Grays Press

Tatler

2012-02-28T15:45:00.002Z

March 2012

Above: Metal and Paste Bracelet from Gillian Horsup at Grays.

Galalith and Chrome Necklaces and Chrome Bracelets from Gillian Horsup at Grays.

Gilt Paste and Bead Cuff and Gilt Earrings from Gillian Horsup at Grays.

Glass and Paste Earrings by Gillian Horsup at Grays.

Faux Pearl and Paste Bracelet from Gillian Horsup at Grays.

Collect - Kunst & Antiek Journaal

2012-02-24T14:53:00.000Z

Arts and Antiques magazine

The Bijou Bride

2012-02-24T14:42:00.000Z

http://thebijoubride.com/vintage-engagement-rings/

Vintage Gems - A Buyer's Guide

Red magazine

2012-02-22T12:21:00.001Z

March 2012.

Paste and sterling silver earrings from Gillian Horsup at Grays Antiques

Marie Claire

2012-02-10T17:01:00.000Z

March 2012

Vintage clip from Gillian Horsup. Vintage feather from Linda Bee. Both in Grays Mews

Vintage earrings from Beaut in Grays Mews

Vintage pearl necklace from Ting's Jewellery Box in Grays Mews.

Travel + Leisure Magazine

2012-02-10T12:17:00.001Z

February 2012

INSIDER: London
No trip to London is complete without a visit to Grays Antiques (58 davies St. and 1-7 Davies Mews; 44-20/7629-7034), with two levels worth of dealers in the West End. Be sure to venture downstairs, where Jo Elton and Olly Gerrish sell glass serpents and Japanese agate bracelets."

Read the full article by clicking here.

Belle Inspiration

2012-02-07T17:21:00.000Z

Vogue

2012-02-02T16:58:00.000Z

February 2012

Brightly coloured costume jewellery from Gillian Horsup in Grays Mews.

Jewellery Focus

2012-01-31T10:36:00.000Z

Article in Jewellery Focus about Beaut Jewellery.

Trouwen.blog.nl

2012-01-31T10:31:00.000Z

Dutch article on a wedding blog about buying an engagement ring at Grays Antiques.

Bridesmagazine.co.uk

2012-01-13T16:54:00.000Z

13th January 2012

Interview with The Antique Jewellery Company.
Antique engagement ring - buying tips

Sunday Express Magazine 'S'

2012-01-11T21:40:00.000Z

8th January 2012

Dazzling vintage style earrings (bottom left) from Grays Mews dealer Beaut, also worn by the Duchess of Cambridge.

Vogue - Florence Welch

2012-01-11T21:36:00.000Z

January 2012

Florence Welch wears a tiered pleated vintage Yuki dress from Vintage Modes at Grays.

London-hideaways.com, 27th December

2012-01-03T17:25:00.000Z

Online article about London's antique shopping. Discover London antique markets.

http://londonhideaways.wordpress.com/2011/12/27/londons-antique-shopping-discover-london-antique-markets/

Stepbystep.com, 28th December 2011

2012-01-03T17:17:00.001Z

Step by step guide to antique dealers in London. Nr 1: Grays Antiques.

http://london.stepbystep.com/guide-to-antique-dealers-in-london-455/

The Observer, Sunday 18th December 2011

2011-12-19T17:37:00.000Z

Moonstone pin from Tings Jewellery Box (picture 1) and pin and watch chain from Tings Jewellery Box (picture 2).

Visit Britain

2011-12-05T17:48:00.000Z

The Country's Collectables

Jan/Feb 2012

Grays was included in 'The Country's Collectables'. A round up of the best places to visit for antiques in London.

Time Out - London's Best Shops

2011-12-05T17:39:00.000Z

London's Best Shops 2012

Grays has been listed as one of London's best covered markets in Time Out's guide 'London's Best Shops 2012'

Hjemmet Norwegian Magazine

2011-12-05T17:27:00.001Z

Article about Grays Antiques in Norwegian Magazine.

The Hunger

2011-12-05T17:25:00.000Z

This month a pair of vintage white sunglasses from Gillian Horsup at Grays was featured in the internationally renowned photographer Rankin's first issue of 'The Hunger' magazine.

