Andrews of Arcadia Scrapbook

Fenland Pike

2012-02-27T09:16:00.000Z

Back in the district known as London North after a most convivial long weekend of pike fishing and imbibing along Fenland roads and ditches with the artists Bible John and Mr. Charles Rangeley-Wilson.

The Caught by the River Variety Show

2012-02-26T08:00:00.001Z

This is an Arcadian Public Service Announcement to let you know that I shall be drinking ale and tea, as well as talking and reading from a chair on the stage in The Purcell Rooms on the South Bank on the evening of Friday May 25th as part of The Caught by the River Variety Show. You can read more about this riot of an evening which is being held to celebrate five years of Caught by the River and buy tickets using money ironed by your or anyone else's butler, we're not that fussy, by clicking here. Thank-you.

Norfolk and the Isle of Ely

2012-02-25T05:45:00.001Z

I am lost in the district of Arcadia known as Norfolk and the Isle of Ely in search of giant pike with the artists Bible John and Mr. Charles Rangeley-Wilson.

Spitalfields

2012-02-24T08:15:00.000Z

A spring day from nowhere at Spitalfields yesterday and with it an intriguing piece of lost treasure, a plaque of over one hundred years in age from a carved fish, a 6lbs Trout from Lochan Bannoch in Scotland, not far from the Spittal of Glenmuick. It is not known what happened to either the carved trout nor the 10ft trout rod on which it was caught by 'C.R.'

Tony Hugill's New Dog Shop

2012-02-23T05:30:00.000Z

Once upon a time in Arcadia, and especially on unseasonably mild Thursdays in the month known as February, ladies and gentlemen would step out in search of new dogs and fishing tackle. A leading dealer in these two essentials of a good life was Mr. Tony Hugill who ran a shop selling both in the northern town of Sale under the banner 'We'll Tackle Anybody'.

Today, an unseasonably mild Thursday in the month known as February in the year of Arcadia 2012, the essentials of a good life remain new dogs and fishing tackle. I deal in the latter and welcome dogs new and old to my stall at Spitalfields Antiques Market on a Thursday.

Record 700

2012-02-22T12:46:00.000Z

Found at Spitalfields last Thursday, a Record 700, made in Switzerland and dating to the decade known as the Sixties.

A Week in Arcadia

2012-02-21T11:09:00.000Z

I am currently losing myself in writing a commission for Mr. Mathew Clayton who is guest editor of the next issue of the Caught by the River fanzine 'An Antidote to Indifference' and has asked me to write a diary piece on a week in Arcadia. Once upon a time in Arcadia every angler would keep a diary and many were anonymous. I have always wanted to know the identity of the gentleman who caught a Roach of 1lb 11oz from Stoke Newington Reservoir on the last day of the season in the year 1936. I shall never know his name, only that the weather was very bright and that he caught his remarkable fish in a keen easterly wind.

Embarkation

2012-02-20T05:45:00.001Z

In kitchens across Arcadia, terriers are being kissed, berets and bobble hats are being blessed, pots of tea are being drunk trawlerman style and to the sound of Elgar on the radiogram, anglers everywhere are preparing to embark upon the final weeks of the coarse fishing season.

Relics

2012-02-19T10:15:00.000Z

Found in the same carrier bag at Spitalfields on Thursday a pair of Milwards Wooden Devon Minnows dating to the period in Arcadia known as the Post War Years, hermetically sealed in their celluloid packets, unused and ready for the reliquary.

Spitalfields

2012-02-18T08:00:00.003Z

Found at Spitalfields on Thursday amongst a carrier bag of floats a number of slotted pike bungs, some of them sporting the livery of Pegley-Davies.

Models Walking Up and Down in Arcadia

2012-02-17T12:42:00.002Z

An early start in Arcadia and for once not at the beckoning of a faraway auction house or a Car Boot Sale for the Soul, but an early morning excursion to the opening of London Fashion Week where at the invitation of Art School Heroes Antoni & Alison , the Empress and I watched Models Walking Up and Down. The show was a riot of biscuits, tweed, brown paper and a reminder of the truth & beauty often shown in old fishing tackle catalogues.

Tingle of Gleadless Road

2012-02-16T05:30:00.004Z

Once upon a time in Arcadia, and usually on a Thursday during Fashion Week, ladies and gentlemen looking for a combination of fishing tackle and fancy goods would take the trolley bus No. 34 or No. 35 to G. Tingle whose premises were on the Gleadless Road in the town of Sheffield and where maggots were sold by the pint and served solid.

Ladies and gentlemen at a loss during Fashion Week today and wishing to find a similar combination of Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul including some choice fancy goods at lowest prices may take whichever route they choose to Sheffield and look for Tingles, but are reminded that they can also find such items on my stall at Spitalfields Antiques Market in the district of London known as E1, and which is open from a half past seven until three o'clock sharp on Thursdays only.

Dragnut

2012-02-15T12:57:00.000Z

Found at Kempton on a previous Tuesday, a fine example of a Strikeright Tideflo Centrepin Reel, measuring 4 1/8th of an inch and featuring the unusual Four-in-One S.R. Dragnut. In its original box and complete with paperwork the reel is for sale with immediate effect to sea anglers of distinction in the Just in, Sir corner of my website.

