I was investigating the De Beauvoir area of Islington, North London, when I came across a doorway saying The Millinery Works. I was intrigued so I ventured inside to find a hallway leading to a room packed with arts and crafts furniture along with decorative objects, lights, paintings and more. There was also a big space with a pitched glass roof towards the back, which showcases various exhibitions, including contemporary works. The Millinery Works Ltd comprises The Antique Trader and The Millinery Works Gallery. Do make sure you visit if you are searching for antique shops North London and the best antique shops in London.
Shop Interior
The Millinery’s name comes from the historical use of the building. The terraced houses were built around 1860. As people started relocating to the suburbs, the properties were taken over by businesses. Around the turn of the century, a company called Snare & Co used 85-87 Southgate Road as a hat factory which they extended into the back gardens and stables. When you enter the premises today, you will see photographs showing the factory workers in the entrance hall.
My Favourite Five Pieces From the Millinery Works
To give you an idea of the available furniture and objects, I took pictures of five of my favourite pieces to share. I fell in love with this Mahogany Sideboard with Bombay rosewood veneered doors cut to reveal white birch double helix decoration. The cupboards have interior shelves, and it also features a cutlery drawer, so are ideal for the dining room. It was designed by David Booth and made by Gordon Russell Ltd. The sideboard design was shown at the Homes and Garden building of the Festival of Britain in 1951. The measurements are 84cm high, 122cm wide and 46cm deep – £1450.
Mahogany Sideboard
This Oak Cotswold Circular Two Tier Occasional Table has been attributed to Romney Green and is circa 1920. It has a moulded edge to the underside of the tabletop, chip carving to the legs and the cruciform sledge feet. The measurements are 61cm high and 69cm in diameter – £2250.
Circular Two Tier Occasional Table
You can find a wide variety of chairs on show from the Arts and Crafts movement. This particular piece is an elegant Cotswold English Walnut High-Back Armchair. It features curved arm supports and stands proudly upon octagonal legs. The seat is covered in brown suede. It was designed by Ernest Gimson and made by Theo Dalrymple. It is stamped and labelled as ‘Chairman’s Chair’, which is quite apt. It is circa 1930 and measures 127cm high, 61cm wide, and 48cm in depth – £5500.
High Back Walnut Armchair
If you don’t have room for any more furniture, perhaps this clock might be of interest. This is an Arts and Crafts Oak Mantel Clock. It has an inlaid heart motif and movement by Oetzmann & Co, which is circa 1905. The height was 26cm, and the width 16.5cm. I didn’t see a price.
Oak Mantel Clock
To give you an idea of some of the newer pieces available to buy, this fantastic sculpture is part of the Summer Show, an exhibition in the hall. This sculpture is by local artist Sophie Dickens, a contemporary figurative and abstract sculptor. This particular piece is called Flickflack and is part of a set of six statues in bronze – £2000.
Flipflack Bronze Sculpture
The Millinery Works Shop and Stock
Don’t be fooled by the outside when you arrive. Sandwiched in between residential premises, you’ll find a doorway and signage. If the door isn’t opened, you can press the bell. Enter through a hallway, and you find yourself in a charming room filled with amazing Arts and Crafts furniture. Make sure you have a good look around and visit the ample exhibition space with the glass roof, which is quite something.
Exhibition Space
This shop does not sell reproductions, so everything is a valuable antique (unless it is something from one of the contemporary exhibitions). The Arts and Crafts furniture includes sideboards, dining tables, dining chairs, occasional tables, desks, writing tables, wardrobes, chests of drawers, bed frames, screens and more. They also sell vases, fireplace items like fire screens, lights, candlesticks, mirrors, paintings, rugs, fabric and art.
Shop Interior
They specialise in the Arts and Crafts movement from 1840 to 1940, from Gothic Reform to The Cotswold School. The focus was on the honesty of construction, truth to materials, beauty in design and functionalism. There is so much on display that it will take some time to look thoroughly. If you are keen on this type of furniture but can’t find what you are looking for, do let them the staff know because they might be able to track it down for you.
The Millinery Works Shop Information
Shop Exterior
The Shop is located at 87 Southgate Road, Islington N2 3JS. It is in between three transport stations Essex Road (Thameslink Railway), Haggerston (Overground) and Dalston Junction (Overground). Opening times are Tuesday until Saturday from 11 am until 6 pm and on Sunday from 12 noon until 5 pm. You can see a selection of furniture and additional items on the Millinery Works Website. This is an exciting part of London to explore called De Beauvoir. If you want a bite to eat, visit The De Beauvoir Deli, which is very good. You are also close to Regents Canal, which is perfect for a stroll. Happy shop snoop, my lovelies! Read my De Beauvoir Area Guide for more information.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Thanks: Danielle Benson, the lovely gentleman who showed me around and Homeboy for accompanying me.
