn; a sweet little jade green gulvase and a sparkly Sklo Union candlewax vase; a sumptuous silk counterpane/throw (must confess I am secretly hoping there will be no room for it in the StockMobile) and finally, some pretty scary vintage medical supplies.
These, and much more will be on show on stand X244 at the Peterborough Festival of Antiques, 29th and 30th September. It truly is a wondrous thing – over 2000 many and varied sellers of ‘stuff’. We are a pair of very excited festival goers (although I do have some negotiating to do re Mr 20th Century’s strictly no tie-die policy!)
And bust my buttons, we’ll be at Crook Log the following Sunday 8th October…working towards the next jolly.
Might see you at either or.
Adieu.
K and P
August 2017
Hello All
Hope you are all summering well despite (or in the case of this jobbing gardener – full of spite for) how August has treated us. I do believe the swifts are heading south already which makes me summer sad, but then I suppose the Brent Geese will be doing the same thing, and that makes me autumn happy. As does the fact that the new ‘Fair’ season is about to begin, starting with Ally Pally on Sunday 3rd September.
Whilst on the prowl for stock we are unblinkered and open minded, no preferences, no lists, simply a case of we will like it when we see it. Having said that, t’would appear that unwittingly, of late there has been a wee theme. Liquor!. We have happened upon a cache of gorgeous Holmegaard glassware and shall be bringing some with us…decanter, schnapps and ale glasses and whatever else we can fit in the Stockmobile. We have also found a pair of unusual Mdina goblets and another set of those Iitala shot glasses you love.
Booze aside, we have also managed to root out some fine pieces of ever harder to find studio pottery. Well marked too, we just don’t know who by. So if you fancy a challenge, please come and take a peek,
Laters
K and P
July 2017
Fairs are generally thin on the ground during the summer, but it just seems like too long a while since I last did this. To make matters worse, Mr 20th Century gets a vintage version of cabin fever if he has to wait too long between events…should you have any recommendations kindly pass them on.
And so, it is going to be a great treat to ‘stand’ (apparently that is what one calls selling one’s wares in such a way) at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend this coming Sunday 30th July. On that stand there will be some fine examples of mid-century metalware, some shapely studio pottery, and an array of lighting. For the glampers amongst you we have Afghani rugs, quilts and a campaign chair.
So, that has to be the best reason for coming on a jolly to Southend. If that’s not enough of a pull… I guess you all know that it has the longest pleasure pier in the world? That Helen Mirren and Rachel Riley hail from these parts? That the world’s first ever female lion tamer performed at the Kursaal? That the best chips in the world are to be found at ‘Neptunes’ not far from that longest pleasure pier in the world? That it is the warmest and driest place in the U.K?
Guess we’ll see you on Sunday.
K and P
May 2017
Good Lord, two fairs in a month, this is getting serious. In fact next Sunday’s extravaganza at Ally Pally will mark three years to the very day since we started this malarkey!
Late one evening about a week ago I thought I heard a faint, high up screech and sure enough, the next day a squadron of swifts were on manoeuvres. So, as far as I am concerned, summer came with them and to help you celebrate that fact we shall be bringing a couple of sets of the cutest Iitalla shot glasses. Perfect for a wee drop of your favourite tipple…I’m thinking elderflower liqueur myself, but tequila if you must, just no slamming! To compliment these we have a couple of sets of Nuutajarvi Kastehelmi coasters, and an array of exquisite venetian trays completes the theme.
And, if you thought you knew what ‘funky’ looked like just you wait until you see the 1960’s lamp we have found. Per Lutken orange glass base and the original shade. I’m saying no more other than you will know it when you see it, and then you will have found us too!
Happy summer to you all,
K and P
May 2017
How do?
What a hoot and a half we had at Peterborough! Did you go? Were you as wide eyed and ‘wow-y’ as Mr 20th Century and I? Like kids in a candy store…and I swear we didn’t see half of it!
