Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
April 26, 2012
April 13, 2012
PORTOBELLO ROAD: Remember, Tomorrow is Saturday and that means PORTOBELLO ROAD ANTIQUE MARKET
Please say HELLO to Mr. and Mrs. Kashden (Michael and Hillary) and their daughter Laura at the vintage fur and purse stall. Tell Robert Smith at the vintage leather luggage stall that I will be over soon. I certainly miss these people. They are great friends. Tomorrow is Saturday, and that means PORTOBELLO.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
February 24, 2012
LAURA SARA KASHDEN: FINE EXOTIC SKIN HANDBAGS *** CONTACT Email: lockshen1973@yahoo.com *** THE BEST IN LONDON
The Kashden family are friends of our family. They have had pewter and fine antiques on Portobello Road for over 40 years. They deal with the finest quality merchandise. I have bought many fine items over the past years, and I am thrilled with the quality. During the past year, I have come to know their daughter Laura Kashden who deals in fine, exotic skin HANDBAGS. I bought a beautiful vintage crocodile bag while in London last month, and I have just purchased the bag pictured at the top of this article. There has been serious criticism about the changing quality of Portobello Road–and I have been very vocal–but Laura and her mother Hilary are professional dealers. I know that most of my readers visit PORTOBELLO ROAD during their stay in London, and I would like to introduce these two fine ladies who are the best of the best in London antique markets. THEY ARE A LEGEND. I am letting Laura speak for herself about her business. Look at images of her merchandise. Amazing.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
February 4, 2012
PORTOBELLO ROAD: Photo OPPORTUNITIES like nowhere else — FABULOUS PERSONALITIES
Can you imagine what a fantastic personality! Goodness me.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 22, 2012
START OUT RIGHT: FINDING ANTIQUES
I did it wrong. I have collected all my life and have added to my parents and grandparent’s collections. But, I did the collecting, and my children were told DO NOT TOUCH. Well, now, I have only one child who is even interested in fine antiques. One of my sons told me he is not sentimental whatsoever. So, what should I have done!? When I started my walk down Portobello Road, outside a silver stall, I noticed this box of items–all for 2 pounds each. I thought to myself that this is where I should have started with my children. They would have had a wonderful time collecting little bits like this as a starting point. As they grew older, they would have become more “aware,” and perhaps would have had a taste for fine old things. When I see house plans which my children create, I ask them what in the world they are. They say they are MINIMALISTS! I have to laugh when I think of piles of books, walls and walls covered with everything under the sun, and layers of Persian rugs on top of layers, and not an uncluttered table top to be seen. Oh well, to each his own, I suppose. A MINIMALIST–that’s like going to town naked, and that would be a sight! Yikes. Oh dear, what a dilemma!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 21, 2012
PORTOBELLO ROAD: Let me tell you a story about how “things” change!
Today is Saturday here in London, so naturally I am focused on my day at Portobello Road to visit all my friends who are people with stories to tell. I love the “fish stories” about the antiques that were once on the stalls and about how the Market has changed. I love these stories because in the 50 years I have been haunting this market, so much HAS changed. Meissen, Sevres, Staffordshire figures, and pewter/ brass used to fill the stalls. Little by little, the excellent old dealers weren’t so young any more, and the people who wandered down the street weren’t looking for Sevres in any way, shape, or form. Once people wanted really fine pieces of pewter, then the taste for vintage clothing took over. Many of the old dealers just died off or couldn’t make the change to accommodate the tastes of the people spending the cash. Some dealers loved the Market so much, so they reinvented themselves to survive on the street. I write a lot about the wonderful Kashden family. They are honored PORTOBELLO ROAD dealers of years and years. They were young with black hair and long sideburns and sold fine pewter and very early documents. As the Market changed and as we all grew only a little older with gray hair– and well fed, yet retaining elegant figures, Portobello clients decided they wanted vintage clothes rather than fine pewter. My friends the Kashdens had handled fine clothing in the professional careers over the years, so they decided they could offer the best VINTAGE CLOTHING on Portobello Road. I love to sit behind their stall and watch hundreds of people try on Hillary’s hats, fur coats, and their daughter Laura’s fabulous vintage purses. I have more smiles watching all this than I do anywhere; it is the most exciting place in London. People are great, and people from all over the world are even “GREATER” when they gather on the Market. There are the Italians buying fur coats, Spaniards buying crocodile vintage purses, and young people from all over the world trying on Hilary’s vintage hats. Put it all together, and you create the electricity that makes us all best friends–now members of the MUTUAL ADMIRATION SOCIETY. Look at these photographs of the KASHDEN EVOLUTION. They are fabulous. Oh my goodness! The good old days! Na Na Na It is more fun now than ever before. I know because I have been on the street during both eras. Don’t miss out; this is great fun. I mean real fun!