The Sunday Times Style Magazine

2011-12-05T13:44:00.001Z

4th December 2011

"Ladies, you could ease the pressure. If you have a favourite brand or era or style of jewellery, for God’s sake tell him. It doesn’t have to spoil the surprise. For special occasions, Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou, 10 Magazine’s editor-in-chief, chooses three pieces from her favourite dealers in Grays Antiques. Her husband then goes in and picks from her selection." By Claudia Croft.

Antiques News & Fairs Website

2011-11-28T17:15:00.001Z

November 2011
'Latest News Headlines'
Grays Christmas Shopping Event

So British & Irish magazine

2011-11-18T17:58:00.000Z

December 2011
Dutch travel magazine about UK

Westlondonliving.co.uk

2011-11-18T17:30:00.000Z

November 2011
Grays Christmas Shopping Party

newsheridanclub.co.uk/events

2011-11-18T17:21:00.000Z

November 2011
Grays Christmas Shopping Party

Shop

2011-11-18T17:08:00.000Z

London - Luxury Edition Spring/Summer 2011

Eikoku News Digest

2011-11-18T15:47:00.001Z

November 2011
Japanese magazine based in London. The article is about the silver industry in London and where to buy silver. Grays Antiques is mentioned in the article including contact details and information about the silver dealers at Grays.

NYmag.com

2011-11-18T12:54:00.000Z

15 November 2011.
Interview with Dazed and Confused fashion editor Katie Shillingford on http://www.nymag.com/, mentioning Grays as one of her favourite places to shop.

http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2011/11/tastemaker-dazeds-katie-shillingford.html

Homes & Antiques

2011-11-18T11:40:00.000Z

December 2011

Silver and mother of pearl nutcrackers, 19th century £120 for two, from Jack Podlewski.

Wonderland Magazine

2011-11-18T11:32:00.000Z

November/December 2011

Vintage bracelet from Gillian Horsup and vintage bug bangles from Margaret Mullins.

Vintage Art Deco earrings from Gillian Horsup.

Homes & Gardens

2011-11-18T11:20:00.000Z

December 2011
London notebook - vintage idea.

Grays Christmas Shopping Party

Stylist

2011-11-18T11:09:00.000Z

16th November 2011.
Decorative pieces - The latest array of watches have been designed for after hours - just add a dramatic setting.

Jet and shell cameo stick pin and bog oak paste bracelet from Allison Massey

Glamour

2011-10-10T17:36:00.000+01:00

November 2011
'Chic Encounter - Winter florals, timeless tweed and a '40s twist'

Brooch from Linda Bee at Grays

Headpiece and crystal earrings from Linda Bee at Grays.

Paste earrings from Linda Bee at Grays.

Crystal brooch from Linda Bee at Grays.

Enamel floral brooch from Linda Bee at Grays.

Floral paste earrings from Linda Bee at Grays.

Velvet and feather headpiece from Linda Bee at Grays.

FT How to Spend It Magazine

2011-10-08T17:37:00.000+01:00

7th October 2011

Antique cameo brooch set in gold mount. From Michele Rowan at Grays Antiques.

Louis Vuitton - London City Guide

2011-10-07T12:11:00.000+01:00

Find Grays included in the 2012 Louis Vuitton London City Guide. On sale in Louis Vuitton stores from the 15th October.

The Archer

2011-09-13T15:13:00.000+01:00

East Finchley Local Newspaper
10th September 2011

A world of Japanese art
By John Lindsay

Kyoko Kuga now has a showcase at Gray’s antique market near Bond Street tube station and there will be an opportunity to see Kyoko’s antiques and artworks at the Alexandra Palace antique fair on 18 September. The beautiful objects she collects and sells can be seen on her website: www.gallerykuga.com. At present, 10% of every sale is being donated to the Japan Red Cross.

Read the full article here.

W Magazine

2011-09-01T12:46:00.000+01:00

September 2011

Jewellery from Ting's Jewellery Box and Gillian Horsup at Grays. Stylist: Jane How. Photographer: Mario Sorrenti.