Whilst our next fair (Sunday 7th May) is not on such a grand scale, we still rate Crook Log pretty gosh darned highly; bright and airy with a really good mix of stands, it is always very well attended and so has a great buzz.
At Peterborough a Doctor more or less cleared out our ‘medical’ section in one fell swoop…but fear not! We have delved deep in the gloom of the storeroom and found some amazingly beautiful yet gruesome anatomical prints, a glass eye and a microscope to restock it.
We also have some new luggage, a Per Lutken Cascade goblet and a stunning Riihimaki vase
Cheers!
K and P
April 2017
The 20th Century Stock story so far…
Having ever been hunters and collectors of ‘stuff’ ( I am looking at a snaffle bit, an old Prestige whisk and a Dundee marmalade jar as I pen this) the word minimal is a rude one in our abode. Still, there is limit even for us, and we reached it quite some time ago. We implemented a one in, one out policy, but it all proved to be just too gorgeous for such cruelty. We then tried following William Morris and his “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful” philosophy. Now, whilst the full set of smokey Holmegaard Rondo vases are undoubtedly oh, so beautiful, the jury is out on their usefulness. See our dilemma?
Then about three years ago we ‘hit the wall’ on stuff and I put forward the idea of us maybe taking a stall at our local fair and trying our hands at selling rather than buying. It would appear I may have created a monster – Mr 20th Century Stock has gone selling crazy…to such an extent that we will be ‘messing with the big boys’ at the FESTIVAL OF ANTIQUES at the Peterborough Show Ground on 14th and 15th April. Get us!
Amongst the stuff we hope to fit in our Dagenham Darling will be a selection of Conran Maclamps, a repurposed copper heat lamp, a divine George Wilson bowl and lots of newbies in the Scandi glass section.
Stall X224 in the Exhibition Hall..come say Hi
May the Chocolate Fairy be good to you.
K and P
February 2017
Greetings one and all.
Can you feel it yet? I am getting definite and delightful wafts and glimpses of the wonder that is spring. I know it was only last week that Doris ripped across the land, and we still need to be wary as March can often be mean, but we are on the up for sure and I am more than a mite gladsome to have winter behind me.
If you too should have a touch of spring fever why not make a trip to Bexleyheath next Sunday (5th March), take a turn around the gorgeous Danson Park and then pop up the road to the Crook Log Leisure Centre where we shall have set out our wares for your delight and delectation. Some very good pieces of studio pottery ( Graham Peter Glynn, George Wilson), a Poole Pottery lamp, a stunning piece of glass inspired (if not by) Adam Aaronson and quite a collection of our now signature deco frames will be amongst our delectables on show.
Hope to see you and hope you catch some of that rising energy.
K and P
January 2017
And now…just gently prise your shoulders down and away from your ears…and breathe…for the madness that was 2016 is now safely behind us, and we can welcome the fresh new energy of 2017 with much relief and enthusiasm!
We like to think that the Fairs are the perfect antidote to the conspicuous commercialism of mainstream retailers, who are already planning what they want us to buy this time next year! Fairs, on the other hand, offer a wonderful choice of unique items. Well crafted things of beauty that will gladden the eye and stand the test of time.
So, come and take refuge next Sunday ( 8th January ) at the Chase Sports Centre, Westclif SS0 0PR, where some of our items to gladden your eyes will include Carn pottery, a vintage electric shock machine and some beautiful pieces of jewel bright papier mache.
Health and happiness blessings.
K and P
November 2016
“The day is cold, and dark, and dreary.
It rains, and the wind is never weary.”
So said Longfellow and it certainly has been of late. But fear not friends, you can come and say hello next Sunday at Ally Pally and marvel at the anything but dreary light coming in through the Rose window…You will then only have 16 sleeps until the shortest day and we’re all back on the up. We can certainly help you brighten your way up with the gorgeous array of lighting we are bringing with us, including a cunningly repurposed Deco bakelite heater, a Shatterline lamp with original shade and a dinky eyeball lamp.