I hope you have had some fun. We have.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 15, 2012
THE MUTUAL ADMIRATION CLUB: I belong to a new club of five people!
Hilary is chairman of the Mutual Admiration Club. Michael is Chairman of the board and treasurer. Laura Kashdan is Publicity Chairman in charge of fine works of art. Robert Smith is Lord Chancellor. I am the Apprentice in this very prestigious group.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 14, 2012
ESKIMO REINDEER CARVING: Can anyone help me identify these?
In one of the stalls on Portobello Road that sells a bit of everything, my eyes zeroed in on these five small carvings. I was quite taken by them. I asked the dealer when he knew about them. He said the lady who sold them to him reported that her father had purchased them in the Northern Territories of Canada many years ago. She said that she believed them to be carved reindeer bone. I decided that I would have them, but I know very little about them. Can anyone help me? I would be grateful.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
VINTAGE LEATHER PURSES: Let me introduce you to LAURA SARA KASHDAN
The KASHDAN FAMILY are very dear to me. HILARY AND MICHAEL KASHDAN are an institution on Portobello Road. If you come to visit their stall, you will enjoy watching all their friends and clients hugging and kissing like friends of many years. They are a “living national monument,” and I treasure their friendship. Their vintage clothing is the best in the Market. The Kashdan’s daughter Laura has “the Portobello Fever” as well. She joins her parents with her specialty: vintage leather purses of the finest quality. They are absolutely beautiful, and I would think that a beautifully dressed lady would be even more elegant with one of Laura’s purses. Check it out; I think you will agree with me. Hats off to Laura.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
HORSE BRASSES: My find on Portobello Road today
Several years ago, I started gathering interesting horse brasses. I stated gathering the brasses which celebrated important events or tourist attractions. Then I found that really old brasses were available which interested me more. Over the years, I have collected quite an impressive collection which I display on the huge beam over our mantel at our mountain home. I love them dearly, and they remind me of my many trips to London. Well, today, I was talking to a brass dealer on Portobello Road who now has the stall where my Danish dealer sat for years. He told me that he had acquired a few old horse brasses from a farm in Norfolk. Let me tell you, my ears perked up, and I was eager to see them. I was thrilled when the dealer offered to sell them to me. They will go home with me and will join my other HORSE BRASSES on my cabin mantel. Exciting stuff.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
ROBERT SMITH: VINTAGE LEATHER CASES
I have written a lot about ROB SMITH’S VINTAGE LEATHER over the past year. Today, I want to highlight one very special item in his stall. It is a vintage leather hunting case. I love beautifully crafted leather items. This fabulous little case was designed to fit on a hunter’s belt and carried a small bit of refreshment including a drink. The case is so beautifully made. Look at the stitching–the fabulous workmanship throughout. This beautiful item is typical of the vintage offered by Rob Smith in his stall on Portobello Road. He and I are going to an auction together. I am so excited about it. I will write an article about our experience, Very very exciting, eh?
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
CHANTILLY LACE at Lunn Antiques in the PORTOBELLO MARKET
I have been aware of LUNN ANTIQUES LTD for a long time. The lovely lady who runs the staff at No. 8, Admiral VernonArcade, Portobello Road has been helping me locate a fantastic French Shawl made from a Chinese embroidery. So, I return to her staff three or four times a year. I want to highlight this fine stall because of the fine collection of CHANTILLY LACE which I have admired for a long time. When you are in the Market, be sure to check out lace in the Admiral Vernon Arcade, No. 8. Nice.