BBC Homes & Antiques

2011-07-12T12:10:00.000+01:00

August 2011
The Vintage Issue

Bags of Fun - By Madeliene Marsh

Grays dealer Linda Bee gives some insight into 1950s handbags;

"'They can look fantastic with modern outfits,' insists Linda. 'Finding vintage clothes that fit can sometimes be a challenge but, whatever your age and whatever your size, anyone can carry off a vintage handbag.'"

Lea Stein by Judith Miller

Judith Miller offer expert advice about collecting Lea Stein brooches and jewellery. All the pieces pictured are from Gillian Horsup in Grays Mews.

Where to Buy:
Gillian Horsup & Linda Bee in Grays Mews have both been listed and stock an exceptional range of Lea Stein pieces.

Vogue

2011-07-11T13:46:00.000+01:00

August 2011

Kate Moss - A La Mode

Vintage Clutch Bag from Vintage Modes, Grays Mews

Earrings from Gillian Horsup, Grays Mews

Vintage Brooch from Linda Bee, Grays Mews

Vintage Bakelite Earrings from Linda Bee, Grays Mews.

Accessories featured from Gillian Horsup, Linda Bee, and Vintage Modes all situated in Grays Mews.

The Observer Magazine

2011-07-03T10:05:00.000+01:00

Vintage Clock Compact from Linda Bee in Grays Mews. This features a moving hand that can be set to different activities including 'cocktails', 'bridge', 'lunch' and 'rendezvous'.

ES Magazine

2011-06-24T17:48:00.000+01:00

24th June 2011

Alberta Ferratti - My London
"Grays Antique Market on Davies Street has some fantastic jewellery, especially rings."

Vogue

2011-06-10T14:48:00.000+01:00

June 2011
'Heat Wave'

Financial Times - How To Spend It

2011-06-07T17:10:00.000+01:00

Solange Azagury-Partridge

"If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city, I'd choose London's West end. It has posh and high-street clothes, antiques, jewelley, amazing fabrics. I like Bovovicks fabric shop, Grays Antiques Market and Selfridges food hall." Read the full article here.

World of Interiors - Arts & Antiques Guide 2011

2011-06-07T17:02:00.000+01:00

ES Magazine

2011-06-07T16:59:00.000+01:00

3rd June 2011

Jewel Personalities

Jewellery designer Jessica de Lotz:

'"My Grandmother used to take me to Grays Antique Market so I developed a love for little trinkets early on." Her collections are inspired by her market finds.'

BBC Homes & Antiques

2011-05-05T13:54:00.000+01:00

May 2011

Tokens of Affection

Antique lockets featured are from Jo Elton & Olly Gerrish, Ting's Jewellery Box, and Spectrum all jewellery dealers at Grays.

Vogue

2011-05-03T14:34:00.001+01:00

May 2011
White Mischief with Agnes Deyn

Left Image: Vintage Gloves from Vintage Modes in Grays Mews.

Left Image: Antique bone skull-shaped pipe. From Peter Szuhay at Grays.

Photographer Tim Walker. Model Agyness Deyn. Styled by Kate Phelan. Make-up by Sam Bryant.

Telegraph Magazine

2011-03-07T11:58:00.000Z

Saturday 5th March

Art & Antiques Diary 2011

2011-02-18T16:18:00.000Z

ES Homes & Property

2011-02-07T16:13:00.000Z

February Events Diary

Grays and Alfies Antique Markets

Special display of Valentine treasures, plus personal shoppers on hand as romantic gift guides. Book your expert on 020 7629 7034, or email info@graysantiques.com

Grays, 58 Davies Street & 1-7 Davies Mews W1; graysantiques.com
Alfies Antiques, 13-25 Church Street, Marylebone, NW8; alfiesantiques.com

Click here for the full article online.

Asiana Magazine

2011-01-14T17:57:00.000Z

Winter 2011

Stunning jewellery from Gillian Horsup at Grays.