Talking of eyeballs we will have a vintage anatomical model of one, together with other medical bits and pieces. Bit of a digression there…and so briefly back to lighting of a non electrical type; a set of 1960s German chrome stacking/interlocking candle sticks and a rare Föhl candle holder will have your dark days covered.
Lighting aside, we also have some big beautiful bits of Whitefriars and Riihimaki glass, Hastings pottery and mirrored Deco picture frames.
Laters
K and P
October 2016
Boo!
T’is All Hallows’ Eve tomorrow, and since last I wrote of Scandinavian snugglyness foxgloves have flowered in my garden, I have startled a collared dove sitting on eggs and the wood burner feels ignored and unloved in what it now thinks is the naughty corner!
I am certainly not complaining about the fact that the clemency in our neck of the woods is postponing cosiness…but…the clocks have just been turned back and there can be no denying that there is a darkening out there.
So, we are bringing with us to Copdock next Sunday 6th November, all manner of amazing lighting. On the electrickery side a 1930’s burnished Kaiser Idell lamp and a multitasking 1970’s Lloyds Drafting lamp. And for candlelight (yes, you’ve guessed it) a selection of Scandinavian votives and candle holders.
We will also be ‘debuting’ a very fine Verlys bowl, a pair of Deco prints… and the ‘Library’ has been restocked.
Come take a peek
K and P
September 2016
Hello again,
Goodness, haven’t we just had the most glorious late summer? Whilst I have most certainly revelled, I can not deny that the shortening days now have a whiff of misty nostalgia about them which I love. The light is softer, the ‘winnowing wind’ is still gentle. The crows have got time to socialise again, the robins’ songs are all warbbly contentment and the Brent geese will be flying in soon for their holidays. Autumn brings a sense of ease…nothing is urgent.
And where better to enjoy Autumn in all her mellow glory than on the Essex/Suffolk border. I recommend you have a read of Keats’ ‘To Autumn’ for inspiration and then head for Flatford Mill and Dedham this Sunday (2nd October) for an easeful, non urgent day out. You can then pop up to see us at the Cameo Hotel, Copdock and tell us all about it!
We’ve got a beauty of a bevel-edged mirror, a couple of rather nice watercolours and a stunning film studio- style spot light to bring with us, so hope to see you there.
Abundant blessings
K and P
August 2016
Hey!
Many moons ago, when we first visited relatives who had emigrated to Sweden, I was very much taken by the fact that all the houses looked so wonderfully welcoming. Whether it was a farmhouse miles out in the forest or a block of flats in town, every window was, for want of a better word, ‘dressed’. Despite outside temperatures that would make you weep ice, curtains were open and rooms softly lit. The windows were all strung about with fairy lights and candles flickered on the sills in amongst plants and flowers and artistic arrangements of objects and ornaments of that unmistakeably cool Scandinavian design.
I marvelled much and loudly and was told that this was ‘Hygge’ – the practicing of cosy, happy, contented snugness. I was an immediate convert, hygge’d our front window upon our return and revelled in all things cosy.
Hygge would now appear to be hip. And being hip (!!!) and immensely partial to a bit of authentic Skandi design, at Ally Pally next Sunday (4th September) we shall be bringing with us some beautiful votives, candle holders, cool ornaments and lamps of beauty.
Come get Hygge-ly…stand W24.
K and P
July 2016
Cyfarchion!
We’ve been on a jolly holiday, all the way to welsh Wales, practically slap bang on the border not far from poet inspiring Tintern, where the waters “roll from their mountain-springs with a sweet inland murmur” no less! A blissful time was had and knowing that we would soon be pootling up to Southwold eased the pain of leaving. We’ll be at the Fair on the Green on Sunday 7th August and O it’s going to be such fun! Miles of sand, limitless horizons, buckets of chips and of course an abundance of stalls and ‘stuff’. We are taking a pair of dazzling 1930’s Orrefors vases, a whole pile of luggage (just perfect for your own petites vacances) and, if we can fit them in the car (breathe in everybody) a fine array of stoneware flagons, as well as our usual mid-century goodies.