The Feast of St. Valentine in Arcadia

2012-02-14T11:08:00.000Z

In Arcadia, as in some other districts, today is the Feast of St. Valentine, a celebration of love and union, as witnessed in these photographs of a salmon fishing holiday in the sun, taken in the year 1935 and sold to me by reputable dealer in photographs. For the record the scales at the Glenalovan Hotel weighed the fish in at 9lb 4ozs.

Via Subtopia

2012-02-13T05:45:00.001Z

Up early and off with the Empress in the van via Subtopia to look at a collection of Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul that belonged to a gentleman.

Country Life

2012-02-12T12:25:00.000Z

Once upon a time in the Indian Summer known locally as autumn, I had the pleasure of a day on the River Thames at Sunbury with Mr. David Profumo, Mr. Luke Jennings and his son, Rafe. You can read about our day in Mr. Profumo's splendid column 'Reel Life' on Page 68 of the February 8th edition Country Life Magazine. It begins, 'As they passed Sunbury church, the clock struck seven', wrote Dickens of the housebreaking expedition on which Bill Sikes takes Oliver Twist, adding: 'There was a dull sound of falling water not far off.' As I stood outside the Edwardian boathouse of Geo. Wilson & Sons opposite St. Mary's at 8am on a late-autumn morning, I could hear that faint noise from the weir upstream'.

Snowbound

2012-02-11T10:50:00.000Z

For all those snowbound in Arcadia the brilliant 1963 Geoffrey Jones short film entitled Snow about how to get to remote Car Boot Sales in inclement weather, broadcast on Caught by the River on the day it first snowed last winter.

Spitalfields

2012-02-10T10:38:00.000Z

Another cold day on the stall at Spitalfields yesterday warmed by the visits of many heroes and heroines of Arcadia including the artist and lady Lucy Pope who brought provisions from her kitchen and some splendid prints of careworn salmon flies from the stall, made once upon a time with supplies from a feather dealer on the Clapton Road.

Messeena of Clapton

2012-02-09T05:45:00.001Z

Once upon a time in Arcadia, and most frequently upon a Thursday, when the mercury froze and the curtain lining stuck to the window, ladies and gentlemen's minds might turn to an evening of fly tying in front of a roaring fire. Prior to this they would have sent a stamp addressed return envelope to Messeena's of Leamington Spa who sold 'Everything for the Amateur Fly Tyer'. Messeena's of the Spa were related to an outlet in the district of London known as Clapton where in February of 1923 Mr. Saul Solomons, a 'feather merchant', changed his name by deed poll to Saul Solomon Messeena.

Should you wish to change your name by deed poll I suggest that you visit me at my stall on Spitalfields Antiques Market where I am to be found every Thursday selling Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul and where I can give you a roll call of choices, most of which will be names of lost fishing tackle dealers and brands including Messeena. To this effect you are reminded that Sportex and Speedbarb are already taken.

K. Dowling & Sons, Wembley

2012-02-08T11:23:00.000Z

Found in the shadows at the beginning of our Arcadian winter, treasure from the district of London North West known as Wembley, in the form of a K Dowling & Sons 4 Inch Centre Pin Match Reel. Now residing in the 'Just in, Sir' room of my website where it is for immediate sale to a person of immaculate taste and distinction.

Telephone Bow 2846

2012-02-07T08:40:00.000Z

Found inside the quantity of rod bags from Spitalfields last Thursday a number of rods whose original gold transfers had been preserved. Should you wish to place an order at Palgood's of Wood Green you may telephone them on Bow 2846.

Chapman, Sealey, Walker

2012-02-06T05:45:00.005Z

Bought at Spitalfields last Thursday before first light, a roll call of rods, some of which were still in their original bags, complete with labels.

Telegram to Zanderland

2012-02-05T09:52:00.000Z

In reply to last Sunday's Telegram from Zanderland sent by the artist Mr. John Richardson, one from the lower slopes of Arcadia where the Empress and I went out for a pint of milk and were some time, due to the proximity of The Southampton Arms Public House and other diversions.

Lost Luggage

2012-02-04T14:49:00.000Z

Found at auction yesterday a number of pine rod boxes used to transport rods by railway van to the salmon rivers of the north and west in the lost years of the early 20th Century.

Beyond the Outskirts of Pandemonium

2012-02-03T05:45:00.001Z

Up early and off in the van along the sodium lit road known as Dejection Crescent past houses with their curtains still drawn, to the regions Beyond the Outskirts of Pandemonium where we shall spend the morning at an auction upon a hill buying Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul.

Wills of Lewes

2012-02-02T05:45:00.002Z

Once upon a time in Arcadia and most notably on a Thursday, ladies and gentlemen in the market town of Lewes in East Sussex would walk down Malling Street and call in at Wills' Fishing Tackle which had started life in the 19th Century as a butcher's shop. There, they would talk about the roach that had been caught in the River Ouse upstream of Harveys Brewery and hear rumours of giant sea trout.

