Streets ahead...
While a Kensington Church Street address has always meant good reputation and standing, the legacy that this street has left and will continue to leave for decades to come is somewhat special. For want of a better word, this street is simply special.
Antique dealers have long been the permanent fixtures and folk would come from far and wide to see what delights were on offer. With now third generation antique dealers still trading today, it is clear that the credit crunch can but try and bite – but it will take something of a miracle for this street to get gobbled up.
The stretch of road, providing an arterial route between Kensington High Street and Notting Hill Gate has always (in my opinion) been the nicest of the three – predominantly because of its picturesque architecture that leads off it at numerous intervals – not to mention its history. And when I say history, I mean delving right back to the Domesday Book, where it was reported that in 1086 one Aubrey de Vere I held the tenancy of Kensington until 1095. Upon his deathbed, he bequeathed the land and church there to Abingdon Abbey. His son Geoffrey de Vere along with his brothers became the Earls of Oxford and their estate in Kensington became known as Earls Court. The Abingdon lands were renamed Abbots Kensington and the church, St Mary Abbots. To see St Mary Abbots still standing to this day and generating a much-loved source of community to local people is a sight to behold.
Jump several decades into the future and the influx of fashion in the 1960s following the 1920s epiphany of the antique dealers put the street really on the map. Biba was swinging London and people flocked from miles around to buy the latest trends from the design talents of Barbara Hulanicki. Girls would join queues, not knowing what they were queuing for and while inside, re-do their makeup at the various counters and mirrors made available to them. Biba paved the way for other independent fashion retailers to make their mark here and even today, despite the strength and will power of the chainstores, located but a few moments away on the high street, they still set up and continue to trade.
Robin Silverman is the chairman of the Antique Dealers Association and every year in June, an open evening is held for the local community to come out and enjoy the street outside of normal trading hours. “Kensington Church Street is a success story”, says Robin. “Small businesses know how to think outside the box. People who have money to invest but are afraid of the banks, invest in fine art or antiques – it is a much safer bet!”
This important annual event is attended by the Mayor of the Royal Borough. “All the participating shops open their doors and serve wine and canapés, the whole street is filled with balloons and there will be treasure hunts and a raffle and a traditional jazz band. There are more BADA members in this street and this association than anywhere else in the country.” Robin is proud of his third generation heritage and is also proud to say his son is to be the fourth.
So next time, if you have just had lunch at Clarke’s or bought an item of clothing from Arrogant Cat, remember the heritage you are contributing to, the history books that you are helping to write. In the midst of all this economical madness, something special can still happen and linger on for generations to come.
From 8-20 June, 24 new artists will be exhibiting their silversmithing work at Robin Silverman’s shop in line with British Silver Week sponsored by Goldsmiths Hall.
B Silverman Antiques, 4 Campden Street, W8 7EP, 020 7985 0555