Thursday 24 July 2014

Digital art at Alfies Antique Market

If you’ve seen the Barbican’s Digital Revolution and Jean Paul Gaultier exhibitions recently, you’ll know that digital mapping is at the cutting edge of the art world right now.

Central St Martins graduate Jack Irving makes use of the technique, which allows video to be screened onto almost any 3D surface, in his new exhibition ENIGMA, which Alfies Antique Market is proudly hosting for two weeks from Saturday 26th July on our second floor.


Jack’s work comprises the head of an alien goddess miming four Lady Gaga songs over a nine-minute installation. At one point metamorphosing into the head of a pig to complement the track ‘Swine’, the exhibit has both darkly psychedelic and erotic undertones. His method of using holographic glitter mirrors to transform the effect of the digital mapping makes Jack’s approach to this new art form unique and fresh and, Alfies feels, secures his status as a bright star for the future.

Having studied product design, Jack’s vision for his degree showpiece was to create a production concept for a future Lady Gaga world tour, basing his design on the star’s most recent album ‘ARTPOP.’ The album references sea goddesses, galaxies, space and time, which Jack used as key inspirations throughout the design process, creating an installation which collides the deep abyss of both space and the underwater world.     



The actual installation that you see is a 1:150 scale model of a design intended for big shows at Wembley Stadium: an alien manta ray creation which gives the impression of an extraterrestrial invasion upon Wembley. The overall production would take the shape of a three-hour spectacle, but the nine-minute installation you see offers a sample of how the finished piece would transport the audience through the power of projection technology. In a stadium setting, the large projection-mapped head would mimic Lady Gaga’s expressions in an exaggerated fashion. Exploring the theatrical possibilities of the latest technology, Jack’s exhibition offers an unmissable glimpse into today’s rapidly changing art scene.   


So come on down to Alfies and check out Jack’s exhibition – blink and you’ll miss it! Why not combine your visit with some shopping or lunch on our roof top terrace while the summer’s in full swing?

Monday 21 July 2014

WINNER: Best Vintage Homeware Shop!

We are very proud to announce that Alfies Antique Market was named this year's Best Vintage Homeware Shop, by The Vintage Guide to London, London Vintage Awards 2014.

Big thanks to everyone who voted, it is very much appreciated!

We hope you continue to enjoy shopping at Alfies for many years to come, please spread the word!


Friday 11 July 2014

Antique Young Gun Awards at Alfies

Last Friday, July 4th, Alfies was the proud host of this year's Antique Young Gun Awards.

The Roof Top Kitchen was the perfect setting, the guests chatted excitedly, the drinks flowed and the sun shone down on the terrace. Spirits were high to say the least!

To start the proceedings, Bennie Gray delivered a witty opening speech followed by Gail McLeod editor of Antiques News & Fairs and a co-founder of the Antique Young Guns movement. The awards were hosted by fellow AYG founders George Johnson and Mark Hill.

The Antique Young Gun of 2014 was James Gooch of Doe & Hope, congratulations to James and to the 11 winners of the mentoring scheme, who were paired up with experienced members of the antiques trade, and to the 8 winners who won a showcase at the prestigious Lorfords @ Babdown.

Full results here.

Guests enjoying drinks on the terrace

George Johnson, Gail McLeod and Mark Hill on stage

Bennie Gray's opening speech

A winner is announced

Alys Dobbie of NanaDobbie, winner of a showcase at  Lorfords @ Babdown

Lily Trunfull of No1 Lewes, winner of a showcase at Lorfords @ Babdown

Matthew Wise of Cubbit Antiques, winner of a showcase at Lorfords @ Babdown

A perfect mentor match, Jason Clarke with Lennox Cato, antique dealer and regular contributer to the BBC Antiques Roadshow.

Matt Goymer of Delphis Antiques heads to the stage

Matt Goymer of Delphis Antiques wins mentorship with Ian Michael Towning.

Marika Clemow of Antiques Trade Gazette wins Special Judges' Award.

William Potts wins Judith Miller award for Outstanding Potential.

The 2014 Antique Young Gun award winner, James Gooch of Doe and Hope.

Saturday 5 July 2014

Accessorise in Style

No matter the era, accessorising has always been a way to show off wealth and promote your social status, but it must not be more complicated than the will to add some extra spark to any ordinary outfit. Accessories are all about personal taste, and your choice of style can truly reflect upon your personality. 

Alfies has everything you need in order to accessorise in your favorite era or decade. Here comes some of ours!

Victorian

During the Victorian period a wide and eclectic flavour grew for a range of different materials such as mother of pearl, jet, tortoiseshell etc. Another thing that grew was the female hairstyles. Great chignons with long ringlets were topped up with ball combs of different shapes and sizes. 

1900's Opera glasses, offered by June Victor

Victorian ball combs, offered by Naneen Brooks

1930s

In the 1930s you walked with a steadier heel. Sandals were popular during the day, but for a night out you preferably slipped your feet into toeless shoes with a heel. Colours and patterns were very welcome as the designers of the decade showed a more playful attitude towards fashion than ever before.



Leather gloves, offered by Tin Tin Collectables
A pair of 30s shoes, originally from India, offered by June Victor

1950s

The decade came with a demand for a more feminine look, but the 1950s also meant a lot of change within the fashion industry. The desired silhouette changed almost every year and there was also a clear division between Christian Dior’s New Look and a more easy-to-wear kind of style. 

Crochet gloves, offered by Tin Tin Collectables


Cork bag, offered by Carole Collier

1960s

It was a curious decade with a strong belief in the future. Pop culture was a strong influence and nothing was too extreme when it came to patterns, shape and colour. In fact, colour was more of a rule than an exception. With that said, a classic alternative to the explosive colours was still an option. 


Funky sunglasses with earrings, offered by Tin Tin Collectables

Dickens and Jones silk scarf, offered by June Victor
Miss Dior beanie, offered by Carole Collier

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