Today, should you find yourself in Lewes I can recommend a trip to Malling Street in memory of W. R. Wills after which you should drink to his fishing tackle at the splendid public house The Gardeners Arms that stands almost opposite Harveys Brewery. There, I suggest you take several half pints before walking up the hill to look down on The Dripping Pan, home of Lewes Football Club. However, I do suggest that you take this exercise upon a Saturday and on a Thursday visit me at my stall at Spitalfields Antiques Market in the district of London E1 where I sell Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul and can give you directions from the stall to the home of Harveys Brewery in London, The Royal Oak.

Jardine Snap Tackle

2012-02-01T09:58:00.000Z

Found just before closing time in a tackle shop on the outskirts of Pandemonium in the year 1965 by a Mr. James, a box containing a quantity of Jardine Pike Hooks in the Size 4 by Lee of Redditch. A number of the hooks were believed to have been taken out of the box and used to make up a Jardine Snap Tackle that lay tethered in the frozen margins of February of that year.

Kempton

2012-01-31T13:08:00.000Z

A cold and half empty Kempton this morning yielded treasure including a fine linewinder complete with quill and celluloid floats and a pair of old driving mitts made from sheepskin and leather.

Gazetted

2012-01-30T05:45:00.001Z

Found on the margins of Arcadia in the region known on the Lost Shipping Forecast as Zanderland a Slotted Allcocks Fishing Gazette Float in the livery black and white. This float would have been taken under during its working life on occasion by pike unimaginable in size.

Telegram from Zanderland

2012-01-29T09:45:00.001Z

Awoke in Arcadia to a shroud of frozen fog and a telegram delivered overnight from Zanderland and my good friend and collaborator the artist Mr. John Richardson which you can read at Caught by the River.

The Song of the Nightingale

2012-01-27T09:53:00.000Z

Stuck in the Efgeeco Isolation Ward with an Arcadian Brand of Influenza I found myself eating fried bread and listening to a repeat of last Sunday's BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs with the writer Mr. Vikram Seth. You too, can listen by clicking here, and be moved by the sound of Nightingales singing as Lancaster Bombers fly overhead in the month of May 1942.

The Caught by the River Social Club: Last Night

2012-01-25T13:05:00.001Z

Across Arcadia this lunchtime glasses are filled by barmaids who call you dear not duckie and are raised in thanks to everyone who came to The Caught by the River Social Club and created a joyous evening in the company of Mr. Will Burns, Mr. Robin Turner, Mr. Charles-Rangeley-Wilson, myself and the only band known to have a residency at Orwell's mythical Moon Under Water, the Golden Country's very own Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou.

The Caught by the River Social Club: Tonight

2012-01-24T08:36:00.000Z

For all those in search of the Moon Under Water you are advised that it will rise in the taproom of The Stag Public House this evening shortly after 7pm for The Caught by the River Social Club where the mighty Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou will headline supported with spoken word by Robin Turner, Will Burns, Charles Rangeley-Wilson and myself. Your glass is on the bar.

Army and Navy

2012-01-23T09:58:00.000Z

Found whilst on a sortie off the road A1 by the ever vigilant Empress, quartermistress to the stars, a Gloverall Duffle Coat, aka the Convoy Coat or the Monty, standard issue during winters in Arcadia and now being sported indoors as well as out.

Farlow's Tackle 93rd Edition

2012-01-22T12:13:00.000Z

Found in the side passage of a bookshop off the road A1 in the north of Arcadia a distressed copy of Farlow's Tackle 93rd Edition dating to the years before Pandemonium was widespread.

Andrews of Arcadia meets Mr. Natty Uptown

2012-01-21T08:00:00.018Z

Early on this Saturday evening I shall be getting spruced up for The Caught by the River Social Club in the splendid company of Mr. Natty , master barber, fire-eater, scissor bearer to Royalty and the man I trust to execute the Regulation Post-War Angling Club Haircut to the highest standard.

Spitalfields

2012-01-20T11:58:00.000Z

A day of sunshine and rain at Spitalfields yesterday as a brisk westerly blew threw the market bringing with it bounty from an auction on the outskirts of Pandemonium, an Allcocks Counter Display Fly Box from the year of Arcadia 1938.

E. Gerrard & Sons

2012-01-19T05:45:00.005Z

Once upon a time in Arcadia, and especially on a Thursday, if you were a lady or a gentleman who had caught a 'whopper' you may well have put it in the back of a cab or on an overnight express train with instructions for it to be sent to E. Gerrard & Sons who plied their trade as taxidermists and naturalists at 61 College Place in the district of London NW1. Their work in setting up specimens was so famous that it 'was to be found in most museums'.

Gerrards are sadly no more having closed their doors a few decades ago but every Thursday I run my stall at Spitalfields Antiques Market in their memory and in that of others, where you may find the occasional piece of taxidermy and other items of Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul that will absolutely not be found in most museums as I will sell them to you first for pound notes ironed by your butler or domestic help. Thank-you.

