Perhaps you’ve spent lockdown Marie Kondo-ing your space and are feeling inspired for a healthy dose of interior decoration. Maybe you’re an expert in finding the rarest, most beautiful antiques around.
Either way, make sure you book your September weekends off for some of the best antique markets in South West London and Surrey.
The satisfaction of finding a one-of-a-kind piece to adorn your home with is unbeatable, and antiquing is growing in popularity. A new wave of eco-conscious consumers is jumping on the bandwagon, no longer approving of the carbon footprint of ‘fast furniture’ and benefiting from the beauty of pre-owned items. History and unique character seldom fails to light a flare of personality in any interior, after all.
But it’s more than a stroll around IKEA; some would say antiquing is a craft of its own category. Taking the time to comb through the nooks and crannies of each stall, finding value and authenticity, and seeing potential for restoration all contribute to searching for that gem.
Finding the perfect piece
According to Edward Cruttenden of Wimbledon Homes & Antiques Fair, a successful day at the market comes down to confidence. ‘If you like it, buy it there and then, because it won’t be around for long, and chances are there won’t be another one like it,’ he says. Don’t be afraid to ask ‘is that your best price?’ either – be polite, but it’s always worth checking. You never know; you might find yourself a right bargain.
If you’re after furniture, make sure you bring a tape measure and a van to get it home in. “Some traders may help deliver if you’re local. Try to haggle that into the price,” Edward says. Alternatively, Wimbledon Homes & Antiques Fair will have a home delivery company on site, should you get carried away.
Most importantly, enjoy yourself, chat to the traders, and keep your hopes high. If you’re after something in particular, chances are the traders have it. Perhaps not with them this time, but they can always bring it along to the next Fair. Keep your wishlist on-hand.
Looking at online listings and heading down to meet a specific seller could save you time, too. Many regulars in the Surrey area are postponing their market days to adhere to current government guidelines, but we’ve got you covered with some of September’s highly-anticipated antique fairs. Pack your face coverings, curious moods, and get ready for a day of hunting for the best antique collectables (and perhaps some vintage fashion while you’re at it, too) in the South West.
Wimbledon Homes & Antiques Fair
Where: Prince George’s Playing Field, Bushey Road, Raynes Park, London SW20 8TE
When: Sunday 30th August and 13th September, 10am-3pm
Wimbledon Homes & Antiques fair is welcoming visitors from all around the globe in its inaugural event on Sunday 30th August and 13th September. Trade and private buyers are expected to flow into Prince George’s Playing Field for an antiques market in the broadest sense – there will be something for everyone.
“Imagine your favourite vintage store and a Parisian flea market rolled into one – then add in one those secret off-the-beaten track furniture shops and finally the bric-a-brac junk shop of your dreams and hey presto, you’ve found Wimbledon Homes & Antiques Fair!” its description reads. And with prime location and access through public transport and major road links, this market really ticks all the boxes.
Wimbledon Homes & Antiques Fair has found a perfect balance between professional approach and personal touch. With a background of running some of the most respected fairs across the UK and Europe, organisers have used their wealth of contacts and experience to create a unique environment. Food stalls are predicted to be incredible, but that goes without saying.
Find out more about admission fees, travel options, and what’s in plan for the future of SW London and Surrey antique markets on www.sw19antiques.com
Sunbury Antiques Market
Where: Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury On Thames, TW16 5AQ
When: Every second and last Tuesday of the month, 6:30am-2pm
When it comes to antique markets in Surrey, interior decorators and designers alike have dubbed Sunbury’s ‘unique buzz’ as ‘amazing’. A sister of Sandown Park Racecourse antiques, the Kempton Park market is currently operating as an outdoor-only event this autumn to allow for social distancing, Sunbury Antiques Market recently celebrated 40 years of its presence in the local community. “Many continental stallholders arrive at our markets and fairs, loaded down with their own regional speciality offerings such as French farmhouse furniture, Belgian chandeliers, industrial pieces, ceramics, paintings and jewellery, to name but a few.
“This, coupled with the abundance of good European rustic furniture available at our events, has even persuaded some British dealers to give up their cross-Channel run altogether!” organisers write on the Sunbury website.
With visitors from across the UK and abroad, the market often hosts over 700 stalls, appealing to general collectors, prop buyers, interior and exterior designers from across the world. For admission fees, free parking option, and more information please contact organisers via sunburyantiques.com.
You might also enjoy reading:
