Saturday 31 December 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!!

And good luck for 2012....

I've had an amazing year, the MATT ARTPIX empire has expanded even more. I've attended some brilliant fairs and markets, meeting so many great people and gaining lots of new customers!

Tomorrow I'll update you all on some brilliant ArtPix news!

But for now, have a great evening and enjoy some champers!!!

Saturday 24 December 2011

HAVE A VINTAGE CHRISTMAS!!

Hope you all have a fabulously happy Christmas!!!!

I'm already enjoying the holidays, catching up with some sleep after a mad December!
So eat, drink and be merry!

Tuesday 20 December 2011

A VICTORY FOR VINTAGE!

Last Saturday was the last of my dates for this year to complete a DAZZLING DECEMBER!

It was a roaring success at the VINTAGE VICTORY market at Shenfield.
There was so much going on, and with such a varied mixture of traders, produced another memorable day.

We had a steady stream of customers, all seeking out those last minute Christmas pressies.
I'm pleased to say, a few people will be finding one of my pictures in their stockings on Christmas morning!!

My sideline of retro comics, programmes and books were once again popular as well.
Some people snapping up some real retro bargains!

Throughout the day we not only had the Singing Santas and the excellent tearoom, but the singing talents of Annie Andrews to keep us entertained. We were treated to a lovely mix of 40s and 50s tunes and some classic Christmas songs. It created a brilliant atmosphere inside the hall and literally stopped people in there tracks!

A big thank you to the Vintage Victory team, Katy and Gerado, for organising such a great day.
Hopefully I'll be back for their next date on February 11th!

Now for some piccies....
Here is the Vintage Victory headquarters, Shenfield Parish Hall

The Singing Santas are drumming up support!

A big welcome from Gerado as you enter the hall, the perfect host!

Already a busy hall, browsing the wide variety of stalls.

Another packed stall, the Jim Reeves record is still available by the way!

Ding Dong, it's Annie Andrews!

Thursday 15 December 2011

VINTAGE VICTORY!

Just letting you know that this Saturday I will be at the VINTAGE VICTORY Market at Shenfield Parish Hall, in Shenfield Essex.

This is going to be a FANTASTIC day, there will be so much going on, I don't know where to start!!!!

Ok, here goes....... Vintage stalls, craft stalls, artists, tea room, face painting, live music from A Vintage Life's Annie Andrews, Singing Santas and not forgetting........ ME!!

Check out their website for all the info:
http://vintagevictory.com/member/thevintagevictorymarket

It will be an event you simply can't miss!!



The venue is a short walk from Shenfield railway station and not far from the A127 and A12, so come along for some vintage fun!!!!

Monday 12 December 2011

UP TO UPMINSTER!


Hello everyone!
Had a fantastic time at the SILVER JAM TEA CLUB vintage market last Saturday.
Held in the lovely St Laurence Church Hall in Upminster, we had glorious sunny weather all day!

It was my first time there, so was great to be in a new venue and see lots of new traders. I again met some amazing people, all doing amazing things.

There was brilliant music all day, a perfect soundtrack to accompany our vintage stalls. It created a really upbeat atmosphere and everyone seemed to be having a great day.

Well I certainly was! I can't believe how popular my DAZZLING DECADES series was, I sold absolutely loads!!! Someone bought 4 to put on display in a school, which is really great.
My little sideline of retro books, comics and records all did very well. My Elvis Christmas Album went, but I still have the Jim Reeves!!

Big thank you to organiser Jessica Oliver, for inviting me down and being so cheerful all day!
Now for a few piccies to show you how it all went.....
The lovely St Laurence Church, check out the blue sky!

The church hall, as another satisfied customer leaves!

Silver Jam Tea Club's groovy homemade sign advertising the market!

Already a lot of punters, happily shopping!
Here is the stall, note the Jim Reeves record is still for sale!!

Close up of the goodies that were on offer!

The last date of my DAZZLING DECEMBER is next Saturday at the Vintage Victory market in Shenfield. Stay tuned for more info this week!

Wednesday 7 December 2011

SILVER JAM TEA CLUB


In the latest of my DAZZLING DECEMBER dates is the super groovy SILVER JAM TEA CLUB market in Upminster this Saturday!

Come along to St Laurence Church Hall on Corbets Tey Road in Upminster for a super Saturday of vintage, crafts and local foods! Only a stones throw from Upminster tube and railway station!

I'll be in amongst a whole host of amazing traders, where you will find the solution to those Xmas pressie nightmares!!!

All my popular ranges will be there, DAZZLING DECADES, RETRO FOOTBALL, XMAS and GREETINGS CARDS. And I will also be stocking my modest range of retro books, records and comics.

Entry is absolutely FREE!!
Kick-off is at 10am until 4-30pm
So come along for some vintage fun!


Check out SILVER JAM TEA CLUB on Facebook:

And for some handy directions to the venue:



Monday 5 December 2011

HEADY DAYS AT HEDINGHAM!

What an amazing time I had at Hedingham Castle this weekend!!

