Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market is one of the most famous markets in the world and is internationally recognized for its second-hand and antique sections. Statistically it features in the top ten rankings as the most visited tourist site in London. It is regularly the focus of press and media attention and mostly remembered from the Disney film "Bed knobs and Broomsticks" and more recently the film "Notting Hill". Its history and culture span approximately 300 years of existence.
This market is one of our favorites. It is actually three or four markets rolled into one. At the Notting Hill end there are over 200 stalls and lots of shops along the way selling antiques, art, jewelry, silver, etc. As you make your way down the hill you find fresh fruits and vegetable stands. Moving down further the crowd gets younger and the stalls include clothes, bric-a-brac, tourist items, and music. In some areas, the sellers don't appear to be part of the "organized" group. There were also a small French market when we this time also. I got a yummy "pancake" or crepe with Nutella on it and Jeremy was thrilled with his pork, applesauce and stuffing all on a bun.
The most exciting part of this day for us was the purchase of two pieces of art by current English artists as gifts to ourselves for our 35th birthdays recently. Jeremy and I found several pieces in one shop that we really liked. Eventually we realized that we loved two pieces in particular and when we couldn't decide which to get, we purchased both. We are anxiously awaiting their delivery to our flat. The shop owner was going to have them signed by the artist's and get additional information about the artists for our records. We can't wait! We have now purchased four pieces since we have been in London and love each of them. Our interests in art continues to increase and our tastes widen as we learn more.
posted by Chris @ 8:22 PM
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