Trash or Treasure? A Guide to Antiques at Portobello Road Market

The iconic and notoriously busy Portobello Road Market is a paradise for those who love to search for hidden treasures. Along with food and cafes, the market has a wide variety of antique stalls with items ranging from clocks to corkscrews. With all the chaos of the crowds, however, it can become overwhelming as to where you should focus your attention and what gems you should keep an eye out for. Here is an overview of what to have on your radar when weaving amongst the antiquities.

Jewelry

​Whether you are looking for a funky ring or some retro costume jewelry, there are many stands that will fit the bill. Antique, vintage or second hand there are necklaces, bracelets, cuff links and watches from every era you could think of. There are many stalls with a selection of Victorian jewelry and others featuring Art Deco and 70’s styles. One stall in particular, Hirst Antiques, boasts the largest collection of vintage costume jewelry in the UK, with brands like Chanel, Dior, YSL, Schiaparelli, Haskell and more.

Vintage maps and prints

​Great for decorating walls and bookshelves, keep an eye out for antique prints, drawings, watercolors and maps. You can find old postcards, ads and travel posters among the stalls as well. Botanical, decorative, costumes, sports, children’s, natural history and architectural prints are all often for sale along with world and topographical maps. If you have something particular in mind you may have to dig a little bit, but you’re sure to find something that sparks your interest.

Textiles

​Possibly not something you would typically be looking for at a street market, it is definitely worth taking a look at all the different lace, embroideries, beadwork, needlework and tapestries. Some stalls feature a more eclectic range with textiles from all over the world, ranging from Medieval European to Ming Dynasty.

Cameras

​If cameras are what you are into (or even if they aren’t) make sure to stop by Allen Antiques. They focus on cameras from Victorian times through to the 1950s and most of them still work! Cameras available include single lens, twin lens, 16mm cine and folding cameras. Even if you have no idea what any of that means, vintage cameras always look cool placed on a bookshelf or coffee table.

Collectables

Whether you have been collecting for years or just looking to start, there is no shortage of interesting collectables for sale on Portobello Road. Some of the highlights include inkwells, buttons, Wedgewood, stamps, seals, pocket watches, compasses and the list goes on.