Regular readers will have guessed that I like Cornwall, and St Ives is one of my favourite places to visit.
I found this photo of the beach alongside Smeaton’s Pier in St Ives in a box of old photographic negatives:
Vintage Smeaton’s Pier
Compare this with how it looks today:
Modern Smeaton’s Pier
Although the angle isn’t quite the same, it’s surprising how little has changed over the years.
You can see a previous visit to St Ives here:
Posted by Beth on October 20, 2014
https://adventuresinvintage.org/2014/10/20/fortnightly-photo-st-ives-now-and-then/
A quick post, just to show a lovely piece of ephemera I found at a local auction.
Tea Box
These are actually two sides of a rather battered cardboard box.
Tea Pot Picture
The sides themselves have been damp in the past, so are warped out of shape. It’s difficult to see what they could be used for, given their battered state, but I think that they show a charming snapshot of publicity material from an earlier age.
Advert Text
Posted by Beth on October 12, 2014
https://adventuresinvintage.org/2014/10/12/auction-finds-time-for-tea/
As you may have gathered, I like finding new places to visit in my search for vintage. So I was happy to follow a tip from a work colleague about an antique centre north of Lincoln.
Hemswell Antique Centre is housed on one of the many redundant air force bases left in Lincolnshire after the war. The military buildings have been repurposed into a series of antiques showrooms with a variety of sellers.
Astra Antiques
The stock varies from pure antique to vintage, with a side-order of more modern collectables. I spent most of my first visit in Astra Antiques, which took up most of the day.
Biscuit Tin
There was plenty of kitchenalia to keep me happy. This biscuit tin was a bit too battered for me however.
Basketware Pram
A toy pram made from woven material, a bit like a Lloyd Loom chair, but I couldn’t find any label to confirm my suspicion that they made it.
Basket Pile
There was a huge pile of baskets at the bottom of the stairs,
Pile of Baskets
How would you choose which one to take home?
Sewing Baskets
Lovely vintage sewing baskets.
Cake Plates
A lovely collection of glass cake stands.
,I’m used to seeing one or two items of Hornsea pottery but this is one of the biggest groups I’ve seen for a long time.
Vintage Packing Boxes
You might need a box to take your finds home with you – how about one of these?
Scales
Classic kitchen scales (although they do look as if they need recalibrating!)
Ice cream Box
I’ve not seen an ice cream box before.
Lights
I really liked the display of lights over the stairwell. I have one like the one in the centre at home, and I love it!
Enamelware
These enamel containers, for coffee, milk and lunch look to have come from France.
Kitchenware
And finally, a full matching set of kitchen containers.
This was only one building, and I was shopped out by the time I left. I’ll be back to explore the other buildings in the near future. In the meantime, I’d recommend having a look round yourself.
Posted by Beth on October 7, 2014
https://adventuresinvintage.org/2014/10/07/884/
It’s the end of Summer, and it’s going out in style! People were spotted in their bathers at Brighton last week. Though if I were to go to the beach I’d be tempted to take a jumper, just in case.
Beach Boys
Just like these two charming chaps from the turn of the century.
Posted by Beth on October 3, 2014
https://adventuresinvintage.org/2014/10/03/fortnightly-photo-beach-boys/
Every now and then I find something that reminds me of my childhood (which is a nice way of saying I am feeling my age!).
Leather Belt
I found this pair of belts in a mixed bag of clothing and I was immediately transported back to my early teens. I can remember making belts like this with my slightly older friend and role model in her house down the road.
Back of Belt
This one isn’t really difficult to make. You cut the symmetrical shapes out of leather and with one shape open at the back, fold the others through the holes, finishing off with leather ties when you get to the desired length.
Side of Belt
This belt is a little more complicated, made from alternating discs of red leather and fur (I think rabbit), held together by cris-crossed leather laces.
Fur and Leather Belt
This should still be straightforward to make.
Front of Belt
Although I’m not sure if I would want to wear one of these now – in fact, despite happily making them back in the seventies I can’t remember ever wearing one.
Posted by Beth on September 30, 2014
https://adventuresinvintage.org/2014/09/30/vintage-belts/
I was surprised to see this unusual money box at our local auction:
Money Box Front
A little internet searching tells me that it was designed by Mabel Lucie Attwell in 1935, using her characteristic style of illustrations of fairies and animals.
Money Box Side View
It’s known as ‘The Fairy Tree’ and was a Biscuit Tin (the conical part forms the money box) for William Crawford & Sons Ltd.
Money Box Base
Sadly, it sold for £150, so it didn’t come home with me.
Posted by Beth on September 23, 2014
https://adventuresinvintage.org/2014/09/23/an-unusual-money-box/
Here’s a selection of vintage events taking place during October.
I can only recommend one of them personally, but would love to go to all of them. If you do go, let us know how you got on and if you recommend for next year!
Please check details and directions on their websites for up to date information.
