Last Saturday's Fair In Northampton And A Visit To Buckingham

My Favourite Image From The Day

This image is from a calendar from the early 30s used to advertise a hotel in Skegness (know locally in Northampton as windy Skeggy), it is one of pair we found on Saturday, many thanks to Chris for bringing them along.

30s Ladies
The images once used to advertise everyday things such as detergents and in this case a hotel are so much more stylish than their modern-day counterparts.

Claire Bloom
We also found a copy of Illustrated featuring a striking picture of the actress Claire Bloom, it took me a while to think of who it is that she reminds me of, her resemblance to the brilliant painter Frida Kahlo is remarkable.

Frida Kahlo
Sadly neither Claire or Frida were able to be at Saturday's fair although I am happy to say that lots of vintage lovers came along to bask in the sun and pick through the stalls.


A Colourful Display In The Main Sales Room

We had a great time at last Saturday's fair at St Matthews in Northampton. Inside the parish centre there were two sales rooms brim full of stalls and vintage goodies. The collection above is from Lost Property Vintage. Vintage kitchenalia and period homewares are always well represented at our fairs, with 50s and 60s pieces being most popular. 

More Vintage Colour

Sitting in front of the stage was a great display of larger kitchen items and two lovely cabinets which attracted a lot of attention. Formica topped tables, here in blue and white, look great and well work in smaller kitchens. The blue and white Tala meat safe is made of metal and would make a statement in any setting, it was in lovely condition, if the door had been yellow I'm sure it would have returned home with us.

Some Lovely Kitchen Pieces

The deep shade in the photo is not due to a dingy sales room or an attempt on the part of the photographer to create a 'moody' image but is more testament to the strength of the sunlight pouring through the door. 

60s Domestic Style
The vintage kitchen look should of course be complemented by suitable vintage attire such as this outfit presented by Vicky from The Nostalgic Kitchen. 

Apron and Pearls

There was a great atmosphere inside the fair and the 'old style' tea-shop was so busy that all the cakes had been eaten by 2.30pm! The sun had been shining since daybreak and the sky was clear blue which was great for all our stall holders who had accepted the invitation to set up outside on the lawn. This was the first time that we had arranged for stalls to be outside and it proved to be very popular, the stalls looked great and formed a little 'vintage street' which quickly filled with customers and remained busy all afternoon.

Under The Warm September Sun

Using the outside enabled us to have even more stalls than we usually have when we visit St Matthews and the colourful scene on the lawn certainly drew in lots of people and sales both inside and out were buoyant.

Vintage In Phippsville

The area around St matthews Church is known as Phippsville, taking the name from the local brewer Pickering Phipps whose family built the church in his memory. The houses in the adjacent road facing the lawn are 'Arts and Craft' in style and provided a pretty back-drop for the fair.

Hats Off To Vintage

I decided to take advantage of the sun and decided to move the 'entrance table' outside onto the carpark and enjoyed the 'last day of summer'.

'Like' The Fair On Facebook

I tucked a sign in the flower border in the church garden to let me people know about the fair's Facebook page, which I started earlier this year in March. Here is a link that will take you there, http://www.facebook.com/VintageInTheShires.

Vibrant 70s Plastic
Without really realising that time was passing the time approached 3pm and it was time to pack away. I hope that all our stall holders and everyone who came along enjoyed the day.

The Courtyard In Buckingham
A few days later I found myself in Buckingham, visiting some lovely independent shops including the Courtyard At No 6 and Fox Vintage.

Fox Vintage
Both The Courtyard (there is a lovely cobbled space at the rear of the shop) and Fox Vintage are just a few paces (literally) away from the Old Town Hall, where the fair will be visiting in October.

Bartletts Of Buckingham

Whenever in Buckingham I always visit Bartletts for a cup of tea, scone and cream. Thank you for displaying our poster, I'm sure lots of people will see it as you are always so busy!

Fleece Yard Flyers

I found a much used notice board in the curiously named Fleece Yard. I enjoy visiting Buckingham, it feels very different to Northampton although only 20 miles away. It really is worth a visit, there is a regular outdoor weekly antiques market on a Saturday where bargains can be found.

Sunday 7th October

We hope to see you at The Old Town Hall when the fair visits for the second time, we had a great time in April, the ballroom is a wonderful setting and we cannot wait to return.

Comments

Nostalgic Vicky said…
Yeahhhh can't wait for Buckingham fair. First time I will be having a stall there and first time visiting Buckingham itself so very excited to be taking The Nostalgic Kitchen there!

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