Crystal Palace Antiques & Modern

Ever since I started this project, one of the places I've longed to feature is the big antique shop on Jasper Road. Situated in a large 4 storey warehouse, it's a treasure trove, both for the antique enthusiast, and the interior photographer. Opened in its present form in 1998 by Dave Roper, it was previously an indoor market, and before that it had been home to tailors' workshops.

Each floor is split into different rooms or areas, each belonging to a different dealer. Dave runs the ground floor, and can often be found in the little office by the entrance. Every thursday he makes the arduous journey up from Dorset, to run the shop over the weekend. Then it's back down to the west country to indulge his other passion, restoring his 1950s Jag XK120. Prior to his involvement in antique furniture, he had worked as a mechanic on classic cars, so historic crafts have always been central to his career.

Dave Roper

When I pay shop a visit, which is usually weekly, I always start at the top and work down. It's worth going regularly, as the best pieces don't hang around for long. There's a great mix of Victorian and 20th century, and as well as the currently popular items you would expect to see, such as  mid-century sideboards and Danish chairs, there are always unexpected items, such as the statue (above), as well as vast Dutch wall maps, Czech circus posters, and even a 1950s fitted kitchen.

While the upper floors resemble loft interiors with light flooding the merchandise on all sides, the ground floor and basement are caverns in need of further exploration. Despite the lack of daylight, the pieces are well displayed, with assorted lamps adding to the atmosphere. I particularly like the room at the back of the ground floor, belonging to dealer, Andrew Keeble, with it's glowing 1960s shades vying for attention with coloured glass, beneath the meagre daylight spilling through pavement lights above.

Down in the basement, the back room is occupied by dealer, Ben Adams & Designs of Modernity, which has a clearly defined mid-century aesthetic.

The last room you come to has a striking backdrop of deep grey, belongs to ex-sculptor, Matt Mitchell. Matt developed an appreciation for design while studying at St Martins, and has since been involved in many artistic fields, such as gilding, and creating public art, before turning to restoring and selling antiques.

Matt Mitchell

Other dealers include, Gillian Curran, Jerome Leadlay and Nick Clapham (below).

Nick Clapham

Crystal Palace Antiques & Modern

Jasper Road

020 8480 7042

Open 7 Days a Week