Vogue

2011-01-11T14:28:00.000Z

January 2011

BBC Homes & Antiques

2010-12-09T14:07:00.000Z

Minton-Style Ice Bucket from ZMS Antiques at Grays (used as a vase)

Silver Sandwich Markers, c1932. From Evonne Antiques at Grays

'Jenson' Napkin Ring. From Jack Podlewski at Grays

Living Etc

2010-12-08T14:22:00.000Z

January 2011

"Swing into Davies Street and head for Grays Antique Market, one of the largest of it's kind in London. Here, and around the corner at it's sister showroom The Mews, you'll find unique pieces with a fascinating history, including vintage fashion and beautiful jewellery - a kind of Heirlooms R Us to suit every budget."

Sphere Magazine

2010-12-03T14:53:00.001Z

December 2010

A stunning turquoise enamelled clock from Evonne Antiques was included in Sphere Magazine's 'Most Wanted' feature.

Time Out

2010-12-01T13:32:00.000Z

City A.M.

2010-11-24T12:08:00.003Z

Gifts with a Sense of History
Tuesday, 23rd November 2010

Antiques are in fashion this Christmas
by Timothy Barber

It’s no coincidence that the recession has overlapped with a surge in the popularity of all things old fashioned. If our confidence in a bold, sparkling future has faltered, our interest in the aesthetics of the past – and the values of quality, provenance and craftsmanship that go with it – has rocketed upwards. 1940s-themed club nights are thriving, vintage fashion items are hotter than ever, Savile Row is once again an epicentre of male style – and at home, nothing says now like something that was made way back when.

Which means that, for Christmas, antiques make for far more stylish gifts than things bought brand new, and they’re better value too.

“You can get the same quality as a modern piece of jewellery or other decorative item at a fraction of the cost,” says Neil Jackson, manager of Grays, the popular Mayfair antiques market. “You’re buying something made years ago by artisans, that wasn’t mass produced and is likely to be unique, that has a history and character that can’t be replicated."

...And that’s half the fun, of course – shopping for antiques can be a journey of discovery whether you end up buying anything or not, as Jackson points out. “You’re getting an education and history of the period you’re buying from, and for the dealers explaining things and imparting knowledge is their passion – you always come out feeling that you’ve gained something.”

ANTIQUES IN LONDON | WHERE TO GO

Grays Antiques Market Just round the corner from Bond Street station, this is the vintage lover’s alternative to Mayfair’s exorbitant boutiques, with over 200 dealers gathered under one roof. It’s open Monday to Saturday, and on 2 December its Christmas shopping party includes live music and drinks, though you’ll need an invitation to attend. Call 020 7629 7034 to attend. 58 Davies St and 1-7 Davies Mews, W1K 5AB. www.graysantiques.com

Read the full article here.

Homes & Gardens

2010-11-13T10:25:00.000Z

December 2010

Grays Antiques
Housed in a Grade-II listed Edwardian showroom, this market showcases a wide range of luxury jewellery, affordable art, vintage fashion and textiles. Late night shopping evening, 2 December, 5pm-8pm. Free by invitation.

House & Garden

2010-11-12T12:35:00.000Z

Diary
Christmas Shopping Parties
December 2nd - Grays Antiques

December 9th - Alfies Antique Market
"Enjoy live music and drinks at these late-night shopping parties, where dealers offer antiques, jewellery, and collectables (Grays) and twentieth-century furniture, art and vintage fashion (Alfies). Admission free by invitation: call 020 7723 6066."

2010-11-12T10:27:00.001Z

December 2010

"Homes & Antiques Guide To Christmas

19. Festive Antiquing
Our antique gift feature on page 37 shows how simple it is to buy an original present. And where better to browse for such delights than at a late-night Christmas shopping party? Alfies Antique Market and Grays, London are treating you to an evening of cocktails, bubbly and entertainment while you shop. Alfies' is on the 9th December and Grays' is on the 2nd."

"Christmas Days Out

9.Grays Antiques
Spend the afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the high street and enjoy sophisticated Christmas shopping at Grays. With over 200 of London's finest antique dealers you will find perfect gifts that will last a lifetime."

