March Inspiration
Things to see, buying vintage art and pop-up shop news
Hello and welcome to the mid March round-up with a look at some of the best places to shop for vintage art, what to see this month and my biggest news… a brand new pop-up shop and a new book launch.
New exhibitions
The Linnean Society is hosting Naturalists’ Notebooks, a free exhibition at their historic HQ at Burlington House, on London’s Piccadilly. For anyone interested in natural history and illustration this exhibition ticks both boxes and explores botanical and natural history sketchbooks, observations and discoveries from the 18th century to the present day, images above.
Burlington House, Piccadilly, London,W1J 0BF (by the side of the Royal Academy of Arts). Until 20 September. Open: Tuesdays to Fridays, 10am-5pm. Free entry.
Sienna: the rise of Painting, National Gallery
A blockbuster of a show Siena: the rise of Painting 1300 - 1350 explores the golden age of Italian 14th century art. The exhibition uncovers paintings, gilded glass, illuminated manuscripts, rugs and silks to reveal the energy and drama created by artists, metalworkers, weavers and carvers working in Siena, Naples, Avignon and beyond. The exhibition includes some of Europe's earliest and most significant artworks. Entry £20, concessions available. Until 22 June, National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London.
The Face Magazine: Culture shift, National Portrait Gallery
Having started university in the later part of the 1980s this exhibition was a real trip down memory lane. I interned at i-D Magazine and my best friend interned at The Face. Many of the creatives from the early days, on both magazines, were friends and just starting out on their careers as graphic designers and photographers. And if you never read The Face or your formative years didn’t include the 80s or 90s, no matter - The Face Magazine: Culture shift is for anyone passionate about fashion, magazine design & culture, music and photography. The show charts The Face’s pivotal roll in contemporary culture from 1980 - 2004 and I can highly recommend it. National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin's Place, London WC2H 0HE, until 18 May.
Daffodil Month at Straw London
Straw London is celebrating British grown daffodils for the remainder of March. Call in store to see a range of beautiful daffodil displays from growers around the country and this Friday, 21 March, Straw are hosting an afternoon of daffodils and cake in their Columbia Road shop. Receive a free bunch of daffs with each vase purchased.
A selection, below, from Cornish growers: Cream Early Cheer, White Avalanche, Cornish Bugle double daffodils and Narcissus Grand Primo.
Pop-up Shop News
My final Sunday pop-up shop at Solidfloor will be 30 March as they switch their Shoreditch showroom to appointments only. It’s been a fabulous 18 months working alongside their lovely team and huge thanks to them and everyone that came along on Sundays for chats, vintage purchases and decorative antiques.
I’m pleased to announce there’s something new in the pipeline with a week-long vintage shop and a return to Hackney with Tamara from Reclectic. We’ll open the doors with a store full of fresh stock on Monday, 29 April - 4 May. Please join us for antiques, vintage furniture, paintings and reclaimed homewares. 126 Mare Street, London E8. Stations: London Fields, Hackney Central & Bethnal Green.
Buying Vintage Art
Not every antique or vintage purchase has to be the best quality, high-end or highly collectible. My mantra is always buy what you love, you’re investing in something that will give you pleasure on a day-to-day basis so it makes sense to go with love at first sight - depending of course, on budget.
Whether you’re looking for a group of complimentary paintings or a single artwork the current appeal for all eras, from early Georgian portraits right up to mid-century experimental pieces, means demand is high and prices are keen. Currently on my radar is Chairish, a US based ‘vintage emporium’ and online platform representing and connecting more than 12,000 small businesses. It sells furniture, art, jewellery and homewares and has added UK and European dealers to its selling community and current inventory. Not all of the items are vintage, be sure to read the item details. If you are stateside take advantage of the lower shipping charges; there’s some great pieces to bag.
More well known in the UK & Europe is Vinterior an online only outlet with an emphasis on pre-owned furniture and representing over 2,000 sellers. The helpful categories run from Antique to Art Deco, Mid-century and Scandinavian. There’s also a section which recommends pieces under £500 and sellers offering free delivery. Handy if you’re sticking to a decorating budget.
Lorfords Antiques, based in the Cotswolds, is a physical store and online shop and offers a huge range of choice. Their outlet near Tetbury, surrounded by beautiful countryside, is probably the largest antiques emporium I’ve visited. You’ll need the best part of a day to see it all. Shipping is available if you can’t visit in person, check out their online store here.
Some of my favourite places to buy vintage art are the French flea markets at Lille and Amiens and at antiques fairs here such as IACF up and down the UK. It’s also worth browsing online for local house clearances and auctions.
What to consider when buying vintage art
Look beyond the frames – these can be swapped for frames contemporary to the artwork or custom framed at a later stage. Many oil paintings on board or stretched canvas often look better taken out of the frames they originally came with. If a painting you fall in love with isn’t in the best condition some very gentle cleaning or reframing might be all it needs.
And one final thing. If wall space is limited create an interesting display or vignette by grouping a selection of pieces on shelves, bookcases and backs of doors or arrange smaller artworks on mantlepieces and window frames.
New Book Review
My forthcoming book Independent Shops London is soon to be published and I’m excited to say it’s now available for pre-order. The book includes fifty of my favourite small shops from around the capital and I’d love you to have a look - this preview from The Simple Things Magazine, wishlist editor, Louise Gorrod encapsulates the essence of the book…
Independent Shops London by Michelle Mason is a captivating guide that reveals the diverse and vibrant retail landscape of London. Helpfully arranged by area - north, east, south, west, and central - each section offers a curated selection of shop types, from specialist fashion boutiques to charming family-run delis. Michelle's impeccable eye for design and style makes you feel as if you have a personal shopper by your side. Her passion for London's independent retail scene is evident as she introduces unique shops and quaint spots tucked away on side streets that might otherwise be overlooked. Michelle’s insights encourage you to see familiar parts of London with fresh eyes. This guide is more than just a shopping book; it's an invitation to explore and appreciate the creative and entrepreneurial shopkeepers that London has to offer. Pre-order here.
Thank you, as always, for reading. You’ve landed in the right place if you enjoy interiors, decorative antiques, vintage home style, travel and exhibitions. Until next time, Michelle x
PS If you’ve enjoyed this post please like by clicking on the little ♥️ or the restack symbol, as it really helps circulate it to a wider audience. Thank you x
A great read as always Michelle! And huge congratulations again on the book, I shall be pre-ordering mine this week! Elle x
Thank you so much, Elle, I’m pleased you enjoyed reading it x