Vintage Toy Fair Poster
4th October
Maidstone Vintage Toy Fair
Hart Street
Maidstone
ME16 8RG
After 30 years of trading in the Lockmeadow, this established Toy Fair well supported by both the trade and customers alike, continues into the future as popular as ever.
http://www.maidstonevintagetoyfair.co.uk/
Pensthorpe Vintage Fair
4th and 5th October
Vintage Fair
Pensthorpe Natural Park
Fakenham Road
Fakenham
Norfolk
NR21 0LN
The Vintage Fair returns for its third year, bringing together exhibitors of vintage or nostalgia memorabilia. Vintage cars, motorbikes, tractors, model boats, Romany caravans and military vehicles will all be on display for visitors to experience up close.
http://www.pensthorpe.com/events/2014/1/vintage-fair/
Seen at Newark
Thursday 9th to Friday 10th October 2014
Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair
Regular readers will know that I am a great fan of Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair . The largest fair of its type in Europe, you can quite easily spend more than a day exploring stalls from across Europe.
You can see my experience at: https://adventuresinvintage.org/2013/06/10/newark-antique-fair/
11th October
Liverpool Does Vintage
Liverpool Town Hall
High Street Liverpool, L2 3SW
Winner of an Outstanding Customer Service Award and shortlisted for TWO National Vintage Awards; Britain Does Vintage fairs have fast become a firm favorite on the vintage scene. The vintage stallholders are hand-picked and offer a wealth of knowledge gained from years of experience with each one bringing their quality, affordable vintage clothing, jewellery and kitchenalia. Vintage lovers can while away the hours browsing through rail after rail of fabulous one-off vintage finds. Students looking for affordable, stylish bargains won’t be disappointed either! As well as the fabulous vintage stalls, you can also expect a mini vintage day out – with a vintage tearoom, serving afternoon tea on dainty china, vintage inspired workshops, a pop up beauty parlour, armed with rouge and heated rollers, ready to transform you into a vintage starlet, live music and much, much more! There really is something for everyone! And all for just £1!
http://www.britaindoesvintage.co.uk/event/liverpool-vintage-fair-october/
Whitby Vintage Fair
11th and 12th October
THE OCTOBER SEASIDE VINTAGE FAIR 2014
Exhibition Hall, Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 3EN.
9.30am – 4pm (both days)
A vintage fair with a SEA VIEW!!! 25 stalls of genuine vintage from the 20’s to the 80’s in the lovely seaside town of Whitby, in a venue with spectacular sea views.
£2 on the door / £1.50 concessions.
Under 16’s FREE.
http://www.roseandbrownvintage.co.uk/default.asp?textpage=events
18th October
Vintage, Antiques & Collectors’ Market
Held in the Stable Yard at Hatfield House
Hatfield Hertfordshire AL9 5NQ
A range of stalls selling furniture, silverware, china, glass, books, prints, postcards and the unusual.
http://www.hatfield-house.co.uk/events_detail.asp?event=127&id=11
26th October
Manchester’s Affordable Vintage Fair
Victoria Warehouse
Trafford Wharf Rd, Manchester, M17 1AB
With 45+ vintage stalls, retro cinema, home cooked food, open bar!
We are delighted to announce our return to Manchester! We’ve found ourselves a BRAND NEW HOME at the Victoria Warehouse! This amazing, historic building is the perfect place to host our affordable vintage fairs and it’s only a few minutes out of the city centre – what more could you want? As well as 45+ stalls of affordable stock, we aimed to create an event that eases you back into the week, one final flurry of Sunday hedonism before Monday comes to call. Starting at 11am (because everyone deserves a lie-in) we’ve incorporated an on-site cinema showing vintage films, a relaxation area (for a break from all the retail) and incredible food to boot. In addition to tea, cake (and heartier retro fare) a bar will be on offer for any wanting hair of the dog or a tipple to toast their new purchases. A medley of vintage emporium-come-local haunt, think a place that you’ll want to spend the day in.
http://www.judysvintagefair.co.uk/events/manchesters-affordable-vintage-fair/
Retro Revival Poster
Sunday 26th October
RETRO REVIVAL FESTIVAL 2014
Haydock Park Racecourse, Newton Le Willows, Cheshire WA12 0HQ
The North West’s Biggest Retro & Vintage, Fashion, Music & Dance Festival! RETRO & VINTAGE STALLS GALORE! Discover retro desirables, gifts & treats from quality specialist traders, including:* Ladies & Mens Fashions, * Jewellery & Accessories,* Hair & Beauty Stylists, * Homewares & Antiques, * Books & Music, * Artifacts & Collectables. This year we have Live on stage; The Fabulous CROWN TOP KINGS, Catch the awesome talents of the Kings of Western Swing, playing the best of Jump, Jive, Swing, Country & Rock’n’Roll. * SHOW & SHINE! Car Show,* DANCING, Demos & Tuition* FASHION SHOW* HAIR & BEAUTY Stylists* RETRO ART* COLLECTORS CORNER* RE-ENACTOR DISPLAYS The event takes place all undercover in the beautiful Horseshoe Suites with fantastic views of the Racecourse
ADVANCE TICKET HOTLINE AND TRADE STALL ENQUIRIES call: 01270 526704 For full event details:www.retrorevivalfestival.net
Email: info@retrorevivalfestival.net
Posted by Beth on September 21, 2014
https://adventuresinvintage.org/2014/09/21/whats-on-october/
Over two years ago, I blogged about going to an auction in Cornwall and coming back with a car full of goodies:
The boot (trunk) was jammed full – this is with the seats down!
