Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair, Bath

Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair

My plans got cancelled yesterday, basically because we were being complete wusses and didn’t want to be outside all day in the mid-teens weather. As a result I was then able to go to Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair at The Guidhall in Bath. I’ve never managed to get to one of these fairs before as they’ve always clashed with something else I have planned, so I was super excited to be able to check this one out.

Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair

The Guildhall itself is a beautiful building and the Banqueting Room where the fair was held was just stunning. Decorated with gilding, Grecian columns and Georgian plasterwork, its pale apple green walls were adorned with original Royal portraits on every panel. Three enormous 18th Century chandeliers hung from the high ceiling and I really wished I could take one of them home!

Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair

The fair was quite busy and the sale rails seemed to be very popular with items going for less than £10. But the stall that was my personal favourite was the one with all these vintage lingerie items on it. As I approached the lady to pay for my purchases I realised it was the same stall I had bought my peach 1960s babydoll peignoir from in Cheltenham. She’s rapidly becoming my favourite vintage fair stall and I’ll always look out for her in the future.

Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair

Most of the stalls sold mainly 60s and 70s clothing with only a few offering pieces from the 1950s. I didn’t see anything older than this which was a little disappointing. However, everything was very reasonably priced and good quality, which was definitely a plus point, and there was an incredible amount of choice. I think I went through every single rail, so you can imagine how long I was there!

Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair

There were also a few stalls that sold upcycled pieces such as jewellery, hair accessories and homewares. This one was a particular favourite of mine, Curlie’s Vintage, who sold lots of vintage teacups and saucers, as well as retro sweets and a few bits of vintage jewellery. However, the main bulk of her stock was a multitude of hair clips, earrings and other jewellery that had been made from scraps of ribbon, old buttons and other bits and pieces you’d normally throw away.

Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair

I loved this idea of using teacups and saucers glued together and hung on a chain to create a beautiful vintage bird feeder. It’s just so simple, but so clever!

Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair

I also thought this was a great way to display brooches. Most of the stands were really good at displaying items which always impresses me. It’s good to see people putting some thought into to it rather than just putting up a rail and trestle table and hoping for the best.

Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair

This was the stash of things I bought. An early 1960s long white nylon Kayser nightdress for £8, which is a little bit too big, but I’m just going to add a small amount of ruching to on the back waist to pull it in slightly. A handmade circle skirt for £10, which needs re-hemming and new elastic in the waistband.

Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair

I also bought a pair of red rose earrings for £1 from Curlie’s Vintage and a really cute sparkly brooch for £3.50 in the shape of bow tie which looks lovely on a cropped cardigan.

In total I only spent £22.50 and came home with four items. It cost just £2 each to get in, so the vintage fair definitely lives up to its name, Affordable! I just wish more of the stalls would source some fabulous 1940s and 50s clothes to make this fair truly great.

Cate

Just a vintage gal suffering from the Golden Age syndrome. A lover of all things old, especially the 1930s, seamstress, crocheter, maker of hats and enjoys rummaging at flea markets.

6 Comments

  1. Hi Cate,
    This is Michelle from Curlie’s Vintage. I’m delighted you liked my stall, it’s great to get customer feedback. Like you I love vintage especially 1930s-1950s. I’m quite new to selling on the vintage scene and have found that my handmade jewellery and accessories have been a real hit. I’ve got the bug now so have new designs at each fair. I agree Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fairs are fabulous. I will be selling with Judy’s again at their next events in Bath & Bristol. Just to let you know, I’ve been saving my 1940s & 1950s clothes and accessories for a couple of Dig for Victory events coming up in July & August. I think these events will be right up you street, with everybody dressed up in ww2 attire, dance lessons and vintage stalls and more. Find details at:
    http://www.digforvictoryshow.com
    http://www.blitzbuddies.com

    • Hi Michelle,
      I’m glad you’re business is going well. I was fascinated by your stall, there was just so much to choose from. I will definitely be back next time Judy’s is in Bath as it’s not too far away from me, so will, of course, come and see you. Thanks for the tip on the Dig for Victory shows! That’s one I haven’t come across before so will definitely have to check them out. I can think of a couple of other people who might be interested in those too, so will pass it on.

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