Another day, another adventure. This afternoon, I braved the traditional London rain to see a traditional London marketplace. Portobello Road Market is located about 30 minutes away by tube and is one of the most highly recommended areas to roam when you're in town. I saw it online while I was doing touristy research before flying over from the States, so I was pretty excited to finally get over there and see the hype!
The hype was antiques. All. Antiques.
Not really, there were typical vendors as well. Trendy clothes and various jewelry pieces that were clearly ordered in quantities of 150+. For the most part, though, it was individual booths set up and manned by collectors of all kinds. They had their permanently rented spaces with everything organized and priced accordingly. It was a bit like the other markets, I suppose, but this was mostly indoors rather than individual tents. If the salesperson wasn't there, a sheet or curtain was simply hung up to block off their booth and of course they would return the next day to open shop. All I could think was how much my mother would absolutely love this place.
I am far too familiar with the art of antique shops and sales market booths thanks to Gina Roberson. I spent many a middle school Saturday in Charlie's Antique Mall (Hazel, KY. If you haven't been, you definitely should) tagging prices on intricate porcelain cups and odd-shaped iron skillets from an old Mississippi log cabin we once lived in. Her booth had antique oak furniture, 90's Beanie Babies, rocking chairs, silver dishes, Christmas dishes, Easter dishes, and nearly every Longaberger basket and dinnerware you could imagine. Yes, I can identify them. And yes, I can tell you which year they came out and how much it sold for at that time. Same with the Beanie Babies...... no shame. All the packing, unpacking, and pricing was time I got to spend with my mother just talking. Often I would ask what something was or where it came from, and that would lead to a story from her past or sometimes even wishes for the future. It was nice. And as much as I disliked the shop at the time ("Maaaaaahm do we have to?? It's so boring!"), now I look back on it fondly. I learned a lot about sales and displays, random things that people in KY find interesting, and of course my mama. Plus, Charlie's had really, really good ice cream.
So there I was in Portobello! Reminiscing and trying not to buy everything. I debated a long time over a classic porcelain teacup as well as an original Beatles vinyl. Still thinking on that vinyl. I did end up purchasing a canvas painting of London, though, and quickly left before my wallet became too friendly! I rode the bus back and sat in the front of the top level-- rain on the window: prime.
Today was a good day all-in-all! I've still got a lot of adventures to talk about, but this one goes out to Gina.
 |
| One shop that sold mostly crystal, wood furniture pieces, and clocks |
 |
| Anyone know what time it is? |
 |
| The rain couldn't keep us down! |
