40th birthday for Alfies Antique Market!

This year marks the 40th year in business for much-loved London antiques institution, Alfies Antique Market in Marylebone.

When business founder, Bennie Gray, bought the Market’s premises in 1976, previously home to Jordan’s department store, he had a vision of creating an unpretentious indoor antiques market. After its launch, Alfies, named after his jazz musician father, quickly went from strength to strength.

The original business occupied just one floor of the building, but today Alfies covers some 35,000 feet over four floors, complete with 70 dealers and a roof-top cafe and terrace.

To celebrate the anniversary Alfies and the surrounding Church Street antiques area are hosting a week of pop-up shops and activities in collaboration with this September’s London Design Festival from 20th to 24th.

Alfies’ main attraction will be an occupancy from London Glassblowing, which was established by Peter Layton in 1976 and also shares its 40th anniversary. Ahead of its time, London Glassblowing was among the first hot-glass studios in Europe and is now known as having a particular flair for the use of colour, form and texture.

There will also be in-store talks and demonstrations from experts within and outside the centre, such as TV presenter and author Mark Hill who will give a talk on 20th century glass. Elsewhere, Church Street will be hosting an array of antique, art and design focused pop-up shops, with more details to be confirmed.

Now one of London’s only remaining indoor antique markets – along with sister centre Grays in Mayfair – it is still an appealing and lively place for the trading of antiques, vintage, 20th century design and collectables. The centre also offers a range of services including an upholstery workshop, vintage tailoring and repair, fine picture framing and watch repairs.