Deptford Market
Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from around 7am to 4pm.
There’s a plethora of flea markets dotted among London’s crooked and winding streets – offering everything from Art Nouveau mirrors to 1980s film cameras and Modernist chairs. By steering clear of the Big Smoke’s copious pricey shops (‘Nothing in London is certain but expense,’ the poet William Shenstone once wrote), there are bargains to be found, too. Here’s our pick of the 12 best flea markets for design lovers in the capital.
Technically this is a shop and not a flea market, but anybody into design should take a trip this ‘cave’ of curios. The self-described shop of ‘thrifty finds, reclaimed doors and architectural salvage’ is packed with hanging chandeliers, sinks, antique fireplaces, Victorian radiators, and other reclaimed goods. The store itself is a landmark in the south London roadside, with the entranceway made up of stacks of second hand furniture and creepy mannequins.
Open daily.
This fair brings together more than 300 antiques dealers within the walls of the historic, Grade II-listed Ally Pally. It costs to enter – £12 before 9:30am and £6 afterwards – but there are great deals, with vintage clothing, ceramics and jewellery sold at competitive prices. Don’t be afraid to haggle.
The next fair will be on 18 February. For more dates visit here.
Alexandra Palace Antiques & Collectors Fair, Alexandra Palace, London, UK
Alexandra Palace Antiques & Collectors Fair | Courtesy of International Antique & Collectors Fairs
Modern Shows – a favourite among architects and designers – was set up after a one off show by founders Petra Curtis and Lucy Ryder Richardson nearly sold out in its first day. The small business runs several shows, each comprising a carefully curated selection of mid-century modern furniture and other 20th-century design classics, including wallpaper, ceramics and cushions. The next London show, called Mid-century Modern, will be held in Dulwich College, mainly in the Brutalist-designed Christison Hall, in March.
18 March. For future shows in London visit here.