Off to the Races--Antiquing That Is!

One of the favorite activities around our London world is to grab a group of friends and head out to an antique market. That's just what we did recently when we headed by train out to Sunbury for their bi-monthly antique market which is held at Kempton Racecourse.

Sunbury Market is the largest and longest running bi-monthly market in England, having been at this location for over 20 years. Making your way around 700 + booths, both inside and outside, is a bit of a challenge.

It's one of those markets where you really need to go early, opening just after 6 AM, if you want to find the best buys.  We didn't get there quite that early, since we had a bit of a commute from London to the countryside, but we did make it fairly early in the morning. We first headed to the silver booth

of two vendors whom my friends knew, and between the 4 of us bought several things. Some of mine are Christmas gifts, so I won't show you here,

but there were some lovely things to be found.

 I like taking you along on these trips,  so let's start with the porcelain,

tea sets for everyone, then head over

to see some leather,

perhaps a door or two,

or some religious statuary mixed in with a few dress mannequins.

Some of you might be more interested in the furniture,

or maybe props from a burlesque show.

I found several things I could have picked up for Halloween, a fox to greet you at the door,

the 6 million dollar man,

an African statue,

or perhaps some preserved bats!

Or maybe you are already thinking ahead to Christmas and love these old ornaments.

One item we saw over and over again were furs 

of all shapes and sizes. If this winter is as cold as the last, I may wish I had bought one!

Christmas shopping is all about buying toys, 

so don't forget the antique ones.

They're always looking for a good home under the tree!

I leave you with this Scottish lad--wouldn't he be cute amidst your Christmas greens?

So what would you be shopping for, if you come along next time?