50th Birthday for the London Antique Markets

We invited our nearest and dearest to a special celebration last week.  The party was to celebrate 50 years since Bennie Gray opened the first permanent covered antique centre in London, the Antique Supermarket, on Barrett Street.

Images on display spanning 50 years

As guests entered they were greeted with lively music from Balkan brass band, Op Sa!  Guests were treated to drinks and canapés served by elegant ballerinas.  Speeches from Neil Jackson, Operations Manager at Alfies and Grays, and Bennie Gray followed.

Neil Jackson welcomes guests

As an extra surprise Jae Alexander, one of the top musical conductors in the country and Brighton legend David Raven aka Maisie Trollette sang a few numbers much to the delight of the guests.

Surprise performance from Maisie Trollette

A birthday cake was brought out to the tune of Happy Birthday and an 18th century sword from Grays Mews dealer Don Bayney was used to ceremonially cut the first slice!

All in all it was a wonderful evening and the perfect way to celebrate such a landmark year!  Read more about the history of the London antique markets here.

Eamonn and Mercedes Perris, part of Goldsmith & Perris at Alfies Antique Market.

Alfies Antique Market dealers Kieron Reilly and Leslie Verrinder and guests.

Grays Mews vintage jewellery dealer Ting Hughes and her husband.

Angela Linforth of Homes & Antiques and Mark Hill, antique expert.

With thanks to Graham Lacdao for the photos.