LIFE/STYLE // BATH AND WEST GIANT FLEA MARKET

One of my favourite things about Spring/Summer is the abundance of car boot sales, antique +flea markets. If you know me well enough by now, you would know that I am obsessed with antiques, all things vintage and have a tiny little soft spot for vintage china and vintage textiles & costumes. There is something so special about the idea of an object having memories, having history. Whether it was that special Arne Jacobsen chair, an old rug from Tunisia or a pearl brooch that once sat upon a velvet fur trimmed coat, these objects were once loved and cherished by someone. 
I love trawling for a bargain and finding objects for restoration or upcycling even though it drives my hubby crazy. :)  

Here are some pics from a recent trip to the Bath and West Showground Giant Flea Market. Its held approximately every 8 weeks - you can check further dates and times on their website.  Tickets are £3.50
This is just a tenth of what was there, I just wasn't able to take too many pics with my toddler in tow but really looking forward to the one on the 20th July. We just moved house and its a perfect place to find those extra bits you need. 

My tips for Bath and West :

• Tickets - bring cash - £3.50
• Parking and Queues: first thing on Saturday morning can be quite difficult and the carparking field can fill up quickly. But don't be fooled and try to get there at the crack of dawn - the queues are much longer and there is a rush of people arriving at that time. From previous experience, the best time to head down there  is b/w 10-11am.
• Work your way around the entire market, starting from the outside and working your way inside, before commiting to larger purchases.
• If you can risk something not being sold when you see it in the morning- go back later on in the day and you will be in a better place to negotiate. This works particularly well on the larger items or the pricier items as the chances of someone looking for the same thing are pretty slim - But please excuse me while i eat my words here - last year I found a lovely Poul Henningsen pendant lamp and was bitterly disappointed to find out it had been sold an hour later! :( 
• Make a meeting point if you are travelling in a bigger group - and best to go in 2s or 3s. Walking with a big group is difficult as can get really busy and you are all stopping to look at different things. Catch up halfway through for a tea break, otherwise you will spend half your time trying to lookout to see where everyone has gone.
• take loads of pictures, that way when you sit down for a tea break you can look over and ponder whether to get it or not. I rarely buy on impulse at the markets, and would only be with those unique things that you see like a perfect present for someone for example. 
• If you are looking for furniture, measure up your space first and jot it down on a notebook. That way you are not risking something being too big or small for a space. Bring a measuring tape with you - most of the stalls will have one though if you forget it. 

Would love to know about your flea market experience, what did you buy? did you find what you were looking for? an upcycling project that worked well? 

Happy Hoarding.. 

x