Flea Market Secrets

by Geraldine James

In this indispensable guide, Geraldine James, home buying manager for Selfridges department store, shares the insider knowledge she has gleaned from spending every available weekend at flea markets.

Geraldine James is a true fleamarketing expert. She begins with the 10 Golden Rules (from arriving early and knowing how to work the stalls to training your eye to spot treasures amongst the rubbish). The following chapters on china and glass, textiles, furniture, metal, art, jewelry, and gardens explain what to buy, what to ignore, how to clean and repair, and when to call in the services of a restoration expert. There’s advice on how to display your finds and how to build a collection. Finally, there is a detailed directory of Geraldine’s favorite flea markets, from Round Top in Texas and Los Angeles’ Rose Bowl, to the markets of Paris and the south of France and the country towns of England. Vintage, retro, unusual, quirky, and one-of-a-kind—all these words perfectly describe the bounty to be found at a flea market.

191 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Geraldine James started her career in fashion as a contemporary designer buyer, and from fashion she moved to home and gift. Geraldine soon developed a passion for collecting and finding the most unusual and beautiful things. She now works as a home buying manager at Selfridges and, as part of her role, spends time traveling extensively to find exciting new products for the store.

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never fail to pick up some new tricks or tips from books like this, I also see a few things that I have been ignoring at flea markets and I may need to start paying attention to.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love discovering what I call "book gems." Flea Market Secrets, by Geraldine James, is definitely a "book gem" in my eyes. My favorite part of the book is the gorgeous photographs of antiques found in different flea markets around the world. The text in the book takes a very simple, yet readable approach. I don't believe the book has as many "secrets" as it claims to have, more of great tips and history behind searching for different items at Flea Markets. I discovered this book at my local library and I look forward to purchasing it and adding it to my own personal collection.

[Wendy Morlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I've been flea marketing since the early '70s, I still learn something every time I visit. This book is like visiting a flea market without driving anywhere. The author shares suggestions of what to look for, and how to prepare for your visits. It was interesting to read the viewpoint of a British collector who has knowledge of flea markets in Europe, and well-known markets here in the states. Now I'm ready to widen my search!

[Tracee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is overrated.
It was interesting to see her perspective, although limited. The pictures are too dark and there really were no secrets.

[Patricia Abrams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really what I expected. No real secrets here. Good for someone who is looking for things to decorate their home and has never been to a flea market or auction before. Basic knowledge that those of us who have been to plenty of these markets could easily tell you.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much new here, and the directory of flea markets wasn't great.