The Moon Under Water

2012-01-18T10:56:00.001Z

When not searching for Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul I have been known to get lost looking for The Moon Under Water, which as those of you who read the Evening Standard newspaper in the year 1946 will be aware was George Orwell's vision of the perfect public house. All those with a thirst are invited to join me in looking for The Moon Under Water next Tuesday evening at The Caught by the River Social Club in the company of Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou, Will Burns, Charles Rangeley-Wilson and Robin Turner who will be reading aloud from his acclaimed book 'Looking for the Moon Under Water - The Search for the Perfect Pub'. The publication of this book sparked a debate that has raged throughout many a public house afternoon and beyond. You can read some people's ideal of their perfect pub here in a piece that was printed to herald Mr. Turner's book in The Guardian newspaper late in the year 2011.

Frensham Then and Now

2012-01-17T05:45:00.001Z

Chanced upon in the rare books section of a Highgate Charity Bookshop a 2nd edition copy of 'Frensham - Then and Now' (1948) by Mr. Harry J. Baker in collaboration with Mr. H.C. Minchin. A book that I had only previously seen in the County Archives in Woking and which contains Lehman's 1932 Map Plan and Section of Frensham Great Pond including the footprint of the legendary 'Ancient Pond'.

5/8ths of an Ounce

2012-01-16T09:56:00.000Z

Found in the pocket of my British Warm, a pair of Tournament Casting Plugs, formerly the property of a Casting Champion and previously thought lost.

Harcork Reprise

2012-01-15T12:23:00.000Z

Found at Spitalfields on Thursday a pair of Harcork Floats waiting to go under in the not so distant future.

Specialists in Celluloid

2012-01-14T05:45:00.001Z

Found at Spitalfields on Thursday amongst a tin of old lures bought from a fellow dealer, another fine example of the work of Mr. Percy Wadham and his Dreadnought Casting Reel Company in the form of a bewhiskered and leather-tailed Nature Bait made of Celluloid. The Dreadnought Casting Reel Company were 'Specialists in Celluloid' and won over 21 Medals for their work in the period known as the early 20th Century.

Spitalfields

2012-01-13T10:43:00.002Z

A mild January day at Spitalfields yesterday and the first proper market of the year, washed down with hot tea amongst good company including the pleasure of a visit from an old comrade and captor of a 26lb pike, Mr Andy Saunders. A day also to celebrate everything that the market is and the stall has become, with a loud hailer of a piece on Mr. Paul Trynka's website 'Market People' where you can read about how I woke up one day and found myself as a dealer, alongside pieces on Mick Jenrick - Eel Evangelist and my good friend and mucker from the market Mr. Steve Sorrell - Distressed Seller.

Peeks of Holborn

2012-01-12T05:00:00.001Z

Once upon a time in Arcadia, and especially on a Thursday, ladies and gentlemen venturing out on a January morning and finding Gamages rather busy would have proceeded along Holborn to Peeks who were situated in nearby Grays Inn Road. There, they would have had a large variety of fishing tackle to look at including some rather splendid reels.

Although Grays Inn Road still exists and ladies and gentlemen are known to walk down it every day of the week, Peeks is no more, so if it is Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul that you are after you are advised to strike out a little further and visit me at my stall in Spitalfields Antiques Market where the door to another world is open on Thursdays only between the hours of a half past seven and three o'clock. Thank-you.

In the Cellar under the House of Efgeeco

2012-01-11T05:45:00.011Z

Yesterday, I found myself on the telephone once again to Mr. Harry Notley who had remembered more about the Efgeeco Works in Balham Hill where he worked in the decade known as the 1960's. 'There was a caravan in the yard, where they kept all the lures and the spinners and underneath the main house a cellar where the bait boxes were stored, there were hundreds of 'em.'

(Watercolour painted at The Social Market by the artist Pete Fowler)

Percy Wadham's Nature Baits

2012-01-10T13:08:00.000Z

Found recently a small shoal of Percy Wadham's Nature Baits hailing from the place known as The Isle of Wight.

Lost Inside the Efgeeco Factory

2012-01-09T05:45:00.004Z

On Saturday evening I found myself on the telephone to a Mr. Harry Notley who worked at Efgeeco between 1962 and 1964 and later fished for Arding and Hobbs with John Richardson. During our conversation Harry walked me through the old Efgeeco Works on Balham Hill, 'the first room was full of women making the old dog beds, maybe ten or twelve of them, in the next were the engineers who numbered about 15 or 20 and in the last room the packers, up to 4 people working flat out. Fred and John Goddard worked in the main house along with Fred J. Taylor. I always wanted to ask him to take me fishing. He was my hero, but I was too shy to ask. Bert was the foreman, always dressed in grey overalls and a green beret. He was an absolute gent.'

Early Efgeeco Baitdropper

2012-01-08T12:07:00.001Z

A rival to the Thamesley and found at Kempton before Christmas, an early Efgeeco Baitdropper.

The Baitdropper

2012-01-07T10:53:00.000Z

Found amongst a collection of fishing tackle that I bought from a gentleman on Wednesday last, a large Thamesley Baitdropper, designed to deliver an eighth of a pint to the bed of the Thames in a heavy flow.

Spitalfields

2012-01-06T09:55:00.000Z

A quiet but convivial day at a cold and empty Spitalfields as the market opened for the beginning of a New Year and many an angler's resolution was made. Brightened up by the purchase from another stallholder of a small tin.

