We talk to the founders of the pre-loved Peckham-based warehouse
Founders Amira Tawfieg and Howard Roach started Vintique London as neither “were satisfied with the restrictions and lack of creative autonomy” in conventional jobs, and so they started buying and selling while working full-time.
We hears from Tawfieg on buying and selling, how a Vintique piece can elevate your home decor and how to source the perfect vintage…
What products do you sell, and how do you source them?
Amira Tawfieg: At Vintique London you will find a large selection of mid-century, vintage and design furniture – such as sideboards, desks, tables, bookcases, and bedside tables, to name a few.
We’ve also increased our range of smaller homeware items, which includes ceramics, glassware, lamps and art.
Over the years we have built trusting relationships with various dealers around the UK, sourcing items nationwide.
We have made the conscious decision not to import and export items into and out of the UK as we believe this would go against our sustainability values and potentially lead to increasing costs that would reflect in the prices we could offer our customers.
We also feel the UK already has plenty of fantastic items to offer.
Where did the passion for vintage come from and why is it important to reuse/recycle?
An astronomical amount of furniture goes to landfill every year in the UK. The worst part is that most of these items are totally re-usable. It’s important to decrease demand and consumption of mass-produced items and increase the effort to reuse items already in existence.
Of course, lifestyles and needs change, and the way we occupy our homes changes, this is why we aren’t purists at Vintique London.
We don’t focus on items being exactly as they were built to be used. While we believe it’s great to keep the character of the item in its original state, it’s also important to reimagine its use in today’s homes.
What can people expect when they come to your store?
We describe Vintique London as more of a warehouse than a shop. It’s a place where you can come to have a rummage and find that rare Danish sideboard, that unique desk, that amazing vase or that funky piece of art.
It’s like a treasure hunt, you have to have imagination and the ability to visualise how these vintage items will fit into your home.
Our website and mezzanine area help with visualisation, but the warehouse section is where you might find the gem you’re looking for.
What are your recommendations when buying vintage furniture?
When looking at vintage furniture it’s important to consider your space, literally.
Vintage isn’t like a flat pack, some items may break down a little but, generally, it will come as one piece. So measuring up is important. The plus of not being flat pack is it lasts a whole lot longer.
Choosing a vintage item is personal. We have many vintage items in our own home. When choosing those, we have always gone for items we personally love, things we don’t ever want to get rid of.
If you find something with the logo still on it or something a little different and unique, you’ll never want to change it up, and if you do, it will be totally re-sellable so you can invest in another vintage piece.
Vintage holds its value more than newer items, as do design brands, so consider this when looking for pre-loved purchases.
You recently moved to Copeland Park – how does Peckham feel like home?
Peckham has been home to our business for the last six years, and we moved to Copeland Park late last year. We established ourselves in an arch in Queens Road, but moving to Copeland Park was a very exciting opportunity we just couldn’t miss.
We are looking forward to establishing our business right in the centre of Peckham in this coming year.
The area is thriving with a good balance of the old and new. Well-established ethnic stores, alongside fantastic restaurants, new businesses and creative enterprises.
It feels great to be among the bustle and buzz of such creative energy, which is becoming a mainstay of the Peckham area. We feel proud to be a part of that.
Finally, what do you love about working and living in south London?
We have lived in south London together for 14 years, although Howard has lived here a lot longer.
The area reflects the melting pot that London has always been known and praised for.
It’s a perfect balance of green spaces in an urban setting, cool independent businesses in abundance, creative enterprises, hip and stylish hangouts, family-friendly pubs and restaurants and lovely markets.
It’s easy to meet people from all walks of life, which only serves to enrich the area and the fantastic local community feel.
Unit 2C, Copeland Park, Peckham, SE15 3SN
