Antiques on Sunday

Ally Pally Antiques and Collectors Fair, Feb 9 2014

I Love Markets heads to Alexandra Palace Antiques Market one Sunday in London. Sunday was traditionally antique day when I was growing up and there was always a local fair or market to visit. Nowadays antique fairs are on the decline, so it was great to visit the Alexandra Palace Antiques and Collectors Fair yesterday, for a taste of Sunday morning bargain hunting.

Ally Pally Antiques Fair (as it's better known), has been going for years and is one of the last remaining antique events in London. Venue hire, expensive stall rates, the recession and a fading generation of antique traders are all factors which threaten the industry. When I used to stall at the fair with my Mum over 20 years ago, there were so many more stalls, all crammed into the huge space, compared with today.

Mid-Century Ceramics, stall holder

Deco Lighting, stall holder

Jewellery in abundance at Alexandra Palace Antique Fair

Despite its shrinking waistline the fair is still a pleasure to visit and it's a real treat to find so many wonderful stalls under the one roof. For those that arrive earlier there are definitely bargains to be found, and from all periods. There's an abundance of jewellery, mid-century, deco, ancient artifacts and ceramics - so really something for everyone.

Vintage Shopper

The fair attracts many different types of people too: families, tourists, young trendies and geeky collector types, all on their own personal and indulgent shopping discovery.

Vintage Tartan at Ally Pally

Price ranges are good too, so even if you don't have much cash to splash, you can still manage to enjoy yourself. I, for example, bought myself a lovely 60s monochrome silk scarf for just four quid.

Madame Fifi Presents her vintage flair

The arrival of The arrival of Pop Up Vintage Fairs London certainly adds a fresh dimension to the fair, attracting a younger generation of antique goers and traders, which is important. They take about 40 stalls, situated at the top end of the hall. It's always a pleasure to buy from those that are passionate about the era they represent. If you love discovering something from a past life then this is the market or you! Early bird entry is £12, or pay £6 after 9:30am. Find out when the next fair is here. A few additional extras that might be of interest... Brocant Antiques Roadtrip 24-27 April. A four day road trip taking you to Belgium and France. Markets galore, including Amiens in France. The Vintage Bazaar Decogirl, jewellery and accessories you'll love!