Alan Old runs So Last Century vintage market, and has been since 2015 when he saw a ‘gap in the market’
With a friend on board, they hired a local Beckenham venue, knocked up some fliers and held the first So Last Century fair. Now, nine years on, he’s holding 12 events a year at five locations…
What do you love most about running So Last Century?
Working with my brilliant traders is so inspiring. I’m constantly in awe of their creative displays and how they magically transform a big empty space into a visual feast of amazing objects in just a couple of hours.
Market days themselves are always incredibly exciting – I’m running on adrenaline a lot of the time.
I love the buzz as the traders arrive and set up and then as the first customers arrive.
It’s always rewarding when you see happy customers leave with the purchases they have made and say they want to come back again.
What does a typical day in South London involve for you?
Once my daughter has dashed off to school in the morning, I spend my time planning upcoming events, liaising with traders and venues, and working on publicity for each one.
At the moment I’m planning events at Goldsmiths University in New Cross and St Dunstan’s College in Catford.
I also enjoy scouting out potential new venues. I’m venturing to east London for the first time this month with a new specialist interior show at a fantastic location in Bow.
What are your favourite South London eateries?
El Molino is a busy, authentic tapas restaurant near Clock House station, between Penge and Beckenham. Their dishes and wine selection are wonderful, and with the buzzy atmosphere, it’s easy to feel like you’re in Valencia rather than south London.
The Chancery pub in Beckenham serves an excellent Sunday lunch. Next door is the older Jolly Woodman, which, for me, is the best pub in Beckenham. It’s what I think of as a “proper” pub, and is the perfect place to find well-kept cask ales and great conversation due to the welcome absence of TVs and music.
Where do you shop for clothes and homeware in south London?
Ever since I was a teenager I’ve always bought most of my clothes second-hand from markets and charity shops.
Beckenham, where I live, has its fair share of good charity shops and I often nip in once a week on my way back from the gym.
Verso Vintage based at Beckenham Place Mansion has an ever-changing array of unusual things.
Crystal Palace is a honeypot for buying vintage things for the home. As well as some really good places around The Triangle, there’s also Haynes Lane Vintage (where I sell from) and Crystal Palace Antiques Centre, which are both packed with affordable mid-century furniture and furnishings. Buying this way, more than anything else, is the hit I get at finding something unexpected or unusual. I think that’s just the nature of being a vintage or antique dealer!
And your favourite south London landmark?
It has to be Beckenham Place Park, which I’m lucky enough to have right on my doorstep! The park is a beautiful place for a walk – or a swim in the lake if you’re feeling brave.
The Mansion puts on lots of brilliant events from yoga to craft classes, as well as a café bar and regular food market. I’m very fortunate to be able to hold regular So Last Century markets here in such a stunning south London landmark.
Have any fellow local businesses been a help or inspiration to your vision for So Last Century?
Nikki Spencer, a journalist who also runs “Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet” disco nights, has given me some great advice on publicity over the years.
Wellbeing expert and author Jasmine Hemsley always comes to So Last Century events and gives me social media tips. She sometimes has a stall at my events, too!
The management teams at St Dunstan’s College in Catford and Beckenham Place Park, where I hold many events, are both incredibly supportive as well.
What’s the one place, thing or activity south of the river that everyone should try at least once?
I’m a big fan of the Waterlink Way, which extends from Lower Sydenham to Greenwich. You can walk, run or cycle along it, taking in river walkways, bridges, landscaped parks and open spaces, weaving through Victorian backstreets until you get to the Cutty Sark. It’s a great way of experiencing a greener, more tranquil and largely car-free south London.
So Last Century Vintage Fair is back at Goldsmiths for a spring fair on Sunday 17th March with a great collection of traders and amazing things to buy, all in the enormous Great Hall!
