Today is Thursday - it means only one thing - Old Spitalfields Antique Market, London

There has been a market on this East London site since 1638, however and thankfully, the current buildings are from 1887. I love this market because of its eclectic feel.  It opens at 8am and immediately the area is buzzing with antique dealers, there to find new stock for their

London shops. By nine they have departed, laden with small furniture, vintage clothing, silver and real antique objects. By 11am, the atmosphere changes and you can suddenly hear a cacophony of different languages. Tourists from the Netherlands, China and Japan have by now finished their hotel breakfasts and are eager and keen to buy a treasure and some souvenirs to take back home. Things that are not too heavy and can fit in a suitcase.

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Today I purchased a Scandinavian 1970s silver pendant and a Victorian beadwork bag . Both are great examples of beauty, of great craftsmanship but produced one hundred years apart.

All of a sudden a younger and trendier crowd start circulating. They all have one thing in common; they eat sandwiches as they walk around! We are next to the City of London and city workers come out at lunchtime to splash some cash.  Women tend to look for jewellery, as you simply cannot have too many sparkling gems, can you? The men look for boys’ toys of course, like old wooden stationary boxes, vintage tin plate toys or a present for a loved one.

Old Spitalfields Market  is also an inspirational source venue for many artists and designers. As the items for sale are anything from beautiful to beastly and anything in between. There are things here you never imagined existed!!

Dealers here are as eclectic and wonderful as their objects. They are knowledgeable and real experts and love the objects they deal in. You do not find that kind of expertise on the high street!

If you are new to this part of London, I urge you to discover more of Spitalfields. Walk in Jack the Ripper’s footsteps if you dare or spend some time taking in Dennis Severs House in nearby Folgate Street, it is just like stepping into and early 18^th Century painting. www.dennissevershouse.co.uk

If it is a Thursday – head for Spitalfields! You' ll love it. Liverpool Street tube and train station is just a short walk away. www.facebook.com/OldSpitalfieldsVintageFleaMarket

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