Give them a call if you have questions. The lady is certainly lovely: 020 7736 4638 website: www.lunnantiques.co.uk
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 8, 2012
PORTOBELLO ROAD’S “INDEFATIGABLE” HILARY and MICHAEL KASHDAN: Vintage Furs
Hilary and Michael Kashdan are INDEFATIGABLE merchants on Portobello Road. Actually, Michael is a pewter and document specialist who offered rare pewter on Portobello Road for years. As times and tastes change, this amazing couple has had to re-invent themselves. I love these colorful people; they are real “antique” dealers in every sense of the word. But more than that, they are PASSIONATE merchants on PORTOBELLO ROAD. When I arrive in London, I arrange my schedule so I can spend as much time chatting with my friends on the street. I have my camera, and I lean on the fence and photograph Hilary as she now markets her vintage furs, She is a professional sales lady: totally into the scene, and passionately “in for the kill.” Retail merchandising is the blood in her veins. She is hilarious, and even her husband Michael stands back and grins from ear to ear. She is an actress, and the Market is her stage; and I am one of thousands of fans who clap for a curtain call. Her eyes tell it all; when a two-hour client can’t make up her mind, she rolls her eyes and exclaims: ”My husband appreciates me–I can make a decision very quickly.” The customer doesn’t quite get the message. Finally, Hilary suggests that they take a bit of a walk down the street and clear their thinking. If they decide they want to purchase the fur, “COME ALONG BACK AND BUY!” I have the huge pleasure to be behind the scene roaring with laughter. I hear her mumble: IT IS SO MUCH EASIER TO SELL PEWTER! Hilary helped a young lady try on 5,6,7, or 8 furs–she couldn’t make up her mind. Hilary finally suggested that if she can’t make up her mind, she is going to be very cold this winter. THAT DID IT! I lost it and couldn’t get my breath. She loves her clients and everyone comes back time and time again to chat with the famous HILARY on Portobello Road. Her fabulous husband Michael says living with Hilary is continuous entertainment, even when wife and daughters line up against him. Believe me, knowing Hilary and Michael is an important part of my London life. Go meet them; they will welcome you with open arms. Tell Hilary you saw her on the ANGLOPHILE blog, and you will get the biggest smile and flashing eyes you ever experienced. What a TRIP! For heavens sakes, don’t miss it.
The Kashdan’s daughter has added another dimension to their vintage fur business. She is offering high quality vintage leather purses–so beautiful and beautifully made. And she is a darling like her parents.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
PORTOBELLO ROAD’S VINTAGE CASES: Mr. Robert Smith, a fine professional
I met Robert Smith and his father through my friends the Kashdan family on Portobello Road. The really knowledgeable Smith family has been on the street market for two generations. They are those “old style” dealers who are extremely well informed, know the market, and are absolutely reliable. Robert Smith’s vintage leather cases are absolutely beautiful–the finest quality, actually. Vintage leather cases are all the rage these days as people use fine vintage pieces as part of house design; but there is a real difference between a “pretty” piece and a really fine vintage leather case. Robert will tell you the difference. Yesterday, he told me about a fabulous green leather case with its original, gorgeous cut glass travel bottles; it would have cost a fortune when it was made; and when it is brought back, it will be beautiful again. When you are walking down Portobello Road, be on the lookout for one of the most beautiful stalls on the street. This is a two-generation Portobello Road family, and I am pleased to consider them good friends. Robert and I are going to an auction this month, and I am really looking forward to our day trip. This is REALLY fun. I am certainly pleased when Robert tells me my readers often come by and tell him that they learned about him on THE ANGLOPHILE. I am honored.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 7, 2012
SATURDAY MORNING IN LONDON: Oh my goodness!