It was a 2 day extravaganza at the MADE IN ESSEX ART, CRAFT & DESIGN SHOW in the most elegant of surroundings.

After a very early start we arrived at the beautiful castle grounds with the sun peaking through the early morning haze. We were housed in a spectacular marquee, in the gardens of the sumptuous Georgian house next to the castle, complete with our own kitchen and loos!!

The crowds started to arrive straight away and we were busy from the off. As always I met some brilliant and interesting people. My favourite moment was meeting football legend Jimmy Greaves' daughter, who bought a card with Jimmy on, to give to him that day. How amazing is that?!!

It was so nice to be able to sneak off for a bit to have a wander around the castle and see what was happening elsewhere. I even managed to see Santa Claus on his mobile, presumably checking on Rudolph!! (See photo below, for photographic evidence!).

One of the best parts of these events is the camaraderie with my fellow stall-holders. Everyone was so friendly and fun to talk to. As always we ended up spending the profits at their stalls. Beautiful prints from artists Jonathan Trim and Kirstin Handley. Plus spectacular metal works from Stuart and Mark from the Roding Valley Forge.
It was an honour to be amongst some of Essex's finest artists and craftspeople.

Also, a big, big thank you to the event organisers Dave Shields and Jan Simon, who were so supportive, friendly and great fun all weekend.
I can't wait for their next show now!

The spectacular castle, and just look at that blue sky!

The vintage 12th century interior of the castle!

Can just see our white marquee, behind the house on the left.

The grand Georgian house, this way to the art show!

A curiously French scene, next to the main house!

The fantastic marquee used for the show.

And here is the grand entrance!

An already busy scene inside the marquee!
Check out those chandeliers!!

My stall, what a lovely setting to display my stuff!

Here he is! Santa spotted on his mobile!!
The last word goes to the extremely cute owl!!

Thursday 1 December 2011

HEADING TO HEDINGHAM!

DAZZLING DECEMBER has arrived and I'm gearing up for some amazing dates!

First up is the MADE IN ESSEX ART, CRAFT & DESIGN SHOW at Hedingham Castle in Essex.
This is a 2 day event from Saturday 3rd to Sunday 4th December, both days start at 11am and finish at 4pm.

The weekend will be a packed event, not only will there be top notch art and design stalls, but also a superb food market. Then saunter along to the castle itself for some mulled wine and a mince pie!
Once there you will also find Santa Claus! A truly unique day out, and surely the best place to do your Christmas shopping!

All this and in such a spectacular setting as well, set in the grounds of the majestic Norman castle, which has a fantastic history. Previous visitors have included Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, so you will in good company!!

I'm very proud to be part of such a great event. As we are in such esteemed surroundings I'll be displaying some of my rarely shown pieces. Some that have a very historical edge to them, for instance my Awfully Audley collage showing nearby Audley End House. So come along to find some unusual pressies or an early Christmas pressie for yourself!!

The spectacular Norman castle in all its glory!

The castle is up in north Essex, in beautiful countryside, here is a link that you may find useful on how to get there:
http://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/map.htm

Sunday 27 November 2011

TRULY MAD DAY!

WOW, had a great day at TRULY MADLY VINTAGE's Vintage & Handmade Market yesterday!

Thanks to everyone who came along to Shire Hall in Chelmsford to say hello and have a browse!!
And of course thanks for buying something, what great taste you all have!!!

I had such a great space for my stall, all in lovely, elegant surroundings. I was able to display everything, including my little sideline of retro books, comics and footie programmes. All of which proved a bit hit!

My Retro Football range did very well and I even sold one to the sister-in law of a very famous ex-West Ham player and manager!

Very pleased to say my new 1980s collage was very popular as well, all that hard work paid off in the end!

Here are a few piccies to show you all how it went...
The Georgian magnificence of Shire Hall!

The early morning light rushes in as preparations are in full swing!
Here is the impressive space for the stall!
My usual packed stall, this time with those retro comics, books and programmes!
Mavis on hand to help, as the impressive statue looks on!
So that's the first of my dates finished, now onto HEDINGHAM CASTLE next weekend!!
Keep a lookout for more info!

Thursday 24 November 2011

TRULY MADLY VINTAGE!


Hello everyone!
Just a gentle reminder that this Saturday I will be at TRULY MADLY VINTAGE's Vintage & Handmade Market at Shire Hall in Chelmsford!

Kick-off is at 10am, so rush along for some vintage fun. You will find this amazing venue on Chelmsford's High Street.
A lovely old photo of the Hall. Standing room only on that bus!
A handy map for you, showing Chelmsford. The Hall is at top of the High Street.

I'll be stocking my new Christmas cards, the Dazzling Decades series, all your retro favourites and of course the ever popular Retro Football range!

I also have a few surprises, including an amazing book signed by footie legend JIMMY GREAVES!!!

This is the first of 4 dates I have coming up, so plenty of chances to get those Christmas pressies!!

Find all the dates on my website:
http://www.mattartpix.com/#!news


Sunday 20 November 2011

CARDS GALORE!