A.W. Gamage - The Sports House of the World

2012-01-05T05:45:00.002Z

Once upon a time in Arcadia and most notably on a Thursday, ladies and gentlemen suffering from cabin fever and post Christmas restlessness would find themselves walking along Holborn in the district of E.C.1 to the department store known to the world as 'Gamages'. There, in the fishing tackle department they would be able to make their first cast of the year in the rod demonstration area and begin to plan the months ahead in earnest.

Today, if you walk down Holborn, and not just on a Thursday, you will be disappointed for Gamages was knocked down in the decade known as the 1970's and you will struggle to find a department store with a rod demonstration area in any district let alone E.C.1. However, on Thursdays, including today, you may visit me at my stall in Spitalfields Antiques Market, just down the road in E1, where there is plenty of room to demonstrate rods and other items of Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul. The months ahead may also be planned over a cup of famed market tea.

Antidote Alive! at The Stag

2012-01-04T15:55:00.002Z

For all those of you who read the Caught by the River Fanzine 'An Antidote to Indifference' notice is given that on the evening of Tuesday 24th January The Caught by the River Social Club presents 'Antidote Alive!', a night of words, song and occasional drinking in The Stag Public House on Fleet Road in Hampstead.

Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou are headlining playing old favourites from their first 2 LP's as well as new songs. In support of them will be Robin Turner reading from his acclaimed book 'Looking for the Moon Under Water (The Search for the Perfect Pub)', Charles Rangeley-Wilson reading from his forthcoming book 'Silt Road', the poet Will Burns and myself. Antidote 2 will be celebrated and especially W.G. Sebald, Edward Thomas, George Orwell and in particular the Public House. The evening is sponsored by Sambrooks Brewery so in addition to the well stocked cellar at The Stag you may expect a barrel of something good for your soul to be sitting on the bar upstairs. Tickets are only £5 if you buy them in advance by going to this link at Caught by the River and following the instructions. We all look forward to your good company.

Liver Fed Maggots

2012-01-03T10:16:00.000Z

For all those of you who are feeling liverish after a few too many Light Ales over the Christmas and New Year Period, donations are currently being accepted on confidential terms at certain addresses in Arcadia.

With Rod & Line In and Around Gloucestershire

2012-01-02T05:45:00.005Z

Off in the van with Rod and Line to find a butcher's shop selling good black pudding for sandwiches and perhaps afterwards some fishing in and around the county known as Gloucestershire.

New Year's Day on the Thames

2012-01-01T01:01:00.004Z

In Arcadia as in some other districts it is now the year 2012. Today, as in other years, such as the one known as 1956, it is customary to go fishing.

Dancing to Records

2011-12-31T20:00:00.001Z

In Arcadia as in other districts it is the day known as New Year's Eve where, after a few light ales, and between the hours of 8pm and 1am there will be an outbreak of Dancing to Records.

A Day on the Kennet

2011-12-29T09:56:00.002Z

Yesterday I found myself in the splendid company of my oldest fishing companions Mr. Graham Haworth and Mr. Steve Roberts at Speen Moors on the River Kennet. In a strengthening North-Westerly we caught gudgeon, perch, pike and trout and watched the moon creep over the trees before retiring to drink Mr. Maggs' ale at the nearby Rising Sun Public House.

Looking for Tackle

2011-12-27T12:46:00.001Z

A day to spend looking through old boxes for the right pieces of kit in preparation for a day's fishing on the River Kennet with Mr. Graham Haworth and Mr. Steve Roberts.

Redcar Beach Boxing Day Match

2011-12-26T10:56:00.002Z

Once Upon a Time in Arcadia and most notably on Redcar Beach in the region known as the North-East anglers gathered on the foreshore to fish for cod in a Boxing Day Match. In the photograph a young John Richardson can be spotted wondering what the score is at Ayresome Park and whether they'll be any chips left at The Golden Grid.

An Efgeeco Christmas

2011-12-25T10:06:00.000Z

Across Arcadia, canvas stockings and old keepnets are being emptied with much excitement as the kettle is boiled for another pot of tea and presents put under the tree in the year known as 1962 are opened.

Shadows and Reflections

2011-12-24T09:20:00.002Z

Today in Arcadia as in other areas it is Christmas Eve and for all those of you finding yourselves at a loose end or in need of something to read over a pot of tea my Shadows and Reflections of the Year known as 2011 have been posted at Caught by the River.

A Ghost Carp for Christmas

2011-12-23T12:02:00.001Z

Advent in Arcadia draws to a close with a mounted Skeleton of a Carp by T. Gerrard & Company of Angmering and London. To be found in the room known as 'Just in, Sir'.

Angler's World

2011-12-22T05:00:00.000Z

Once Upon a Time in Arcadia, and notably on a Thursday in the year known as 1964, ladies and gentlemen in Arcadia would hurry to their nearest tobacconist or newsagent to collect their Christmas issue of Angler's World Magazine. There, on pages 37-40 they would find their 'Christmas Shopping Guide'.

Unfortunately, in the year 2011 there is no Angler's World Magazine and those ladies and gentlemen in need of guidance whilst performing their Christmas shopping are advised that they may visit me today, Thursday 22nd December, at my stall in Spitalfields Antiques Market where between the hours of a half past seven and approximately three o'clock I shall be selling small items of Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul and for the Stocking.

