When I need a step back into nostalgia, or I'm looking for a gift for a very special friend, I always take a walk around Southside and soak in the atmosphere of vintage, collectible, retro and, of course, antique pieces crying out for a new home.
Among the Toby Jugs, Royal Doulton and Spode dining sets, there are other treasures from years gone past. Beautiful costume jewellery adorns mannequins near the counter, each piece always has me thinking about its previous owner and where it was worn. I can see elegant 50's dresses topped with perfectly curled locks and a beautiful vintage brooch glittering as she danced the night away. Plus you can buy her matching bag, hat and gloves too!
There are two levels you'll realise after thinking you'd exhausted the vastness of the street level floor. Down the stairs, on the banisters there are vases, figurines and other knick knacks which give you a sneak peak at the wonderful treasure trove of collectibles below.
Furniture, suitcases, chairs and stools, bird baths, wooden tribal masks and magazines are just a small selection of the amazing pieces which are waiting for you to find them on that floor. You can spend hours just perusing the vintage pattern books and magazines.
The centre opened in 1983 in the building of the old Woolworths variety store in Annerley. The large building which stands there now is also the location of the original Lunn's Cake Shop from Hugh Lunn's autobiographical book about his early life in Annerley, Over the Top with Jim. It has become the life blood of the suburb and has a loyal following from across the city who flood through its doors on a weekly basis.
Do yourself a favour and visit Southside Antiques this Saturday - there is something for everyone!