Antiques News & Fairs

2010-11-10T17:26:00.000Z

"CHRISTMAS AT ALFIES AND GRAYS

The first week of December sees the start of the Christmas party season with the dealers and management at Alfies Antiques Market in Church Street, Marylebone and Grays Antiques in Davies Street, Mayfair opening the doors in the evening with cocktails, music and shopping. Grays Antiques party takes place from 6-8 on Thursday 2 December 2010 and the Alfie's party takes place at the same time on Thursday 9 December. To receive a complimentary invitation contact Grays Antiques and Alfie's Antiques Market"

BBC Homes & Antiques

2010-10-26T12:21:00.000+01:00

November 2010
Walking the Walk

New dealer at Grays, Great Canes has been featured in November's issue of BBC Homes & Antiques Magazine. Find their beautiful collection of rare and unique walking sticks and antique canes in Grays stand 121.

BBC Homes & Antiques

2010-10-26T12:03:00.000+01:00

November 2010
A Guide to Antique Shopping

Antiques Info

2010-10-26T11:56:00.000+01:00

Tatler

2010-10-21T16:09:00.000+01:00

November 2010

Bracelet from Gillian Horsup at Grays.

Sphere Magazine

2010-10-05T17:34:00.000+01:00

Winter Issue

"A Vintage Christmas - Late Night Shopping at Alfies and Grays
Escape the crowds on Oxford Street and enjoy a more serene shopping experience at Alfies Antique MArket and Grays this Christmas. Gems range from vintage biscuit tins (right) to Louis Vuitton Luggage or Tiffany jewellery. Call for your free invitation.

Grays Christmas Party - December 2nd, 5pm-8pm. 58 Davies Street & 1-7 Davies Mews, W1 (+44 20 7629 7034; www.graysantiques.com)"

Vanity Fair

2010-09-28T23:22:00.000+01:00

October 2010

Heeeeeeere's Johnny!

"London has been a veritable horological oyster for Bonhams during the past couple of years, since Christie's and Sotherby's ceased holding watch auctions in the capital. Now the competition is hotting up again, after Sotherby's reinstated its London sale in July and scheduled another for December (see calender). In addition, a long-established dealer is planning to start swinging the gavel at his own independent watch auctions. Johnny Wachsmann, whose Pieces of Time business has been a fixture of Mayfair's Grays Antiques Market (right) for 25 years, was organising his first auction as this copy of On Time went to press. He intends to use a central London location and accept everything for consignment from the best Patek Philippe models down to items worth as little as £200."

Wonderland Magazine

2010-09-28T23:10:00.000+01:00

October 2010

Full skirt from Vintage Modes at Grays

Headscarf from Vintage Modes at Grays

Earrings from Gillian Horsup at Grays

Tatler

2010-09-28T22:47:00.000+01:00

October 2010

Jewellery by Gillian Horsup at Grays

Tatler

2010-09-28T22:44:00.000+01:00

October 2010

Silver fish necklace & silver flower necklace (just visible) from Ghazi Ghafoori at Grays.

The London Loop

2010-09-23T16:32:00.006+01:00

Rock n Roll Bride

2010-09-17T17:30:00.016+01:00

17th September 2010
April & Alex's Laid Back Garden Party Wedding

Engagement Ring (centre) from Grays Antiques.
Photograph by Tom Weller Photography

Stylist

2010-09-15T10:52:00.001+01:00

Stunning earrings from Gillian Horsup at Grays featured in Stylist Magazine.

The Vintage Guide to London

2010-09-09T11:52:00.000+01:00

September 2010

Click here to visit The Vintage Guide to London and find out about events such as the Grays Vintage Revival Exhibition, from 21st-25th September.

L'Italo Europeo

2010-09-09T10:05:00.000+01:00

A Love for Vintage

"September has started instead with a homage to a bygone era, that one of the cocktail lounge, when the cocktail dress was playing a very important part in lots of women’s lives. Linda Bee, a wellknown dealer at Grays in Davies Mews, specialized in vintage dresses and accessories, has given life to a pop up cocktail lounge where beautiful dresses, jewellery, clutch bags are displayed together with furniture, glasses centerpieces all original from the 20’s up to the 70’s.

In her incredible shop it is possible to find that particular dress or piece of jewellery by Trifari and even make up in their nostalgic boxes. Now that lots of entertainment companies are throwing parties with a theme (20’s, cruise lounges) the need to find the perfect outfit it has become the last trend and at Linda’s it’s a treasure trove for anything vintage. The exhibition will last for the next three weeks." By Christina Polizzi.

