London's East End has become a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. What was once a run down area famous for Jack the Ripper has turned into a treasure chest of boutiques and thriving independent stores. Taking inspiration from the edgy creativity fostered in the East End is the eclectic home store InSpitalfields.
InSpitalfields features affordable antiques, vintage inspired furnishings, and a vast range of design-worthy home accessories. InSpitalfields was started in 1995 by Fiona Hannafin, a British woman with a dream to liven up homes with a carefully curated mix of unusual and out of the ordinary pieces. Taking inspiration from the cutting edge of creativity that thrives in the East End, Hannafin and her creative team source many products and artwork from local designers. InSpitalfields is also a must stop for its wide range of stationary and fanciful gifts.
Images: Claire Bock
Store History
- Founded: 1995
- Founded by: Fiona Hannafin
- Headquarters: Old Spitalfields Market
After traveling the world, founder Fiona Hannafin wanted to bring her unique finds and treasures to the homes of the British. Hannafin and her talented creative team scour the world for unique and out of the ordinary pieces that liven up the homes and enhancing the lifestyles of their customers.
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I am hating myself for dropping the hipsterish comment that 'spitalfields was so cool before it got commercialized' but sadly it's true, about 10-15 years ago the market was absolutely amazing! Now I feel like 'quirky' has become a brand, replete with fake mustaches made in china. The london markets however are still the most diverse, creative, incredible, vibrant marketplaces I've been to in the western world.
@sans107, so true, and goes double for Portobello, which started going rapidly downhill after that wretched 'Notting Hill' movie, one of the most racially insensitive pieces of claptrap ever made.
Madame Suggia: THANK YOU. That film confused the hell out of me...Notting Hill in an alternate universe. On-topic, been to this shop, is nice -- but if you intend to go to East End markets, be aware that this is not really what they are generally like (nor should it be). I've seen some very confused tourists on Petticoat Lane.
Hey people above: what markets due you recommend going to?
that would be *do
@MOKE076 Depends what you want but you can still get an actual bargain at Deptford market, or at a car boot sale outside of the North and South Circular roads. But all vintage is overpriced in London.
As an aside, I've bought some gifts from that shop above which were very well-liked by the recipients.
I LOVE the flower market (columbia road) on a sunday morning.
The shop above does have really great products, but most of it is out of my budget unfortunately.
OMG....I would get so lost in this shop...my moolah I mean!!! So rockin cool
I really love - independent - shops and this one really is - it has such character - lovely & helpful staff, such a refreshing change - this shop embodies what Spitalfields was back in the day ... I know they are one of the originals and hope they manage to stay despite the chain stores massacre of this once so cool enclave of east london - we love INSPITALFIELDS : )
I love this store and have bought a cork map and tube shower curtain, among other things. Great stuff and displays, and I always find a treat here.