Harcork Barrel Floats

2011-12-21T09:55:00.000Z

To be found proceeding downstream or in an anti clockwise direction round a backwater millpool in Arcadia with a live minnow suspended beneath a quantity of Harcork Barrel Floats in the orange livery. Can be viewed at 'Old Friends'.

Harcork Sunrise

2011-12-20T11:03:00.000Z

Advent continues with a gang of perch floats resplendent in a Harcork sunrise over Arcadia. It can be seen in the 'Old Friends' room of my website www.andrewsofarcadia.com.

Harcork in Arcadia

2011-12-19T11:02:00.001Z

Once Upon a Time in Arcadia and especially during the period known as Advent these Large Harcork Floats may have gone under. They can now be found in the 'Old Friends' room on my website.

Vessel of Souls

2011-12-18T13:00:00.002Z

In kitchens across Arcadia, both field and home, tin mugs of Victory Gin and Stewed Tea are raised in thanks to all the Intrepids who came and knocked on the door of 5 Little Portland Street, London W1, yesterday and over the last three Saturdays to visit myself and the Empress of Arcadia at The Social Christmas Market. We enjoyed your gracious company immensely. Flags are raised to our hosts at The Social and especially Mr. Carl Gosling, Dre and the crew behind the bar who worked tirelessly to quench the thirsts of the many.

Festival of Tin at The Social Christmas Market

2011-12-17T05:45:00.003Z

This afternoon, Saturday 17th December, the last Social Christmas Market will take place at The Social, No. 5 Little Portland Street in the district of London known as W1. I shall be stalling out alongside The Empress of Arcadia and her flock of sequinned birds, with a one-off Andrews of Arcadia Festival of Tin. Upon my metal table top will be a multitude of items of Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul made from tin and other metals. You are invited to come and browse and even spend vast sums of cash between the hours of 1pm and 6. The bar will be open serving Pale Ale, Hot Mulled Wine & Cider whilst Rose's Kentish Kitchen will feed you when you are hungry. Caught by the River will be in attendance with their mobile shop as will the Heavenly Records Emporium and the artists Nobrow. We all look forward to finding ourselves in your company.

Abu Record in Advent

2011-12-16T11:33:00.000Z

Advent in Arcadia continues at the glazed tackle shop counter known as 'Just in, Sir' on my website with a 1960 Abu Record 1550, in its original box with accompanying paperwork. The reel was bought at auction and had once been the property of a gentleman traveller who had fished both in Sweden and in Japan in the early 1960's.

Lost Shoal at Spitalfields

2011-12-15T05:30:00.005Z

Once Upon a Time in Arcadia ladies and gentlemen would have taken an hour or perhaps more, upon a Thursday, to visit their local Fishing Tackle Dealer and buy Christmas Presents for those Living Souls known as friends and relatives. You may also do this by visiting me at my stall in Spitalfields Antiques Market where today and next Thursday I will be glad to furnish you with boxed items of Vintage Fishing Tackle such as these small shoals of Devon Minnows found in the drawer of a Lost Fishing Tackle Shop on the western fringes of Arcadia.

Yesterday in Arcadia

2011-12-14T11:43:00.000Z

A long but delightful day in Arcadia yesterday which began long before dawn with the last Kempton of the year in gale force winds and squalls of rain and ended with a magnificent performance by the artists Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou at the former Bingo Parlour known as The Bush Hall where they were playing support to the band Cherry Ghost. It was an occasion celebrated by another fine piece of letterpress printing by a hand of someone you may recognise, Mr. Martin Clark of Tilley Printing. Throughout the morning and evening styrofoam cups of December tea and glasses of Harveys Ordinary were raised in good health and remain so today.

Abu Record Penknife

2011-12-13T11:47:00.001Z

Advent in Arcadia continues in the 'Just in, Sir' wing of my website, where today the item of Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul is a rare Abu Record Penknife complete with a festive scene of a gentleman fishing in the country known as Sweden.

The Killing Spoon

2011-12-12T09:37:00.001Z

Advent in Arcadia continues at the 'Just in, Sir' counter of my website with an Abu Atom - Draget, described in the 1960 Abu Tight Lines Catalogue as an 'all-round killing spoon'.

Arcadians Uptown

2011-12-11T11:40:00.002Z

A most splendid afternoon was spent yesterday stalling out at The Social Christmas Market where presents for the Feast of St. Nicholas were bought, Antidotes were sold and Pale Ale was drunk in Imperial measures. To end the afternoon Mr. James Walbourne and Mr. Edwyn Collins brought the house down and the moon rose over Little Portland Street. The last Social Christmas Market takes place next Saturday the 17th December between 1pm and 6. The Empress of Arcadia and I look forward to seeing you there.

An Antidote from Arcadia Uptown - Today

2011-12-10T08:18:00.000Z

Should you find yourself in the district of London known locally as W1 today between the hours of 1pm and 6pm your most excellent company is called upon so that we may lose ourselves in Pale Ale and goodwill at The Social Christmas Market.

