Living Vintage
113D Northcote Road
London
SW11 6PW
020 7223 4440
Who: Elizabeth Henderson
“I’ve always been a magpie, I’ve always liked vintage fabrics and quirky pictures. I go to a lot of antique fairs. I pick up fabrics from markets and fairs and make my own cushions and quilts. To begin with the fabrics were early 19th century fabrics, and now they’re anything up to the 1960s.
I have a lot of floral eiderdown fabrics – that’s another passion of mine! I don’t buy modern because they clash. Mine are from the 1920s to the 1960s, when there were about four of five companies making them. In the 20s and 30s every household would have had an eiderdown. I also do a little range of patchwork cot quilts I’ve made up myself out of my collection of fabrics.
All the painted furniture comes from markets and fairs here in the UK. I usually go really early in the morning or on Sundays. The little cupboards and chairs sell really well. Anything vintage to do with children does really well; like the little chairs with the Ragbook pictures – a vintage children’s book made out of fabric which you can put in the washing machine!
I’ve been in the business for about 14 years. I opened this shop about two and a half years ago. I used to share part of Braemar Antiques just next door. Because it’s quite a busy area, there was a lot of interest when I first opened. It’s got busier and busier as people have got to know me and I get lots of good feedback. Customers become friends and they enjoy the shop. My customers are mainly women. A lot of them used to work in the City and now have babies – they’ve moved here for the schools and housing. This area has a really nice villagey feel to it. I really like it – it’s comfortable!
What: An adorable mix of vintage eiderdowns and cushions, kaftans and children’s clothes, sequinned skirts and slippers, tables and chairs, cupboards and chests of drawers – this is another to die for little Battersea boutique. The antique furniture and soft furnishings are perfect for bringing a bit of old-fashioned decorative charm to your home. Great for presents, especially baby showers, wedding presents and for ladies who love comfortable, charming, vintage-style interiors. You can also see Elizabeth exhibit at the Christmas Country Living Fair, 8-12 November, at the Islington Business Design Fair.
Why: One of the few shops to stock the fab kids clothing company Noa Noa – the vintage style, bright colours and good quality mean they’re perfect for passing down to the next child in line! Look out for quirky little objects – pretty door stops and hangers, sparkly slippers and cot quilts to brighten up your day. And the vintage eiderdowns in floral prints start at a very acceptable £65!
Where: Ten minutes walk up Northcote Road on the left hand side, approaching from Clapham Junction station/Lavender Hill.
When: Mondays-Saturday 10am-5pm.
Photograph: Lisa Marker
