Shopping

London's antique shops are under threat, protect them here

Twelve more local treasure troves

Admiral Vernon Antiques Market
Named in honour of the naval hero who captured Puerto Bello, Panama, from the Spanish in 1739 (the road is named in commemoration), this is the largest of the Portobello arcades with about 200 private dealers. They offer a huge range of antiques – all the usual suspects, including silver, glass and clocks; plus (rather appropriately) maps, arms and armour.
Best for Antique guns.
Admiral Vernon Antiques Market, 141-149 Portobello Rd, W11 (020 7727 5242/www.portobelloroad.co.uk) Notting Hill Gate tube. Open Sat 5am-5pm
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Antiquarius
Now 27 years old and still going strong, Antiquarius – with its distinctive green awnings and paintwork – is a much-loved fixture on the King’s Road. Take a couple of hours to browse the wares of 80 dealers peddling a vast range of antiques and collectables – including porcelain, film art, silver, timepieces, clothing, glassware and furniture.
Best for Decorative antiques.
131-141 King’s Rd. SW3 (020 7351 5353/www.antiquarius.co.uk) Sloane Square tube then 11,19, 22, 211, 319 bus. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm.

Bonhams
This historic auction house not only offers art and furniture, but also does a nice line in smaller, specialist sales in items such as scientific instruments, ceramics, coins and rock memorabilia.
Best for Sporting memorabilia.
Bonhams, 101 New Bond St, W1 (020 7447 7447/www.bonhams.com) Bond St tube. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

Christie’s
This world-famous auctioneer has been in business ever since James Christie held his first auction here in London in 1766.
Best for Fine art/furniture.
Christie’s, 8 King St, SW1 (020 7839 9060/www.christies.com) Green Park tube. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

Criterion Auctioneers
Antiques and contemporary furnishings from this small auction house.
Best for Georgian furniture
53 Essex Road, N1 (020 7352 5707) Angel tube. Open Fri 12noon-7pm, Sat, Sun 10am-6pm, Mon 10am onwards. Auctions every Mon 5pm.

Eclectica
This fun little shop in Camden Passage offers brightly coloured pieces of costume jewellery and bags from the1930s-1970s; prices tend to be
refreshingly affordable. Recent finds include a 1950s diamante bangle for £68 and a 1930s French beaded and embroidered evening bag for £165, although many of the pieces are even cheaper.
Best for Antique costume jewellery.
Eclectica, 2 Charlton Place, N1 (020 7226 5625/www.eclectica.biz) Angel tube. Open Tue 11am-6pm, Wed 9am-6pm, Thur, Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm.

The Gallery of Costume & Textiles
This is a unique and inspiring shop – a gallery no less. You can find vintage clothes, accessories, trimmings and textiles. The hallowed basement houses period costumes from the 1800s. Prices reflect quality– a drop-dead gorgeous, 1930s, blue-silver lamé evening dress will cost you £795.
Best for Vintage evening dresses.
The Gallery of Costume & Textiles, 9 Connaught St, W2 (0845 207 9981/www.gact.co.uk) Marble Arch tube. Open Tue-Sat 10.30pm-6pm by appointment only.

LASSCo
The London Architectural Salvage and Supply Company (self explanatory, but thank goodness for the abbreviation) operates from its vast eighteenth-century mansion in Vauxhall. You could get a bit of Parliament for your parlour with some ex-Home Office parquet flooring at £23 per square metre.
Best for Reclaimed fireplaces.
LASSCo, Brunswick House, 30 Wandsworth Rd, SW8 (020 7394 2100/www.lassco.co.uk) Vauxhall tube/rail. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

London Silver Vaults
Back in 1876, when posh people were truly posh, this was the Chancery Lane Safe Deposit. Now it’s home to 20 respected silver dealers who sell everything from a champagne swizzle stick to a full-size silver armchair.
Best for Silver tableware.
London Silver Vaults, Chancery House, 53-64 Chancery Lane, WC2 (020 7242 3844/www.thesilvervaults.com) Chancery Lane tube. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-1pm.

Lots Road Auctions
Based in Chelsea, these friendly auctioneers offer a variety of items and prices.
Best for Fine carpets.
Lots Road Auctions, 1-73 Lots Rd, SW10 (020 7376 6800/www.lotsroad.com) Fulham Broadway tube. Open Mon-Wed 9am-6pm, Thur 9am-7pm, Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 10am-7pm.

Merola
Vintage and contemporary jewellery, plus a selection of vintage handbags. A pretty, 1920s Oriental-style example found there recently costs £190.
Best for Antique fine jewellery.
Merola, 195 Fulham Rd, SW3 (020 7351 9338/www.merola.co.uk) South Kensington tube. Open Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 10am-6pm, Wed 10am-7pm, Sun 2-6pm.

Sotheby’s
Founded in 1744 when Samuel Baker sold a few rare books, this is the other big player in the world of London auctions.
Best for Fine art and diamonds.
Sotheby’s, 34-35 New Bond St, W1 (020 7293 5000/www.sothebys.com) Oxford Circus tube. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

Compiled by Hannah Kane


London's antique shops are under threat, protect them here