The Life of Lilith

2010-09-01T11:44:00.000+01:00

Hidden Gems of the West End

A beautiful write-up of Grays. Read the full article by clicking here.

The Unreal Bride

2010-08-27T13:59:00.000+01:00

Groom Hunting

"Jewellery includes a vintage armband that belongs to my mother, a cocktail ring that I bought at an exhibition and really interesting rhinestone horse head earrings brand marked Dorlan; which I procured from my most favourite vintage store in London -Vintage Modes at Grays Antiques Market.

I always go spend hours in that little underground treasure trove where the old and wise yet no less fabulous ladies of whom Lola is my best friend, let me throw on all sorts of beautiful things of which I end up buying many more than I planned on – always! Afterwards, we sit around and swap stories of India, Italy and London – good times and GREAT vintage finds!"

The unreal bride is a beautiful wedding resource & photography website by April and Kismet. Visit it here.

The Purple Passport

2010-08-19T10:25:00.000+01:00

www.thepurplepassport.com

The Purple Passport is a new travel website that aims to offer the most honest, up-to-date, handpicked travel information for the world's most exciting cities. Grays has been included and reviewed in their London Guide. Read it here.

Rock n Roll Bride

2010-08-15T17:53:00.000+01:00

15th September 2010
A Kitschy, Quirky, Vintage Wedding

Art Deco Brooch - worn as a hair slide - From Grays

1950s Fur Stole - From Grays

See the full article and photos here.

Homes & Gardens

2010-07-21T11:31:00.000+01:00

August 2010
London's Finest - Regent Street

While You're There
For one off pieces, drop into Grays antique market, 1/7 Davies Mews, W1K 5AB, 020 7629 7034, graysantiques.com, where you will find treasures, such as this Meiji Satsuma bowl (above) from K&Y Oriental Art. Feature by Emma Page Roberts.

Pop Magazine Blog

2010-07-07T16:16:00.000+01:00

6th July 2010

Fantastical article for the Pop Magazine blog including an interview with costume jewellery dealer Gillian Horsup.

Read the full article by clicking here.

Tatler

2010-07-01T17:17:00.002+01:00

July 2010
A Bigger Splash

The Resident

2010-07-01T14:21:00.001+01:00

June 2010

Sphere Magazine

2010-07-01T14:16:00.000+01:00

Spring/Summer 2010

ES Magazine - London Lifestyle

2010-06-20T14:07:00.000+01:00

Antique Trade Gazette

2010-06-10T14:58:00.000+01:00

London Summer Capital of Art
Summer 2010

"Special guide to shopping for arts and antiques this summer"

Antique Trade Gazette

2010-05-21T10:33:00.000+01:00

22nd May 2010

Vogue

2010-05-17T16:49:00.000+01:00

June 2010

"Quick Smart - Summer's genius jewellery takes its cue from the catwalks. Dazzling beach gems and slick city pieces are the fastest way to take your look from then to now.

Multiply Choice: Take your lead from Lanvin: load up on "heirloom" chains and vintage glitz.
Vintage Resin Bangle £28 (orange) and Vintage Resin Cuff £38 (green & gold) both from Unicorn at Grays Antiques."

Find Unicorn downstairs in Grays Mews.

Time Out

2010-05-15T23:35:00.001+01:00

The House Directory

2010-05-13T16:57:00.001+01:00

May Newsletter

Grays Summer Celebration

Antiques Info

2010-04-22T11:41:00.001+01:00

50 Best Antique Shops

May/June 2010

Antique Info have covered the Guardian's '50 Best Antiques Shop' naming Grays as number 3!

The Daily Telegraph

2010-04-20T15:59:00.001+01:00

Ask Hilary
19th April 2010

Kirsty Allsop's Jewels
"Dear Hilary, On one of the Location, Location television programmes, Kirstie Allsopp wore a large, green-stone, dress ring, which took my wife’s fancy. I would like to buy one like it for her, but I have not been able to find anything similar in the shops or on the internet. Regards, John, Bristol

Dear John,

Kirstie’s gorgeous ring is an antique, set with an acquamarine, and was a present from her husband, bought at auction. You do not mention a budget, so I have sourced a selection from a variety of price ranges. At the top end, Michael Rose, Burlington Arcade, London, W1 - www.michael rosejewels.com, has a 1940s, aquamarine, dress ring (single stone, 13.75 ct), set in platinum, for £6,950. At Grays Antiques, 58 Davies Street, London, W1 - www.graysantiques.com, aquamarine dress rings, from the 1920s to the 1950s, range from £500 to £3,900." Hilary Alexander

A 1940s Aquamarine Ring by Emmy Abe at Grays

Read the full article here.

