Antique maps and prints specialist dealer Clare Wabe.
1 How did you get your start?
About 10 years ago I found a pack of 1950s pin-up playing cards by Hungarian artist Romikartya. They reignited a passion for old paper with a modern twist: they became great wall art individually. We (my husband Paul and I work together) began to gather bits and pieces – back then on a very small budget – and started doing local events in Dorset.
Our first big break in London was with Maxine and Eliot of Pop Up Vintage at Old Spitalfields Market every third Saturday. We started to get noticed by other event organisers.
2 What events do you have coming up?
We are quite full on! Paul is to be found at Old Spitalfields Antiques and Vintage Market every Thursday, and together we do most of Hackney Flea Market and So Last Century’s London events coming up in January and February (and throughout the year), and later in the year we hope to be at Arthur Swallow’s events again and other large shows around the country.
3 What is one great discovery you have made?
There are two so far – can I be cheeky and mention them both?
First, at a charity shop in Dorset, an envelope of five old London Transport maps, one of them before it became the unified London Underground and was The Electric Railways, plus the first trifold pocket Underground map, which was beautiful and super tiny. Second, a whole set of The Beauty of the Heavens Astronomy panels from 1840. They are very rare and are going up in price all the time.
The first trifold pocket Underground map uncovered by Molly and Harlequin.
4 What is something you would love to get your hands on?
A whole set of original Charles Booth poverty maps of London. A girl can dream!
5 Real ale or espresso martini?
Neither – can I have a glass of fizz please? Paul would have a real ale though, and probably the espresso martini too.
If you would like to be featured in 5 Questions, please contact francesallitt@antiquestradegazette.com
