Market forces

WORDS

And Photos By Julia Hawkins

The Camberwell Winter Art Market, which was organised by the Camberwell Arts Festival and took place alongside the weekly farmers’ market on Camberwell Green, was brimming with local art, handmade crafts, unique gifts and cards and lots more. The Royal Steel Pan Orchestra provided the perfect soundtrack for a special day.

My personal highlights included chatting to Luke Bateman from the London Lavender Company, enjoying a portion of fresh mushroom and chestnutfilled tortelloni from La Tua Pasta (grazie mille, Giuseppe!) and meeting Lydia Wood, who creates bespoke pencil drawings for all occasions.

I also picked up a few tips from knitting teacher Deshaun Smith, who has been stitching and purling and a lot more besides since he was just seven. You can find Deshaun on Instagram @mr.dwoolenshand.

And it was great to catch up briefly with Annette Cauneen, director of the farmers’ market. “Camberwell Green is absolutely buzzing today!” she said. “With the Camberwell Winter Festival running alongside our weekly Camberwell market, there are over 60 stalls full of creative talent, hot food stalls, new and familiar local traders and live music too. It’s great to see so many people enjoying the event and supporting local businesses.”

I couldn’t agree more. As the cost of living crisis bites, many of us are having to be very careful with how we spend our money. Buying from local artists and producers is one way we can choose unique, affordable gifts for our loved ones, while supporting Camberwell’s small businesses at the same time.

And of course, the farmers’ market is there every Saturday. Regulars include Roka Brings Flowers, Old Hall Farm’s fruit and veg, Juice Da Cruz’s fresh juices and Rose & Herb’s luxury home fragrances. What’s not to love?