Be sure to look out for our grey gazebo with the natty 20th Century Stock bunting.
See you beside the seaside.
Hwyl fawr
K and P
June 2016
All hail from Leigh on Sea!
Two fairs for us next month. This is actually being penned on Referendum day, so providing there are no subsequent border controls we shall be heading up into Suffolk on 3rd July for the monthly fair at the Cameo Hotel, Copdock. Come and say hello and we promise, hands on hearts, not to mention politics or the weather, just all things 20th Century.
Then on 24th July we can enjoy a wee lie-in as we will be setting out our wares just five minutes down the road at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend. This is one of the biggest fairs in the area and a fabulous location. Why not come and have a mooch around the stalls and then head for the seafront and make a great day of it. ( FYI Low tides at 10.19 and 22.55, High at 04.12 and 16.29)
New stock includes a pair of right ‘ansome black Anglepoise 90’s, an elegant mahogany hall mirror with drawer, a couple of unusual pieces of Carn pottey and some art deco Orrefors vases. Come take a peek.
Sunshine blessings,
K and P
April 2016
Halloo!!
Having now had a couple of rustic jolly jaunts up at Copdock, we’re heading back to the Metropolis next Sunday to set out our wares at the People’s Palace.
For your delight and delectation this time we are bringing with us a whole bevy of beauties in Deco frames, a large and beautifully aged cerise moroccan kilim and a fine selection of apothecary measures.
By way of lighting we have another pair of those those stunning copper lamps from the american east coast, a pair of groovy orange Anglepoises and a couple of the oh so stylishly cool Maclamps.
We have re-located (apparently you are going to have a long and lonely trek down an empty west corridor before you get to all the fun) and you can now find us at stand W24 – up by the organ and cafes. We very much look forward to seeing you there.
Happy Springing.
K and P
February 2016
After our last two ‘Big Town’ adventures we are heading North of the border into beautiful Suffolk for our next fair. We’ll be at the Cameo Hotel, Copdock on Sunday 6th March. It’s a great venue in such a pretty part of the country, and as there is another long established fair just across the road in the village hall, why not make a day of it…especially as it is the day to spoil Mamas.
Some of our new stock – a striking converted dark room light and the cutest bakelite Pifco ‘Bedlite’. We’ll also be bringing a fabulously carved Indian table, vintage Bavarian luggage and an array of bevel edged mirrors.
Hope to see you soon.
K and P
January 2016
Salutations. Given that this is traditionally a slow time of year for fairs, it has been great to only have to wait two months between Ally Pallys. We love them so and get hugely excited! We will still be in the West Corridor next Sunday, but have been told that truly, really, honestly this will be the last time – after that we will be in the Grand Hall – we’ll keep you posted as to just where.
Our new stock includes some handsome copper lamps; one of the cute and multi-tasking “Tommy” lamps and a collection of Frank Thrower Dartington pieces. In the scientific section we have a vintage set of plaster anatomical models of the embryonic human egg and a century old model of a rabbit’s brain…that’s got Valentine’s Day covered then!
See thees very soon.
K and P
December 2015
Well, the fair at Ally Pally yesterday was our last of the year (boohoo) and boy, did we finish on a high! So thank you to all our lovely (and most discerning) customers. The repurposed lights were a great hit, the luggage didn’t hang around for long, and we think quite a few lucky people are going to find some rather nice pieces of Riihimaki glass in the toes of their Yulefest hosiery.
Just to let you know that we still have an opium pillow and some suppository moulds in stock, should you be stuck for that perfect gift!
May your holidays be merry and bright.
See you in the brand new, shiny year.
K and P