Grays Antique Market

In the UK and Ireland, Mother's Day follows the old tradition of Mothering Sunday, which is normally celebrated in March or April. The day is said to date right back the sixteenth century where people would go 'a-mothering', returning to their 'mother' church for a special service held on Laetare Sunday normally at a large local chruch or the nearest Cathedral. As time went on Mothering Sunday became a day when domestic servants had a day off to visit their mothers and other family members.  Creamware Teapot with 'Miss Pitt' fishing. Staffordshire c.1765. £ 1,150.  From Simon Westman , Grays Mews. Simnal Cake & Recipe from www.dianasdesserts.com The simnel cake was traditionally made for the day, consisting of fruit cake and marzipan. It was saved until Easter however to follow the rules of Lent. ‘I’ll to thee a Simnell bring ‘Gainst thou go’st a mothering, So that, when she blesseth thee, Half that blessing thou’lt give to me.’ Robert Herrick

K&Y Antiques are helping to raise money for the the local authority in Minamisanriku which has been badly affected by the recent tsunami in Japan. If you would like to offer your support, there are a beautiful selection of cards available to buy within Grays Mews (K&Y- stand k26). All donations and card sales will be sent to Minamisanriku Prefecture Local Authority where more than 10,000 people are still missing. Thank you.

We received a very exciting parcel this morning... Our new flags! Grays Mews new flag New flags for South Molton Lane View from the front of Grays Entrance to the Mews

 After fully embracing 'World Book Day' on the 3rd March, I stumbled across a very special find... The 'Cabinet of Natural Curiosities' by Albertus Seba. This book is a four-volume catalogue detailing magnificent specimens, ranging from strange and exotic plants to snakes, frogs, corals, butterflies, squids, spiders and even fantastic beasts such as the hydra and dragon! Page Extract from ' Cabinet of Natural Curiosities' Albertus Seba       Page Extract from ' Cabinet of Natural Curiosities' Albertus Seba                   The book really inspired me to find my own collection of curiosities around Grays. Here is what i found: From Linda Bee at G rays Mews                   From Linda Bee at Grays Mews From Linda Bee at Grays Mews From Linda Bee at Grays Mews Page Extract from ' Cabinet of Natural Curiosities' Albertus Seba         From Gillian Horsup at Grays Mews From Christopher Cavey at G

Grays recently visited Seville and got enthralled by the myriads of exquisite and intriguing patterns found in the Mudejar architecture which is a combination of Moorish and Christian art. Colours and patterns interlock in a visual feast which is unrivalled by any other architectural style.  Detail of floor and wall in Alcazar, Seville. Lovely geometry, Alcazar, Seville.  Stunning golden shimmering ceiling, Alcazar, Seville. Back here, we got inspired to find  items with intricate patterns capturing some of that geometric magic...        Gold plated Mogul box, 10th-15th Century AD from India with lapiz lazuli carving, offered by Marko Pollo Antiques A set of 14th century wooden panels from Elias Assad , showing distinct geometric patterns. A 17th century tile from Mazar art . This amazing 18th century Iranian bronze bowl was once used for fortune telling and features beautiful detailing of the signs of the zodiac. Offered by Amin Rezai Elaborate Islamic silver vas