I shall be selling a specially selected quantity of Vintage Angling Printed Matter for the Soul. You will be able to spend ironed bank notes and loose coin in small and large amounts on everything from John Richardson Linocut Christmas Cards to runs of old 1950's & 60's angling magazines & newspapers, from 1st Editions of Mr. Crabtree Goes Fishing to Ephemera from the early 20th Century, not to mention one or two surprise items. In addition you will able to leave clutching a copy of the brand new issue of Caught by the River's new fanzine 'An Antidote to Indifference' which on this occasion I have had the honour of editing.

As if that wasn't enough of a temptation you will also find stalls by The Empress of Arcadia selling selected labels and bespokery, Caught by the River with their portable shop and the singer and artist Edwyn Collins. Mr. Collins will also be playing impromptu songs on a guitar for your delight as the afternoon wears on.

All Aboard the Milbro 'Special' to Spitalfields

2011-12-08T05:45:00.001Z

Once Upon a Time in Arcadia, naturally on a Thursday in the year 1960, an unassuming railway engine left the goods sidings of Motherwell Station to tour Arcadia towing a coach of Milbro Fishing Tackle in its wake.

Sightings of such trains are rare today but you can visit me on a Thursday where I do my best to replicate the distinct atmosphere of the Milbro Showroom Coach on my stall at Spitalfields Antiques Market between the hours of 07.30hrs and 15.00hrs.

Octopus in Arcadia

2011-12-07T10:41:00.000Z

Advent in Arcadia continues with the discovery of an Octopus Counter Box in a lost tackle shop in the zone known as the Midlands.

The Train at Platform 3 is for Arcadia

2011-12-06T09:28:00.000Z

Advent in Arcadia continues in the Just in, Sir wing of my website with a piece of cardboard Made in Gt. Britain and advertising a set of Fly Rod Rings for Milbro Fishing Tackle, who famously took a railway carriage converted into a Fishing Tackle Shop on a tour of outlying platforms at provincial Railway Stations across Arcadia in the decade known as the 1950's.

Space Rocket to Planet Svangsta

2011-12-04T11:50:00.000Z

An intrepid band of Arcadianauts took the Space Rocket to Planet Svangsta yesterday afternoon in their wood panelled capsule known as the bar called The Social. The next Space Rocket from Arcadia leaves from The Social at 1pm next Saturday where, as part of the Social Christmas Market, Mr. Edwyn Collins will be playing songs whilst myself and the Empress of Arcadia will be selling Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul and Selected Fashion Labels and Bespokery.

A Swedish Christmas in Arcadia

2011-12-03T05:45:00.001Z

You are given notice that from the time known roughly as 1 o'clock today Andrews of Arcadia will meet Abu Svangsta Uptown in the upstairs bar of the The Social Christmas Market. The door to a Swedish Christmas Past will remain open on my stall until roughly 6 o'clock. I look forward to your good company.

Mr. Griffiths' Bream

2011-12-02T09:41:00.000Z

Advent in Arcadia continues with a rare piece of Tackle Shop Display Material found hanging from the ceiling of a lost Tackle Shop in the zone known as The Midlands, a Martinez & Bird miniature billboard immortalising Mr. Griffiths' Bream, now residing in the "Just in, Sir" wing.

'Advent in Arcadia' Opens

2011-12-01T20:20:00.001Z

The traditional end of year selling exhibition known as 'Advent in Arcadia' opened this evening after a convivival day at the market, a drive home through the rain, and a bottle of Pale Ale with the propping up in the "Just in, Sir" Room of a Counter Card from the decade the 1960's for Spratt's Angler's Bait, rendered in heavy duty cardboard.

T.H Sowerbutts & Son of Commercial Street

2011-12-01T05:45:00.006Z

Once Upon a Time in Arcadia with the exception of a Thursday afternoon when they closed early, ladies and gentlemen finding themselves at a loose end on Commercial Street, in the district of London known as E1, would call in at T.H. Sowerbutts & Son, the renowned Fishing Rod and Tackle Specialist who were situated at No. 151.

Today in Arcadia it is Thursday, and soon it will be the afternoon, but this morning up until gone lunch, as on other Thursdays you are welcome to visit my stall in Spitalfields Antiques Market on Commercial Street, less than 5 minutes walk from Sowerbutts old premises. I may not be as renowned a Fishing Rod or Tackle Specialist but I do have a rather fine selection of Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul for sale and am always keen to meet people with memories of Sowerbutts.

Bespoke

2011-11-30T05:45:00.001Z

Discovered recently, purchased and brought back to Arcadia with much reverance and joy, a jacket worn in the decade known as the 1960's by the then reigning British and European Casting Champion and Record Holder.

Olivetti in Arcadia

2011-11-29T09:02:00.000Z

Work continues late at night in Arcadia upon a decommissioned H.M.S.O. desk on the next issue of Caught by the River's 'Antidote to Indifference' which is being produced in its entirety on an Olivetti Lettera 32, found recently at the market.

The Social Christmas Market

2011-11-28T05:45:00.004Z

Adventurers and Intrepids in Arcadia are invited to lose themselves over the next three Saturday afternoons between the hours of 1pm and 6pm in the bar at The Social Christmas Market in the district of London W1. With Caught by the River and others, The Empress of Arcadia will be presenting for sale selected Labels and Bespokery including a Flock of Sequined Birds whilst alongside I shall be doing the same with some very fine items of Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul. For this week only there will also be a stall by the celebrated artist Mr. Pete Fowler and an acoustic performance by the magnificent Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou.

