In the week that Camden market has been put up for sale we thought it would be fitting to appreciate the roots.
Childhood friends and business partners Dr. Bill Fulford and Peter Wheeler are the original market founders. In early 1972 they bought what was then a run-down timber yard belonging to T. E. Dingwalls, and transformed the site that’s now known as Camden Lock Market. From the information we also have, Back in the day Eric Reynolds ran Camden and in 1974 the actual market was open for business with a diverse community of creative sellers, street food traders and independent stores such as ours, most being next to Regents canal. Camden market is now open every day but started only on Sunday’s and has well over 1000 places to shop with many hidden gems and treasure troves. All starting with just 16 stalls selling arts and crafts, very quickly became a place to travel to being a tourist or a local, this was the place to find small boutiques with unique items to show your individuality.
Whilst I was writing this short blog our Roamers desert boot Rep came in store and took interest and proceeded to tell us that he started selling cowboy boots as a youngster within Camden market in 1975, so I thought Warren deserves a shout out as he is one of our favorite reps, and considering he was part of the Camden history it seemed right.
Camden’s biggest industry, before the market, was manufacturing and selling Gin, and in 20,21,22 it comes full circle with one of our customers and neighbors manufacturing his own Gin, also turning old public toilets into cool, funky bars for a unique place to have a cocktail or two, The Ladies and Gents cocktail bar, and sister establishment the crossroads, a true Camden gem.
Many famous musicians have walked the streets of Camden through the markets by day and performing at venues such as Dingwalls, Roundhouse, The Worlds End, the Hawly Arms, The Oxford Arms and our local The Old Eagle with the likes of the Clash, the sex pistols, and even blondie performing within the Camden circuit, but for us there is only one person we class as a true Camdenian, Amy Winehouse. She made Camden her stomping ground performing all around this lovely town. A bronze statue created by Scott Eaton within Camden market pays tribute to our fallen angel and is a nice picture for insta. Amy’s father still pops instore on a regular basis so much respect to him.
Camden markets have also seen many fashion statements over the years with young designers experimenting new looks to represent themselves as free thinking individuals such as the mods, rockers, punks and the boho styles. One of our favorite items created in Camden would of course be the Classic 237 Combat Harrington which we make in England, seen all over Camden, this is the jacket to have.
So if you’re thinking of owning a piece of history raid your piggy bank, check under the mattress get those old 50s out, you only need an eye watering 1.5billion to put a bid in for one of the most famous markets in the world as reports suggest that the investment bank Rothschild and co. are overseeing the sale. If you cant afford this then maybe just head down to Camden market for mac n cheese or taco which is in your budget, and come visit us too as Camden and the markets are the soul of London.