Founded by Rodney Bolwell in the 1970s, the Saturday morning market was a honeypot for collectors of stamps, coins and postcards.
Bolwell has now retired and handed the running of the market over to his daughter Bridget Pettecrew, who wants to inject new life into the venture, kicking off with a ‘Be a Dealer for a Day’ initiative.
She says: “Back in the 1970s and ’80s, there were up to 120 stalls at the market selling stamps, coins, militaria, postcards and other specialist collectables. The site was compulsorily purchased and redeveloped in the late 1980s to accommodate the current office complex. Westminster City Council granted planning with the proviso that a Saturday market was allowed to continue on the site.”
Bridget Pettecrew, who is now running the Charing Cross Collectors’ Market.
Pettecrew, who works in insurance brokerage, added: “I am very excited to be taking on the challenge of not only invigorating the existing market which is predominantly coin, stamp and postcard dealers but broadening the scope by enticing many more to speciality collectables.
“My Dealer for a Day initiative throughout the markets in August is aimed at 16 to 20-year-olds. I will offer a 6ft (1.8m) table at a nominal rent of £5 per day and the youngsters can get a taste of swapping, selling or buying. There will be plenty of advice on hand from stallholders on value, condition and what it is like to be a dealer.”
For more information email: bridget@charingcrossmarket.com
