Sunbury Antiques Market

I awoke at the crack of dawn this morning to attend the twice monthly Sunbury Antiques Market at Kempton Park Race Course.  I was fortunate that at 6am the sun was shining and with the doors due to open at 6.30am I was eager to get up and out. I made good time and arrived at around 7.30am by which time the car park was full to overflowing.

My main reason for coming was to look out for the many continental stallholders that are reputed to arrive at the market with their own Regional speciality offerings such as French farmhouse furniture, Belgian chandeliers and industrial pieces. It seems that many collectors have stopped visiting the French flea markets in favour of this particular venue and I was curious to see for myself what was on offer. 

There was certainly evidence of a French influence amidst the vast collection of  antique goods  that included furniture,  ceramics, kitchenallia, vintage fashion, garden ephemera, clocks, paintings, cameras, toys and books but nothing that especially took my fancy. I had hoped to find some French linen but was disappointed in that respect. 

Apparently, the first Sunbury Antiques Market at Kempton Park took place in 1979 and has gradually evolved into the largest and longest running twice-monthly market in the UK and is now recognised as one of Europe’s premier antiques markets. With well over 700 stallholders it is aimed at attracting not only general collectors, but prop buyers, and interior and exterior designers alike. It also attracts  a large number of overseas visitors from America and the Far East.

You’ll be pleased to know that although I couldn’t find what I was looking for I didn’t leave empty handed. I was lucky to stumble across  a stall selling a selection of F&B Estate Eggshell paint at a reduced price so I am now the proud owner of  750ml of Nancy’s Blushes which I needed to paint a pine blanket box.  To plan your visit to Sunbury Antiques Market visit www.sunburyantiques.com