The Independent Online

2010-04-15T10:39:00.001+01:00

Bags of Fun
14th April 2010

"As far as collector Linda Bee is concerned, using vintage bags is the main point of owning them. "Interesting bags are wonderful to take to parties when you don't know anyone," she explains. "They break the ice, make people smile and are a talking point. My bags make me feel happy and special and the fact that no one will have anything like them gives me confidence."

Like Mr Worthing in The Importance Of Being Earnest, Linda Bee was born into handbags. Her father designed for Waldy bags, which supplied respectable and practical leather bags for most of the crowned heads of Europe in the Fifties, and a favourite photograph shows Bee, aged two, rootling in a sophisticated handbag. "My family is Italian, and when I was a child my aunt would take me to Turin every summer, to buy me a new handbag and matching shoes," she happily remembers. These formative fashion experiences helped shape her future, and very feminine career. Bee deals in costume jewellery, powder compacts, scent bottles and handbags (her stand at Gray's Antiques Market in London is a bit like being inside a giant and very elegant vanity case). She is a self-confessed bagaholic. "I have well over 50 in my own collection, I just can't resist them," she admits.

Her favourite period is the Fifties: "It was a golden age for innovative shapes and bizarre designs, and I think bags should be fun." Prize possessions include a bag in the shape of a poodle made entirely of black beads "you unzip the stomach, and when you take out your purse the poor dog looks like it's being disembowelled," and a honey-coloured Perspex bag, moulded into a beehive, its carved top inset with gilded bees. "I had to have this because of my name."

Produced in America, Perspex and vinyl bags were one of the more decorative by-products of wartime plastic technology, and are among the most collectable of all Fifties bags today. Prices range from around pounds 25 for a clear vinyl pouch inset with rhinestones, to pounds 150 for a hard plastic (Lucite) box- bag. "They come in all sorts of shapes. I have one just like a coffin," says Bee, "but since they are often made from transparent Perspex. You really have to be very tidy."

More concealing is her collection of Fifties baskets and picnic-box bags, a girlish style (think Doris Day) that is very fashionable today, with every one from smart designers to Marks & Spencer producing colourful baskets. Bee has Fifties raffia bags covered with long necked cats and poodles, and her current favourite is a white wicker box-bag, its top loaded with shiny red plastic cherries. "I took it along to a pop concert once and somebody tried to eat the fruit."

The bags on sale at Bees stall provide a little social history of fashion and changing tastes, Twenties bags with their fitted compartments for cosmetics and cigarettes reflect the new female liberation after the First World War. Sixties bags show a lust for contemporary synthetic materials and outre, space-age designs. For the more traditional in taste - and for "label queens" - you can buy a second-hand Hermes bag complete with its own integral jewel case for pounds 800 (clearly something of a bargain in this rarefied market) or a vintage "crocodile", a medium still popular today. It is one of the more curious and distasteful fads of female fashion, that a bag covered with the skin of a reptile should have become the mark of a lady and a classic status symbol. Forties crocodile bags sometimes come with the head, claws or even a complete baby alligator stuck on to the outside.

"You do find some horrific things," says Linda Bee. "The most bizzare bag I've ever seen was a real leopard-skin one given to a friend of mine in Somalia. On the front flap was the whole head of the leopard squashed flat, complete with whiskers and one eye was actually winking!"

Bee has noticed a huge surge of interest in vintage bags and one of her clients is setting up a handbag museum in Amsterdam. As a collector, her criteria are that a bag should be interesting, well-made, clean ("you can find an awful lot of make-up stains") and practical "There is no joy in having a bag you can't use," she says firmly.

