Camden Passage – London’s Unique Antique Market:
Camden Passage Market Stall
We’re on our way to Neil’s place when he suggests that we may be interested in having a quick look at Camden Passage Market. Camden Passage is a collection of small antique shops, arcades and open air stalls, selling antiques and collectibles as well as other second-hand goods. It has been a thriving London antiques village for the past 40 years and is a favourite haunt of antique dealers, collectors and designers. Currently there are 350 dealers specialising in a vast array of goods.
The Passage
It’s a Saturday morning, so the market is at its liveliest. Although we didn’t have time to explore all the arcades, it is pleasant strolling down the passage with its charming and slightly eccentric feel.
At one of the market stalls we stop to have a chat with Paul, the owner of stall selling wood block stamps. His stamps are particularly interesting as they include images of people from past eras and vintage objects. I comment that the stamps with the old lettering are so ornate and Paul advises that some these are made from old letter-set presses that they have salvaged and made copies of. He’s at the market every week so if you’re looking for interesting vintage stamps for your stationery, this is the stall to check out.
From Islington High Street, Camden Passage becomes a pedestrianised thoroughfare ending at Islington Green. Cafes line the pedestrian walkway and as this weather’s fine there are many people enjoying their morning breakfast in the outdoor tables.
If you’re in London and hoping to find some antiques, art nouveau jewellery, art deco collectibles, vintage clothing, antique silver, antique clocks or other collectibles or fine art, this is the place spend an enjoyable few hours. We certainly didn’t do it any justice in the short time that we have.
The Islington borough has undergone a fair amount of regeneration in recent times and there are now numerous local pubs, bars, restaurants and shops.
Camden Passage, London
Getting there:
By Tube:
It’s easy to get to Camden Passage by London Tube. Angel Station is on the Northern Line and is just a couple of hundred metres from Camden Passage.
By Bus :
The following buses come to Camden Passage: 4, 19, 30, 38, 43, 56, 73, 153, 214, 274, 341, 394.
Refer londontransport.co.uk.
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For those of us who don’t live in the capital, does anybody know of any other markets around the UK, preferably near Chester? Not having a lot of luck in Google….