It's nearing that time again when we have to root out the address book and send those Christmas cards!

So here is a sneak preview of my new vintage inspired range of cards...
A cornucopia of Christmas fun here!

A closer look at the all new range!

Lucky you, they are already on sale at the retro sweet shop FOREVER SWEET.
Just pop along to St Clements Arcade in Leigh-on-Sea to find them!

Also, you can find them on my stall at the TRULY MADLY VINTAGE's Vintage & Handmade Market in Chelmsford this Saturday.


If you can't wait for that, have a look on my website, here's the link:
http://www.mattartpix.com/#!pix/vstc1=cards

Thursday 10 November 2011

11-11-11-11

This year Armistice Day has the unique alignment of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the 11th year.


In today's crazy world is it often the simplest things that are the most important and poignant.
So at 11am I'll be at the Cenotaph at Whitehall in London to pay tribute to all who have fallen.
It will never cease to astound me how this part of central London can fall absolutely silent for those two minutes.

One of my collages commemorating Ypres, featuring my own photos and an old postcard I have of the Cloth Hall.


This year it will resonate even more as we now know of a family member who was killed in the First World War. My sister Anita has been researching the family history and discovered a Great Uncle who was killed on the Somme in 1918. As was so often the case, it is of great sadness that not only was he aged only 18 but that he has no known grave.
He is commemorated on a panel at Pozières Cemetery, a place I actually visited some years ago.
I'll be placing a poppy at the Cenotaph for Charles Clark in remembrance.




To finish I would like to give the last word to the best War poet of all, Siegfried Sassoon. His poems still have an immediacy and relevance today. Especially when you read the news and realise the leaders have learnt nothing from history.

Siegfried Sassoon in May 1915. © George Charles Beresford.




Great Men
The great ones of the earth
Approve, with smiles and bland salutes, the rage
And monstrous tyranny they have brought to birth.
The great ones of the earth
Are much concerned about the wars they wage,
And quite aware of what those wars are worth.

You Marshals, gilt and red,
You Ministers and Princes, and Great Men,
Why can't you keep your mouthings for the dead?
Go round the simple cemeteries; and then
Talk of our noble sacrifice and losses
To the wooden crosses.

© Siegfried Sassoon, 17 August 1918


And to all those who fell on the Somme...
Bapaume is the name of a village that the Generals thought would be captured on the 1st day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Eight months later it was reached, just after this poem was written.

Blighters
The House is crammed: tier beyond tier they grin
And cackle at the Show, while prancing ranks
Of harlots shrill the chorus, drunk with din;
'We're sure the Kaiser loves our dear old Tanks!'


I'd like to see a Tank come down the stalls, 
Lurching to ragtime tunes, or 'Home, sweet Home',
And there'd be no mores jokes in Music-halls
To mock the riddled corpses round Bapaume.

© Siegfried Sassoon, 4 February 1917



Anyone wanting to read more of Sassoon, should check out poems such as Counter-Attack, Suicide in the Trenches and Aftermath. They really bring home the full horror of the First World War.

Tuesday 8 November 2011

ANOTHER DATE FOR YOUR DIARY!

Get your pens ready, I have another fair to announce........

On November 26th I will be at TRULY MADLY VINTAGE's Vintage & Handmade Market in Chelmsford.

This lovely market is set within the grand Georgian building Shire Hall, right on Chelmsford's High Street. You will find me in the foyer of the building which was sumptuously reworked in the 1930s to become an Art Deco treasure. What fantastic surroundings for a vintage market!


So come along for some vintage fun! Get all those Christmas presents, have a look at my new range of Christmas cards, then have a gorgeous tea and cake served on vintage china in the tearoom.

And while you are in Chelmsford don't forget to visit TRULY MADLY VINTAGE's amazing shop.
Just a short hop down the road at 173 Moulsham Street. It really is a fabulous place, absolutely packed with vintage items.

Check out their website here:
http://www.trulymadlyvintage.com/

Saturday 5 November 2011

NEW COLLAGE UNVEILED!

Roll up roll up for the latest in the DAZZLING DECADES series........

The EPIC 80s........

Here it is, the decade that brought you the Rubix Cube, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, the Walkman, The Face magazine, hurricanes and Kylie Minogue!!!

It seems like the 80s never went away, the music just keeps on getting more and more popular. So see who you can spot in there, you know you secretly like all those bands!!!

The DAZZLING DECADES series is now nearly complete. Next up I'll be flying back to that roaring decade of the 1920s.
Or as it is called here: The TIPSY 20s!

And don't forget, you can see all the series I've done so far on my website:
http://www.mattartpix.com/#!pix/vstc1=decades

Sunday 30 October 2011

MY WEBSITE ADDRESS HAS CHANGED!



It now has a much more snappy and convenient name!
So change it in your faves folder now to browse through all my vintage inspired tomfoolery!

Stayed tuned for more announcements, some involving my foray into the world of Facebook!!!

Until then, have a look at my website, you know you want to!!!