Bee feels that we are in another golden age of bag design and suggestions for collectables of the future include Vivienne Westwood's creations, and the "Florist Baskets" designed by Lulu Guinness; flower-pot shaped, black velvet, and topped with bunches of flowers now selling for pounds 189 to 250 at the Cutting Edge fashion exhibition at London's Victoria & Albert Museum.

And a final tip for the fashion junkie? Linda Bee's work bag, elegant, black nylon, capacious enough to hold portable computer along with several highly collectable evening purses, cost her around pounds 19 at BHS, and is, she assures me, indistinguishable from this year's most desirable Prada.

Linda Bee, Stand J20/21 Grays Antique Market, 1-7 Davies Mews, London WI (0171 629 5921). Echoes, 650A Halifax Road, Eastwood, Todmorden, West Yorkshire (01706 817505)"
Article by Madeleine Marsh.

Wonderland

2010-04-01T13:59:00.001+01:00

Vicious Twist
Issue 22

This month's Wonderland Magazine includes jewellery from Gillian Horsup and Ting's Jewellery Box.

Tiempo de Relojes Magazine

2010-03-29T10:48:00.000+01:00

Winter 2009
Reino Vintage (Vintage Kingdom)

"El vintage vive una eclosion en la relojeria como incono de esilo y maxima expresion de sofisticacion. Perenne objecto del deseo de coleccionistas, no solo encarna una excelete inversion, sino que se ha erigido en accesorio indispensable. Grays es una de sus embajadas en Londres: alberga seis relojerias especializadas en disenos clasicos, con preeminencia de las firmas Rolex, Omega y TAG Heuer." Text: Patricia Tubella. Photos: Miguel A. Fonta

Visit the Tiempo de Relojes website here.

BBC Homes & Antiques

2010-03-25T16:28:00.000Z

April 2010
Ceramic Chic

'Midwinter 'Cherokee' tureen by Jessie Tait, £49; 'Cannes' plate by Hugh Casson, £25, both Deco-etcetera' Styling: Kiera Buckley-Jones. Photographs: Full Stop.

Find Deco-etcetera in Grays Mews, Showcase V16.

How to Spend It

2010-03-25T11:22:00.002Z

Past Masters - Clutch Bags

25th March 2010

"Susie Nelson of Vintage Modes at Grays Antique Market says crocodile Hermes pochettes average £700-£800, "but unbranded clutches with pretty clasps in good condition are £180-200. Classic colours sell best; brighter shades can be bargains - currently I have a gold leather clutch with an ornate clasp at £140"." by Avril Groom.

Read the full article here.

The Independent

2010-03-24T16:16:00.001Z

Independant on Saturday
The 50 Best Antique Shops
20th March 2010

This year Grays move up to third in Independent's '50 Best Antique Shops'!

"Grays Antiques Market

Situated in the heart of Mayfair, with over 200 antiques dealers, Grays is a focus of the London antiques scene and home to some of its leading dealers, says John Ainsley. 'The range of stock is diverse, from £5-£500,000 and the quality is second to none. Dealers are both knowledgeable and approachable and the ambience is totally reassuring. Parking isn't a problem as Bond Street Tube Station is just a stone's throw away."

To view the full article click here.

Sphere Magazine

2010-03-17T10:15:00.001Z

Spring 2010
Most Wanted

"3. Enjoy a bijou breakfast with this Art Nouveau Coffee Pot, just one of the historic pieces available at Grays Antiques. www.graysantiques.com"

The Gentlewoman

2010-03-15T10:24:00.000Z

Spring Summer 2010
Issue Nº 1

"Pictured at Michael G. Longmore's stand at Grays Antique Market, these devastatingly glamorous 18-carat white gold mounted onyx and diamond drop earrings from the Art Deco period are on sale for £3000. The hand model's shirt and blazer are both Hermes."

"It is suggested the this Cartier watch - boasting an 18-carat gold and diamond buckle on a toile brossee strap - be worn as a chic bracelet. It costs £3500 at Pushkin Antiques, 58 Davies Street, London W1. The shirt by John Smeadley is worn with a jumper by Burberry."

The debut issue will be available on news stands worldwide from March 22, 2010.
Visit www.thegentlewoman.com for more details.