The Expert's Guide to Flea Markets

I have a few favourite markets which I never miss, and the good news is they're open to the public. The first is Martina Franca’s Annual Antiques fair which is held in August every year. This annual antiques fair is not to be missed if you’re wanting great mid-century Italian design and also a foray of antique Italian ceramics. It takes place in the third week of August around the Piazza Marconi and inside the atrium of the Istituto Comprensivo G. Marconi. It runs for around 10 days and the prices are way below what we normally pay at trade fairs. The secondly is a brilliant market in France. If you’re wanting an atmospheric market with great stock we head to the annual event held in June in the north called Maroilles. Not only do you get to stuff your bellies with the most delicious street food, but you also get to enjoy a great selection of pieces at great prices. I’ve scored some fabulous art, lighting and furniture here.

Cash, large tote, bumbag for money, a trolley for smalls, notebook and pen, phone and a torch. In the winter I’ll make sure I have a warm coat, always trainers for whizzing round, a sheepskin hat from Cawley studios, and cashmere fingerless gloves. There is nothing worse than being freezing at the early morning fairs.

My pals laugh at how quickly I move around the fairs. I'm not a slow wanderer, and so if something doesn't instantly grab my attention I move on. I’m drawn to colour, oversized pieces, and furniture with interesting proportions, so it might be a huge antique mirror, or a piece of artwork where the colours reach out to me.  I’m always looking for key design pieces and keep a notebook on items I would love to find. I also have favourite designers and manufacturers so pieces I will always seek out such as Albini, Bonacina, Scarpa, Castiglioni, Sottsass and so on.

I keep it simple; “best price please” and a mega smile!

We have our own Folie Van, but for the main fairs I use shipping companies.

I would send them to Newark Runway. It’s less hectic than the southern fairs, you can take your time and you can find some decent items.

I’d have to ask my mum! As we were willingly dragged around so many as a child! As an adult the first proper organised market was probably Newark.

A Stilnovo Tricolour Floor lamp. I begged (hounded!!) the dealer at monthly intervals for a solid year. He eventually cracked and I could afford to buy it. He clearly got sick of me!

A huge 3 metre walnut-framed sectional mirror. A Frenchman’s hand touched it first! I still think about it most days.

Repro! In the last few years there have been quite a few cheap repro burr wooden bedsides. The guy selling them spins a great yarn about them being 1930s and found in a hotel in Nice! They’re not! They make me shiver.