Letters From Arcadia

2011-11-27T11:20:00.000Z

Found beyond the Outskirts of Pandemonium, a collection of undelivered Letters from Arcadia, brought back to the district London North 6 in the back of the van. They can be collected from my stall in Spitalfields this Thursday.

Beyond the Outskirts of Pandemonium

2011-11-26T05:00:00.001Z

Up early and after a couple of pots of tea drunk 1930's trawlermen style it is off in the van with the Empress to an auction house beyond the Outskirts of Pandemonium.

Spitalfields

2011-11-25T09:26:00.003Z

Found at Spitalfields yesterday in the folds of a Hardy Houghton Cast Wallet a selection of cast packets from lost brands of Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul.

Reg Ironmonger's of Birmingham 5

2011-11-24T05:45:00.001Z

Once upon a time in Arcadia and most notably on a Thursday, ladies and gentlemen who were thinking of going pike fishing would call in at Reg Ironmonger's shop on Hurst Street, just below the Hippodrome in the district of Birmingham 5. There, Reg would give them expert advice and show off his range of pike rods and lures under the banner of 'Sound Tackle'.

Today in Arcadia should you be thinking of going pike fishing you are advised to call in at my stall in Spitalfields Antiques Market where on Thursdays only and between the hours of a half past seven and three o'clock I reminisce about legends of the ilk of Reg Ironmonger, drink tea and sell Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul, much of it built for those going pike fishing.

'Restoration in Progress'

2011-11-23T15:34:00.000Z

Back in the district of Arcadia known as London North 6 after a two day road-trip with the photographer Mr. Neil Thomson in search of Phantom Fields and Ghost Squadrons, part of his ongoing work in search of semiotic footprints left by lost Second World War Aircrews in the region known as Suffolk which will be featured in the next issue of Caught by the River's 'An Antidote to Indifference'. A trip fuelled by Naafi Canteen Tea, Adnams Ale, Delirium and Maggot Vending Machine Rumours.

Time Please

2011-11-22T05:45:00.001Z

As the last of the stragglers leave the area known as the Midlands after the National Vintage Fishing Tackle Fair, glasses are drained in public houses, vans are loaded with groundbait and rumours of giants are perpetuated.

Thank-You

2011-11-21T09:14:00.000Z

A mighty thank-you to each and every one of the several hundreds of intrepid souls who travelled through fog to stall out and attend yesterday's National Vintage Fishing Tackle Fair, your presence made the day a joy for all. Bobble hats are also raised to the Fair's sponsor Mr. Neil Freeman of Angling Auctions, our hosts at the Kingsley and those members of the press, radio and online community who supported the Fair so generously. The 'National' or 'Redditch' as it is fondly known will return to the Kingsley for its next edition on Sunday May 20th 2012. Call me on field telephone 07980 274 383 with any enquiries regarding stalls, directions or teas. Good morning!

The National Vintage Fishing Tackle Fair - Today

2011-11-20T05:45:00.001Z

Allcocks Standard Works

2011-11-19T05:45:00.001Z

Dealers finding themselves en route to Redditch for tomorrow's National Vintage Fishing Tackle Fair, pause to give thanks at the gates of Allcocks Standard Works which stood on the edge of town.

The Times Newspaper - Daily Universal Register

2011-11-18T14:18:00.000Z

All those you who find yourselves reading The Times Newspaper today are asked to turn to the Page 42, the home of the fabulous Daily Universal Register where The National Vintage Fishing Tackle Fair is recommended should you be 'Out and About' this weekend. Keen scholars of post-war British bait brands may also delight at the pop-art image of a tub of Spratt's Angler's Bait that accompanies the entry.

Lee of Redditch

2011-11-18T05:45:00.008Z

All roads in Arcadia lead to Redditch for Sunday's National Vintage Fishing Tackle Fair via several roadside tea vans on the A435 and the Akraqual Works on Bates Hill, home to one of the many lost brands of fishing tackle that made the town famous.

The Brighton Anglers' Central Depot

2011-11-17T05:45:00.001Z

Once Upon a Time in Arcadia, and especially on a Thursday ladies and gentlemen anglers in the south coast town of Brighton would have found themselves loitering in the 'Cheapest House in Brighton' also known as The Brighton Central Anglers' Depot. Here they could obtain 'Practical Experience of Local Requirements' and pick up a Local Tide Table 'Gratis'. Should you find yourself in Brighton today, being a Thursday, you may also wish to loiter outside the Depot which you would have found at 24 Duke Street (One door from West Street) after which an ale in the Bird in the Hand Public House may be in order.

Alternatively, should you find yourself in the city of London you are invited to loiter at my stall in Spitalfields Antiques Market where every Thursday as a dealer in Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul I give you my word that I will do my best not to sell you anything 'cheap'.

Found

2011-11-16T09:27:00.000Z

Found this week at auction in the pocket of a Naval Jacket a collection of enamel angling and field sport badges and a bottle of Aspinall of Bolton's finest Pilchard Oil.