Saturday morning always means seeing my friends on Portobello Road. Many of these antique dealers are like family. So, I sleep little the night before in anticipation of the great fun I am about to experience. When the alarm goes off at 6:00 AM, I am already up and dressed, waiting for local restaurants to open for breakfast. Well, I popped out of the flat at 6:30 AM, and the only place to get a good breakfast, a healthy one, was PRET A MANGER across the street. Not many people on the London streets on a Saturday morning, believe me.
Then, I spotted a taxi with his yellow light on; he responded to my hand motion–and off to Notting Hill and Portobello we went. The driver was fascinating. His name was Tad Brown. We immediately started talking about his 23 years as a taxi driver. His mother was Irish, and his father was from Jamaica. When Tad was 6 weeks old, he was turned over to an orphanage where he stayed until he was 15 years old. He was on his own at this early age and trained as a caterer; he hated that. He then got a job in a nail factory, but he couldn’t imagine doing such tasks for the rest of his life. Then one day, a friend of his told him that the friend was DOING THE KNOWLEDGE to be a taxi driver. Tad thought he could survive meeting people and driving all over London. Tad is an amazing personality; I connected with this lovely person immediately. I thought to myself that London drivers are some of the most interesting Londoners you will meet. I will never forget him. He got me to Westbourne Terrace and the top of Portobello Road. I shook his hand, and I felt I had made a new friend.
I got out of the cab with all my cameras and a grin from ear to ear. I looked before me, and there was a sea of people. People tell me that they can’t stand all the crowds. Not me. I love the energy of the street. 90% of the visitors speak no England. Italians dominate the scene; there must be no one left in Rome on Saturdays because they are on Portobello Road buying furs and Sheffield plate to send back to Italy. Some of the Italian ladies are strikingly beautiful with their lovely cashmere and gold topped off with a fabulous fur. I just stand around listening to the bartering. The moment you can detect that the buyer wants to buy the antique and the dealer wants to sell it, it is like the Columbia flying into space. Goodness, I love it.
Let me share some of my photographs. For most of the morning, eyes are fixed on the booths with everyone bumping into each other–followed by that wonderful word: SORRY. Oh my goodness, what fun. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself because I am having so much fun. Soon, I will be down the road to see my dear friends the Kashdans with their vintage fur stand. Then on to Robert Smith’s vintage leather cases. These are two of my very favorite friends.
The lace merchant knows his trade. Spanish and Italian lace collectors swarm to his stall
I love the silver plate dealers and so all the Italians who ship the silver to Rome by cases each week. Amazing. Beautiful things still available.
Lead soldiers sold by a dealer who has collected all his life. You must meet this amazing man.
But let’s start walking down the PORTOBELLO ROAD and make a dream a real experience. Hold on! THIS IS GOING TO BE REAL FUN! Thank goodness for my camera!
There is only one Hilary and Michael Kashdan
When you are very busy enjoying the stalls of antiques, reproductions, vintage clothes, and simply junk, look up and enjoy the period buildings. I love them. They are very beautiful. PORTOBELLO ROAD–So much fun!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
December 27, 2011
OFF TO PORTOBELLO ROAD TO MEET MY FRIENDS (Hillary and Michael Kashdan as well as Robert Smith), COLLECT MY PURCHASES, AND PLAN A TRIP TO AN AUCTION
Robert Smith at VINTAGE LEATHER in Portobello Rod and I are planning to attend an auction. This is going to be really fun. I will update you with photos as we attend.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
December 20, 2011
November 18, 2011
TOMORROW IS SATURDAY — THAT’S PORTOBELLO ROAD. Be there before 9 AM — HEADS UP!
Saturday, that’s PORTOBELLO ROAD MORNING. Tell my friend Hilary Kashdan at VINTAGE CLOTHES and Bob Smith at LEATHER CASES a big “hello” for Thomas Moore. I wish I could be there. Dang!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
November 13, 2011
PORTOBELLO ROAD: My friend Hillary — and her vintage clothes
Hillary Kashden is a legend on PORTOBELLO ROAD. I think I published this image of her once, but I thought her amusing photograph would be a happy way to end a fun weekend. When you go to Portobello Road, tell Hillary HELLO for Thomas Moore. We have been friends since Adam, I swear! There is only ONE Hillary.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