The bulk of the auction appeared to be the contents of a house, where the lady of the house was keen on her needlecrafts. I bought two enormous boxes of vintage knitting wool – both so heavy I couldn’t lift them on my own.
Vintage wool box
I know that the wool was vintage as it came in its original boxes, and some even had the original receipts dating back to the fifties.
Still in the original wrapper!
I like knitting, and so it was only a matter of time before I was looking for a way to use this wool.
Such a great colour
Of course, being vintage wool, I wanted to use it in a vintage pattern, so I went through my collection of knitting patterns to see if I could find something wearable, in my size, and for the right wool.
Vintage Knitting Magazine
I found it in this fifties knitting magazine:
The Pattern
The pattern is for a tie fronted short sleeved jumper, and only has instructions for one size (fortunately mine). To make it larger or smaller, the instructions were to use bigger or smaller needles:
Close-up of the original jumper
I hadn’t appreciated how different vintage knitting patterns are to modern ones, and I found it hard to follow – I had to rewrite the instructions and knit the front three times before I got it right:
Front of the Jumper (after 3 tries!)
But I think it was worth it. Here is the finished result:
Close up of front detail
I’ve worn it with linen trousers and received a lot of unsolicited complements. What is surprising is people’s reactions when they find that I knitted it myself. I don’t know if that’s because I don’t look like the knitting type, or because hand knitted garments are so unusual nowadays. What do you think? Have you ever worn clothes you have made yourself in your workplace, what was the reaction?
Posted by Beth on September 16, 2014
https://adventuresinvintage.org/2014/09/16/847/
This Edwardian photo shows the beach at Penzance in Cornwall.
I found it in a box of photos from a Cornish auction. I must admit that I wasn’t too impressed when I first scanned it because no one was looking at camera. But then I looked a little closer at what I thought was a pile of tarpaulins or fishing equipment.
These dark shapes are a pair of elephants!! Not what you’d expect to see on a beach in one of the outlying edges of Britain.
A bit more research told me that the circus used to visit Penzance every summer, and a popular daily activity was to parade the elephants through the streets to bathe in the sea.
It seems that the circus only visited twice, so this really does show a rare snapshot in time.
You can see more at: http://www.westbriton.co.uk/went-circus/story-11518611-detail/story.html
Posted by Beth on September 12, 2014
https://adventuresinvintage.org/2014/09/12/fortnightly-photo-2/
As you may have noticed in this month’s ‘What’s on’, this Sunday saw the World Belly Board Championships come to Chapel Porth beach in Cornwall.
The World Belly Boarding Championships
This annual event had some fantastic weather and I really wish I had been able to visit as it seems like a great day out (even for a bellyboarding novice like myself). You can see a promotional video here:
Although the contest has only been taking place for the last 12 years, it builds on a long heritage of Cornish (and national) surfing. According to the British Surfing Museum (who knew Britain had a Surfing Museum?!), Surf riding – or bellyboarding as people have come to describe it – dates back at least a century in Britain.
Surfers using coffin lids – Perranporth 1919 Copyright Museum of British Surfing
There is evidence of surfing in the UK in the very early 1900s, but it became a popular beach activity in Cornwall and Devon at the end of World War I. A mixture of wealthy Brits travelling to Hawaii & learning to surf, and soldiers chatting to Commonwealth surfers in the trenches combined to create something quintessentially British. Apparently, even Edward VIII (while still the Prince of Wales) had a try at surfing when visiting Hawaii.
American Surf Meet
While more low key than the comparative American surf culture, British surf riding in the rolling Atlantic breakers became a must do activity for hundreds of men and women.
Vintage surfer photo offered on Ebay
After the Second World War, bellyboarding resumed as Brits returned to the beaches in their droves, and many thousands of bellyboards were made in the 1950s and 60s to service the growing demand.
Belly boards on display
The standing up British surf scene has advanced in line with the global surf industry and Britain has produced notable surfers, but bellyboarding remains the same simple pleasure; and many of the early belly boarders have remained active surfers into their 80s – often with their original boards.
Vintage Surfer with ‘Coffin Board’
Many of these original boards appear at the Champs and are still ridden all across the country in the same exhilarating way.
Vintage Surfer
Posted by Beth on September 9, 2014
https://adventuresinvintage.org/2014/09/09/surfs-up/
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